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Weird Presents Anyone?

g8way writes "Now that Christmas is about, it's time for presents. A joyous occasion with much drinking, fruitcake, and butt-ugly sweaters. What's the weirdest gift you've gotten so far? Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant, and a McDonalds coupon book in the same package. What's your story of Christmas present mayhem?"

1,406 comments

  1. I got by Sarojin · · Score: 5, Funny

    a dildo for Christmas. From my elderly neighbor! I'm a male!

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    HOW'S MY POSTING? CALL 1-800-POSTING
    1. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      > a dildo for Christmas. From my elderly neighbor! I'm a male!

      Yikes! I hope it wasn't used!!

    2. Re:I got by solefald · · Score: 5, Funny

      perhaps he wants you to go and fuck yourself? ;)

    3. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      http://www.comeallyefaithful.co.uk

    4. Re:I got by jesser · · Score: 4, Funny

      I got an Aragorn-and-Legolas calendar. From my parents. I'm also male.

      --
      The shareholder is always right.
    5. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I got my car broken into, and all my CD's stolen.

    6. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      are you sure that dildo isn't what we normal people call a broom?

    7. Re:I got by dnahelix · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Oh, No! This is definitely funny!

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    8. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Food Poisoning from the local Take & Bake Pizza - Haven't eaten much of anything for the last 36 hours.

    9. Re:I got by gustgr · · Score: 4, Funny

      a funeral* insurance from my parents.

      (*) I am 19 and I think it is time to start wondering if they are hiding some terrible truth from me

    10. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      don't feel bad, its the thought that counts

    11. Re:I got by NanoGator · · Score: 1

      "a dildo for Christmas. From my elderly neighbor! I'm a male! "

      Is that how you chipped your tooth?

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    12. Re:I got by Tablizer · · Score: 2, Funny

      a dildo for Christmas.

      No you idiot, itsa narrow case mod.

    13. Re:I got by ModernGeek · · Score: 2, Funny

      My friends and I got my mom a dildo. She didn't seem too amused though..

      --
      Sig: I stole this sig.
    14. Re:I got by zapp · · Score: 1

      Hey now, Aragorn is pretty cool, and Legolas is just plain awsome. I am a straight male as well, but damn he's cool :)

      --
      no comment
    15. Re:I got by antek9 · · Score: 1

      While I was your age, I might have thought like that, too.

      --
      A World in a Grain of Sand / Heaven in a Wild Flower,
      Infinity in the Palm of your Hand / And Eternity in an Hour.
    16. Re:I got by notque · · Score: 1

      at least you didn't recieve a hot cocoa sampler box

      --
      http://use.perl.org
    17. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Ouch. Sorry to hear it. That really sucks. I hope they were insured.

      Heres another victim's story.

      One of my buddies had his mom's car broken into, they went through all the cds (A Tribe Called Quest and such-like) and left them all.

    18. Re:I got by ScurvyDawg · · Score: 1

      I guess you should have baked it more than you did, hey. At a higher temp anyhow.

    19. Re:I got by d3faultus3r · · Score: 1

      I think they're plotting to kill you and are probably in league with SCO put that tinfoil hat on and run! Or maybe they think you'll commit suicide. Anyway, you have some pretty messed up parents.

      --
      read my blog
      musings on politics and technol
    20. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That was funny on Fark 2 weeks ago.

      Now its just sad.

    21. Re:I got by ReidMaynard · · Score: 1

      I was about your age when I discovered I was named after a long dead relative who died of MS when he was 17 yo, back in like 1910.

      "...so .. you want me to grow up to be dead?"

      --
      -- www.globaltics.net

      Political discussion for a new world

    22. Re:I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      That would be a vibrator.

      A dildo does not use vibrators.

    23. Re:I got by GreggBert · · Score: 1

      Just tell Father O'malley to keep his presents to himself during future holidays, thank you very much.

      --


      If you don't understand anything I post, please accept that I ate paste as a small boy...
    24. Re:I got by buck_wild · · Score: 1

      Not that there's anything wrong with that...

      --
      If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
    25. Re:I got by CharterTerminal · · Score: 1

      My car was broken into once, and they took all of my tapes EXCEPT the Pogues.

      Music criticism from junkie window-breaking scum. Charming!

    26. Re:I got by Miguelito · · Score: 1

      Music criticism from junkie window-breaking scum. Charming!

      Well here's a story to show the avg intelligence of one of those scum....

      Had my car (hand me down 1980 Honda Accord hatchback, piece of crap) broken into outside of school one day back in ~92. Broke the passenger's side lock, ripped out my stereo, stole several things I'd left in the car (including a $150+ tennis racket that was under the seat). Boy was I pissed. I sat in the car for a minute feeling something was wrong, but didn't see it until I went to turn on the stereo after starting the car... a multitude of explicatives flew from my mouth then.

      I started driving around using a POS bathroom radio to have some music for the next few weeks until I got it fixed. About 3 weeks after the 1st time, I came out in the morning to find that another person had broken into the car again. First of all, they broke the other lock... yes, they broke in on the other side even though the lock on the opposite side was already broken! Duh... Not to mention that there was nothing of value in the car, and the bathroom radio was left inside. The damage from the previous theft (the gaping hole in the dash) was plainly visible from outside, so it's not like this moron would've missed it.

      Same cop came to take the report on this theft as the previous one.. even he was astounded at how stupid this thief was.

      Never underestimate the stupidity of someone that resorts to theft.

      --
      - My favorite error message: xscreensaver, running on an old Sparc 5 w/ 8bit color: bsod: Couldn't allocate color Blue
    27. Re:I got by jo42 · · Score: 1


      Was his name Michael Jackson?

  2. FP by Sklivvz · · Score: 5, Funny

    Personally, i got a first post! :-P

    1. Re:FP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      any sever got /. as a christmas present?

    2. Re:FP by joeldg · · Score: 1

      I got a he-man watch once when I was 17..

      That was really cool... umm yea..

      I thank my grandmother..
      she rocked..
      may she rest in peace..

    3. Re:FP by hdparm · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Guy who submited this got toothpaste, tic-tacs and deo-spray.

      He finds that choice wierd but perhaps his friends are sending a message?

    4. Re:FP by monoqlith · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but they were trying to be more subtle and added a McDonald's coupon book to throw him off a tick.

    5. Re:FP by digitalsushi · · Score: 1

      a message that would mean.... what, exactly?

      *goes back to torturing his guinea pigs*

      --
      slashdot: where everyone yells sarcastic metaphors to themselves to understand the issue
    6. Re:FP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're kiding, right? Or you need same selection of gifts maybe?

    7. Re:FP by IIRCAFAIKIANAL · · Score: 1

      Basically, he's a skinny, stinky geek. So he needs some mcdonalds and some freshening agents. Or maybe he's a phat yet fresh dude and he's just getting the gifts everyone knows he'll love.

      I got a toblerone the size of my arm and some pomade. I have no idea what that means...

      Oh, and I got a nice compliment about my sexual prowess. I wanted it in writing so I could show it to all the ladies (and get em all up ons yo), but no dice :\

      --
      Robots are everywhere, and they eat old people's medicine for fuel.
    8. Re:FP by rwrife · · Score: 1

      I think it makes people look stupid when they say they got FP when they did not.

    9. Re:FP by rifter · · Score: 1

      Guy who submited this got toothpaste, tic-tacs and deo-spray.

      He finds that choice wierd but perhaps his friends are sending a message?

      My take on it would have been that they think he is cheap and he stinks. There is no other reason to get personal hygeine products for someone than to hope to God they use them. The McDonalds gift certs were probably to say that he is cheap; or he eats too much fucking fast food, I dunno...

    10. Re:FP by rifter · · Score: 1

      Basically, he's a skinny, stinky geek. So he needs some mcdonalds and some freshening agents. Or maybe he's a phat yet fresh dude and he's just getting the gifts everyone knows he'll love.

      I got a toblerone the size of my arm and some pomade. I have no idea what that means...

      Oh, and I got a nice compliment about my sexual prowess. I wanted it in writing so I could show it to all the ladies (and get em all up ons yo), but no dice :\

      Don't worry; be happy. You'll be a thousandaire in no time, yo! :) BTW was it Dapper Dan or Fop? :)

  3. Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes.

    I've never felt so pathetic in my life.

    1. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Haha...

      So did you try it out yet?

    2. Re:Blow-up doll by adpowers · · Score: 4, Informative

      Your friends were cheap. They should have splurged on a Real Doll for you to splooge in.

    3. Re:Blow-up doll by I+Be+Hatin' · · Score: 5, Funny
      My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes.

      Real friends would've bought you the kind with three holes.

      --
      I know god exists. I read it on the internet, so it must be true.
    4. Re:Blow-up doll by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

      My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes. I've never felt so pathetic in my life.

      I bet you'll feel even worse when you have to ask for a patch kit next year :-)

    5. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, you're not alone.. ...and I don't mean that I got one.. :-)

    6. Re:Blow-up doll by gulfan · · Score: 1

      But the big question is - Will you ever use it?

    7. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Or at least Real hamster ...

    8. Re:Blow-up doll by Muhammar · · Score: 5, Funny

      I would ask somebody to inflate your doll with helium. Then I would release the beast in some dignified public place with very high celing - like bank or opera house

      --
      I doubt that we will ever figure out - and I suspect that even if we did figure out we couldn't do much about it
    9. Re:Blow-up doll by Mindwarp · · Score: 5, Funny

      Worst thing was, she went off and slept with his friend at the Christmas party!

      --
      The gift of death metal does not smile on the good looking.
    10. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your friends suck!

      A year ago I got a friend a blow up doll with THREE holes for his birthday.

      Too bad his wife threw it out.

    11. Re:Blow-up doll by Ralph+Wiggam · · Score: 1

      If anyone watches the Howard Stern radio/TV show on E, he had a Real Doll sitting in a chair for a while. It looks very much like a hot woman who has recently died. Actually doing anything with one seems beyond creepy. For the thousands it costs to buy, you could get dozens of quality hookers. I don't get it.

      -B

    12. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Some *female* friends of mine got me a three holed blow up doll for my birthday once. Three Holes!

    13. Re:Blow-up doll by Dogtanian · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I would ask somebody to inflate your doll with helium. Then I would release the beast in some dignified public place with very high celing - like bank or opera house

      They'll get someone to shoot it down sooner rather than later. Of course, what you could do is to coat it with moderately-fast-drying glue (on both sides just to be sure), let it float up there, and *then* let them shoot it.

      Sure, it'll deflate- but it won't come down :-) Merry Christmas!

      --
      "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
    14. Re:Blow-up doll by leko · · Score: 3, Interesting

      I like the premise of your plan, but it won't work with helium. If it floats at all it won't float for long since the helium will seep out very quickly.

    15. Re:Blow-up doll by Enonu · · Score: 4, Funny

      Yeah, the area around the nostrils tears real easy for some reason.

    16. Re:Blow-up doll by SgtSnorkel · · Score: 3, Funny


      Does that beat the blow-up sheep we gave my buddy last year? It was called the "Love Ewe"!

    17. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your friend is a cheap bastard. Tell him to splurge for three holes next time.

    18. Re:Blow-up doll by xscarecrowx · · Score: 2, Informative

      3M makes a spray-on adhesive in a aerosol can, this would work best imho, can get it at any home depot

    19. Re:Blow-up doll by pi+radians · · Score: 5, Funny

      I don't get it.

      Nor do a lot of men... hence the invention of the Real Doll.

      Badum-pu-chi!

      Thanks folks, try the veal...

      --

      sin(6cos(r)+5A)
    20. Re:Blow-up doll by AvantLegion · · Score: 0, Redundant
      >> My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes.

      Only two? What a cheapskate.

    21. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I dont know why im curious to ask...

      but which two holes?

    22. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      plug the holes.

    23. Re:Blow-up doll by stardome · · Score: 0

      you've felt pathetic before or after trying the doll?

    24. Re:Blow-up doll by krumms · · Score: 1

      My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes.

      Wow! It came complete with ears?!

    25. Re:Blow-up doll by cicatrix1 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      LOL!! why did you go ac on that? you'd have mad karma =/

      --

      I know more than you drink.
    26. Re:Blow-up doll by simdan · · Score: 0

      Naw, hydrogen. That way when they pop it.........

    27. Re:Blow-up doll by thdexter · · Score: 1

      What's the gag, though? That there isn't three holes?

      --
      I'm on a road shaped like a figure eight; I'm going nowhere but I'm guaranteed to be late.
    28. Re:Blow-up doll by dbirchall · · Score: 1

      Since this is a "weird gifts" thing, the doll should have two heads or something.

    29. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > > My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes.

      > Real friends would've bought you the kind with three holes.

      Three holes??? You're not counting the little hole in the penis, do you?

    30. Re:Blow-up doll by The+Almighty+Dave · · Score: 1

      Thank you for sharing your valuable experience with us.

    31. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      for you to splooge in

      he, he, he said splooooge.
    32. Re:Blow-up doll by Lobsang · · Score: 2, Funny

      I would ask somebody to inflate your doll with helium. Then I would release the beast in some dignified public place with very high celing - like bank or opera house

      Would you call a bank a dignified place? I for myself don't think banks are a decent place for inflatable dolls.

    33. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I like the premise of your plan, but it won't work with helium. If it floats at all it won't float for long since the helium will seep out very quickly.

      You've tried it!! Cool!

    34. Re:Blow-up doll by Muhammar · · Score: 2, Funny

      That's why you do not put a Real Doll gift under Christmass Tree. That would spoil the fun. You put only a shovel there with instruction where to find it.

      --
      I doubt that we will ever figure out - and I suspect that even if we did figure out we couldn't do much about it
    35. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      how about one of these?

    36. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Does is really matter if a balloon has 2 or 3 holes?

    37. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      At least you didn't get the blowup GOAT.

    38. Re:Blow-up doll by Chuqmystr · · Score: 2, Funny
      "Jump in boys! Three holes, no waiting!"

      Um, I don't really know who originaly said that...

    39. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Before or after trying it out?

    40. Re:Blow-up doll by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 2, Funny
      "I would ask somebody to inflate your doll with helium. Then I would release the beast in some dignified public place with very high celing - like bank or opera house"

      For even more fun, coat it with the same stuff the Hindenberg was painted with. That way when they eventually try to shoot it down, it rains down fiery death from both nipples upon the unsuspecting victims.

      --
      Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
    41. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A blow up doll with two holes? How do you keep the air in it?

      Do you cork them? I wonder if tampons would work? Bike patches, perhaps?

    42. Re:Blow-up doll by Desert+Raven · · Score: 1

      Um, it's not what it was painted with that was the major problem. The Hindenberg was filled with hydrogen.

    43. Re:Blow-up doll by glitch23 · · Score: 1

      Too cheap to get one with 3 holes or just assuming you wouldn't need it or know how to use it?

      --
      this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. -- Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
    44. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Um, it's not what it was painted with that was the major problem. The Hindenberg was filled with hydrogen.

      Um, do some research...It wasn't the hydrogen that caused the problem, it was the aluminized coating with which the airship was painted. Basically, they painted it with thermite!

    45. Re:Blow-up doll by caldodge · · Score: 1

      Check out http://engineer.ea.ucla.edu/releases/blimp.htm for evidence that the skin coating WAS the major problem.

    46. Re:Blow-up doll by Puhtronium714 · · Score: 1

      Though the hydrogen inflation certainly didn't HELP the issue...

    47. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Dude, haven't you ever fucked a chick? They have 3 holes. Oh, wait. Stupid question, this is slashdot. The holes are as follows, with my comments on each:

      • Mouth -- Nice, because the tongue can provide some great variety
      • Vagina -- The most basic. Great, of course. You got to be careful here, though, because if you jizz in this hole, you can get her pregnant. In fact, that's where babies come from.
      • Ass -- never tried it, so no comment


      • As you can see, I have only sampled 2 out of the 3 holes, but that ain't bad, esp. for slashdot.
    48. Re:Blow-up doll by Starji · · Score: 1

      Someone did that at one of my high school's graduations a few years ago, except they used plain air and a gigantic penis.

      "Congratulations class of 2001," the speaker says as a six foot long phallus emerges from the students.

    49. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Before or after trying it out?

      While.

    50. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Banging a RD won't get you arrested in the middle of a
      SHAVING cream, be nice and clean, SHAVE every day and you'll always look keen

    51. Re:Blow-up doll by Slime-dogg · · Score: 2, Funny

      What's scary is the link image in the bottom left hand corner for "Real Doll Porn." The last thing I want to see is some guy getting his rocks off into a heap of plastic and rubber.

      --
      You need to restart your computer. Hold down the Power button for several seconds or press the Restart button.
    52. Re:Blow-up doll by CaptainCarrot · · Score: 1

      What, don't they make patches available for free download?

      --
      And the brethren went away edified.
    53. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes.
      I've never felt so pathetic in my life.

      If you could find only two holes on a blow-up doll, you are pathetic.

    54. Re:Blow-up doll by mcSey921 · · Score: 1

      Yeah but then the fan would hit it.

      Sorry.

    55. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ass -- never tried it, so no comment

      It's pretty good, I suggest you try it some time.

    56. Re:Blow-up doll by scal-e-wag13 · · Score: 1

      You can fill your "doll" with Helium for added effects and use your imagination.Have fun!!

      --
      BEst WELLness to you and yours in ALL your ventures!!
    57. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      My friends got me a blow-up doll, complete with inflatable breasts and two holes.

      That's what I got last year. This year, they gave me a patch kit.

    58. Re:Blow-up doll by SubtleNuance · · Score: 1

      ...*only* two holes? Jeeze, even the blow-ups wont go for third-input eh?

    59. Re:Blow-up doll by Neop2Lemus · · Score: 1
      Some of the guys at the office gave one employee an inflatable sheep. I wasen't there at the time, I mean it was already legend long ago, but apparently they gave it to him in front of all the office.

      It didn't have any holes, but it was, an inflatable sheep.

      --
      Needle Nardle Noo
    60. Re:Blow-up doll by Morgon · · Score: 1

      Jesus, the least they could do was offer their own... then you could have gotten 6... or 9.. or however many there were amongst the group!

      Women are so silly - spending unneccessary money when they're right there!

      --
      [DISCLAIMER: This post is a work of satire and should not be misconstrued as a holy text upon which to base a religion.]
    61. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's pretty good

      Its true. You were moaning like a banshee when I was plugging yours...

    62. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you think you feel pathetic, what about that poor doll with only two holes?!?!?!

      Ok, I can't stand it so I'll ask: which two holes?

    63. Re:Blow-up doll by Jerdie · · Score: 1

      only 2?

      --
      Programming is simply the application of logic to creativity
    64. Re:Blow-up doll by rwrife · · Score: 1

      The problem with blow-up dolls is that the plastic seams around the edge of the holes are hardened plastic and kind of rough and jagged. I'm guessing it would feel like the blow-up doll's mouth is full of razor blades.

    65. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      When Hydrogen burns, it's invisible to the eye...AND it's flames go straight up (what's lighter than hot gas that's already lighter than air???)

      Again, you can't see hydrogen burning in normal conditions. Look at the photos of the Hindenburg. The flames are streaming downward (metal, duh), and they're visible.

      Verdict: What's burning IS NOT HYDROGEN.

      Further more, since hydrogen is a very light gas, it moves VERY quickly. It can't burn without oxygen. Most of the hydrogen excaped very quickly out the holes, without being combusted. The hydrogen that did burn was at the very perimeter of the hull, and that combustion drove the oxygen away, not allowing a good fuel-air mixture.

    66. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      becoz being marked as funny does not give you karma. read the faq.

    67. Re:Blow-up doll by bar-agent · · Score: 1

      Yes, we are all burning to know if 2- and 3-hole blow-up dolls are topologically equivalent...

      --
      i'd hit it so hard, if you pulled me out you'd be the king of britain [bash.org]
    68. Re:Blow-up doll by The+Dark · · Score: 1

      Be sure to play Nena, singing "Neun-und-neunzig Lustballons"

      --
      sig's not here
    69. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Since this is a "weird gifts" thing, the doll should have two heads or something.

      I wouldn't want a doll with two heads...

    70. Re:Blow-up doll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh yeah I forgot about that "cool feature".

    71. Re:Blow-up doll by Arthur+Dent · · Score: 1
      Reminded me of this story ...

      As a joke, my brother used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them. What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings were overflowed, his poor panty hose hung sadly empty and grew increasingly threadbare.

      One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and a fake beard and went in search of an inflatable love doll. Of course, they don't sell those things at Wal-mart. I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown. If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse yourself. I was there almost three hours saying things like, "What does this do?" "You're kidding me!" "Who owns that?" "Do you have their phone number?"

      Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section. I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll suitable for a night of romance that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the car pool lane during rush hour. I'm not sure what a complicated doll is. Perhaps one that is subject to wild mood shifts and using a French accent for no reason at all. (That also describes a few ex-girlfriends.) Finding what I wanted was difficult.

      Anyway, love dolls come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I figured the "vibro-motion" was a feature Jay could live without, so I settled for Lovable Louise. She was at the bottom of the price scale. To call Louise a "doll" took a huge leap of imagination.

      On Christmas Eve, with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life. My sister-in-law was in on the plan and cleverly left the front door key hidden under the mat. In the wee morning hours, long after Santa had come and gone, I snuck into the house and filled the dangling panty hose with Louise's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. Then I let myself out, went home, and giggled for a couple of hours.

      The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy but had left the dog confused. He would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more. I suggested he purchase an inflatable Lassie to set Rover straight. We also agreed that Louise should remain in her panty hose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner. It seemed like a great idea, except that we forgot that Grandma and Grandpa would be there.

      My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door. "What the hell is that?" she asked. My brother quickly explained. "It's a doll."

      "Who would play with something like that?" Granny snapped. I had several candidates in mind, but kept my mouth shut. "Where are her clothes?" Granny continued. I hadn't seen any in the box, but I kept this information to myself.

      "Boy, that turkey sure smells nice, Gran," Jay said, trying to steer her into the dining room. But Granny was relentless.
      "Why doesn't she have any teeth?"

      Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, "Hang on Granny, Hang on!"

      My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said," Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?" I told him she was Jay's friend. A few minutes later I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa's last Christmas at home.

      The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise that sounded a lot like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then s

    72. Re:Blow-up doll by weeboo0104 · · Score: 1

      or many more quality cadavars!

      --
      It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. -Frederick Douglass
  4. Club Monaco Sweatshirt by david614 · · Score: 1

    My "favorite" gift was a red club monaco sweatshirt. This after I flew home from grad school wanting to "be with the folks." The shirt is still with me. The folks still exist as well ... but I am now in another country. Symptoms of deeper family problems are difficult to shed during the holidays.

    --
    ELITISM: It's always lonely at the top. Uninvited company is rarely welcome.
    1. Re:Club Monaco Sweatshirt by arth1 · · Score: 1
      My "favorite" gift was a red club monaco sweatshirt. This after I flew home from grad school wanting to "be with the folks." The shirt is still with me.

      I'll trade you my white plastic tie drier which I got a few years ago (it allegedly allows 6 ties to drip dry at the same time) for your red Club Monaco sweatshirt.
      Unless you'd rather want my Lid Remover (pat. pend.) -- a plastic contraption with suction cups that promises that you can lift hot lids off a pan without burning yourself. Usually I just use the handle on the lid, so I don't really need it.

      This year, Santa was nicer. I got a drill bit, and 4 plastic straps for hooking to the head rest of a car, allowing me to hang light plastic bags from the other end.

      Regards,
      --
      *Art
    2. Re:Club Monaco Sweatshirt by blincoln · · Score: 1

      This year, Santa was nicer. I got a drill bit, and 4 plastic straps for hooking to the head rest of a car, allowing me to hang light plastic bags from the other end.

      What, is that a home no-fuss-no-muss trepanation kit?

      --
      "...always new atoms but always doing the same dance, remembering what the dance was yesterday." -Richard Feynman
  5. I got a weird one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The weirdest gift was when I was 15, I got a $50 savings bond and a guaranteed plot at a funeral home

    1. Re:I got a weird one by joeldg · · Score: 2, Interesting

      that is useful though...

      I mean.. come on..

      I worked with a guy who put $10 out of each paycheck for his headstone, he wanted to have an IRC server from it and part of the money went to keep his namesake domain name renewed for a hundred years. THe town is wired with fiber so the IRC server from his headstone would be on a t3 for the next hundred years..

      I thought it was a great idea..

      Of course.. twenty years ago if you said "IRC server" 99% of the population would have said "huh"..

      anyway.. Matt Rice.. merry christmas!

    2. Re:I got a weird one by sjwt · · Score: 1

      Ok, ill bite..
      Whos the 1% of the population who 20 years
      ago would of gone 'hur'?

      Ill give you a hint,
      they would of been wearing striaght jackets,
      and talking about the future :P

      History of IRC

      Hairy Kissmoose and a Shinny New Deer.

      --
      You have 5 Moderator Points!
      Which Helpless Linux zealot/MS basher do you want to mod down today?
  6. first by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    i once got a broken laptop

  7. /. subscriptions? by LostCluster · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Did anybody get a /. subscription as a gift? Anybody?

    1. Re:/. subscriptions? by electrichamster · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Yup, My boss got me one as a "Christmas Bonus" :) It made me happy. Albeit drunkenly happy, as I'd just got back from the pub when I recieved it. Which is the best kind of happy really I suppose.

    2. Re:/. subscriptions? by ljavelin · · Score: 1

      I just got YOU one. Congrats.

      Ask an ye shall receive.

      (well, ye shall not receive everything from ME, however).

    3. Re:/. subscriptions? by fildo · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Yep, a few weeks ago for 2000 pages.

    4. Re:/. subscriptions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Closest I got was an SCO Beowulf Cluster from Soviet Russia from a company that failed to make a Profit!

    5. Re:/. subscriptions? by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

      I got mod points! Tiz the season to Troll Troll Troll! Thanks Santa!

    6. Re:/. subscriptions? by LostCluster · · Score: 1

      Thank you.

    7. Re:/. subscriptions? by MikeXpop · · Score: 3, Funny

      So, did anyone get $100 bucks?

      Anyone?

      --
      Etiquette is etiquette. He kills his mother but he can't wear grey trousers.
    8. Re:/. subscriptions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      why would they? i'm actually thinking about unsubscribing, just to see the OSDN personal ad everyone is talking about.

    9. Re:/. subscriptions? by mek2600 · · Score: 1

      Nice try.

    10. Re:/. subscriptions? by ctrl-alt-elite · · Score: 1

      I can one-up you: I got Meta Mod points. 'Tis the season to meta mod Trolls 'Unfair'...

    11. Re:/. subscriptions? by PirateMeep · · Score: 1

      Yes but in ones. My grandpa gave me $100 in ones.

      --
      Jeff Johnson
    12. Re:/. subscriptions? by irc.goatse.cx+troll · · Score: 1, Funny

      MOD SELF UP +1, TIS THE SEASON

      --
      Pain lasts, kid. Its how you know you're alive. Sometimes I think this growing up thing is just pain management-TheMaxx
    13. Re:/. subscriptions? by alienw · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Was it a hot cocoa sampler box by any chance?

    14. Re:/. subscriptions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Now just get some way to mark your posts so I don't m2 you down.

    15. Re:/. subscriptions? by MemoryAid · · Score: 2, Funny
      Does he work in a strip club?

      Just askin'.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    16. Re:/. subscriptions? by weave · · Score: 1

      Stop crossing over from that evil site of the endless cliches. This is slashdot, land of the wise and gifted and endless platform wars.

    17. Re:/. subscriptions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I got $500. I am teh winnar.

      Now, here's a mini-Ask Slashdot for you all: What's the best gaming PC I can build/purchase for than kind of money? Ideally, it should be able to run every real-time and turn-based strategy game created after Age of Kings, and handle most new releases until 2007 without requiring more than ~$120/year in upgrades.

      Parts I can get without spending additional money:

      • Relatively new AGP graphics card with TV tuner capability.
      • PCI modem (I would prefer not to use this unless the new PC has ethernet support, as the old PC I would be removing it from is running a server which would probably not work under anything except a 9x kernel).
      • 40GB IDE hard drive.
    18. Re:/. subscriptions? by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Asus A7N8X Deluxe
      AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (make sure to get one made before 0339, or it'll be multiplier locked!)
      El Cheapo Case with PSU
      El Cheapo Optical Drives
      Crucial RAM (512MB for the A7N8X Deluxe, thank you very much)
      Decent heatsink

      And, look at that: it has DUAL 10/100 Ethernet!

    19. Re:/. subscriptions? by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Log out. Or, just go to here: http://ads.osdn.com/?ad_id=1661&alloc_id=4317&site _id=1&request_id=6510095&1072400475393

    20. Re:/. subscriptions? by adamjaskie · · Score: 1

      I got a $100 amazon.com gift certificate. Does that count?

      --
      /usr/games/fortune
    21. Re:/. subscriptions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Really? I got money for my Christmas bonus. I feel bad for you.

    22. Re:/. subscriptions? by Qacker · · Score: 1

      I got 2 100$ bills! I also got a subscription to Linux Magazine and Wired.

      --
      Learn lisp today!
    23. Re:/. subscriptions? by JM+Apocalypse · · Score: 1

      I got $25 in ones, all sequential. It looks just like I made them myself. It is pretty difficult to not get 'em mixed up with those ones ...

      --

      - - - - - - -
      Orppf urp mf y.ppcxn. yflcbi otcnnov C am yflcbi yr n.apb Ekrpatv (Dvorak -> Qwerty)
    24. Re:/. subscriptions? by jrockway · · Score: 1

      Heh, AMD finally figured out that the 3000+s were a waste of money since you can convince your 2500+ its a 3000+ by changing the multiplier from 11x to 13x. Oh well, you can convince it that its a 3200+ by changing the FSB to 200 from 166 :)

      --
      My other car is first.
    25. Re:/. subscriptions? by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      You mean the other way around, right? Lowering the FSB lowers the clock. 13x166=2158, or 3000+. 11x200=2200, or 3200+.

    26. Re:/. subscriptions? by uvsc_wolverine · · Score: 1

      I did. All in twenties, in five different packages (one of which was from "Bath and Body Works" - yeah I was pretty confused about what my parents might have bought for me there, fortunately it turned out to be a twenty), and I also got a twenty dollar iTunes gift certificate.

      --
      This space for rent...
    27. Re:/. subscriptions? by _Sexy_Pants_ · · Score: 1

      Good work soldier. Let us await the arrival of IMG tags so we can posts dynamite monkeys all over!

      --
      Look it's a joke about my sig IN MY SIG! LOL!
    28. Re:/. subscriptions? by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 1
      "Yup, My boss got me one as a "Christmas Bonus"

      Perhaps this is a sign you should stop reading /. at work. That, or you should find a way to stop him from finding out about it.

      --
      Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
    29. Re:/. subscriptions? by Lafe · · Score: 1

      Yep. A $100 bill. My boss gives 'em out every year in lieu of bonuses. Better than a poke in the eye with a stick, I suppose.

    30. Re:/. subscriptions? by jrockway · · Score: 1

      Yeah my english was unclear. A 2500+ is 11x166, a 3200+ is 11x200, a 3000+ is 13x166. I'm sure you could underclock your 3200+ to a 2500+ if you wanted. Sounds like a bad idea though :)

      --
      My other car is first.
    31. Re:/. subscriptions? by kubis · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      well i did. the same quality as other days in year. therefore xmas sucks

    32. Re:/. subscriptions? by PirateMeep · · Score: 1

      Hmmm he must, know wounder hes always "out with his lady freinds"

      -

      --
      Jeff Johnson
    33. Re:/. subscriptions? by Valdrax · · Score: 1

      That would actually make me happy.

      I got a backpack with cheap straps, wheels, an extendable luggage-rack handle, and the company logo on it. It must've cost the company a grand total of $20-30 when bought in bulk, and if I hadn't have responded to the email to come up and get it quickly enough, I would've gotten nothing for Christmas from my company except time off.

      --
      If it's for-profit but free, you're not the customer -- you're the product (e.g., the Slashdot Beta's "audience").
  8. My iPod by egg+troll · · Score: 5, Funny

    I got a 40 gig iPod for Xmas. But the weird part is that when I looked at the diagnostics menu, it said it was only 37.1 gigs! Apple played Grinch and stole 3 gigs of music from me. :(

    --

    C - A language that combines the speed of assembly with the ease of use of assembly.
    1. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Boo Hoo! At least you got a awasome gift and someone loves you enough to spend $400.00.. There are a lot of people that got a lot less for Christmas. Be happy with your ipod!

    2. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      $500

    3. Re:My iPod by djkoolaide · · Score: 1

      uhm.. dude.. that's 40,000,000,000 bytes, it's just displayed that way because technically 1024 bytes = 1kb

    4. Re:My iPod by mattjb0010 · · Score: 1

      No, 1kb = 1000 bits, 1kB = 1000 bytes, 1 kiB = 1024 bytes.

    5. Re:My iPod by nzkoz · · Score: 1

      You're forgetting the FAT (or HFS) filesystem overhead.

      Still, I'm sure your 37.1 Gigs will last a very, very long time.

      --
      Cheers Koz
    6. Re:My iPod by kantai · · Score: 5, Informative

      Ummm, guess again. 1 kb = 1024 bytes or 8192 bits, 1 MB = 1024 kb, 1 GB = 1024 MB. Hard drive manufacturers advertise capacity in the decimal system ( 1 kb = 1000 bytes, 1 MB = 1000 kb, 1 bit = 1 byte ) and so the 40 GB iPod has 40,000,000,000 bytes, which in the binary system is about 37.25 GB. for more help in byte bit conversion and systems: Bit and Byte Conversion

    7. Re:My iPod by david_nelson · · Score: 0

      Yeah, this is the case with basically and hard disk. My 20 GB iPod is around 18 GB, IIRC. My computer's 40 GB hard disk really is a few shy of that. On the iPod box somewhere, as with most other devices, there's probably a disclaimer saying "actual formatted capacity less."

    8. Re:My iPod by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Shouldn't the poster's name and his wonderful history of past postings tell you something?

      Hint: the keyword in his name is "troll". You've been had, and that goes for the moderator who modded him up.

      --
      "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
    9. Re:My iPod by mattjb0010 · · Score: 1

      Ummm, guess again.

      Why don't uou

    10. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey! They changed the prefixes in 1998. Good to know. Myself, having learned many programming languages and owned a computer of one kind or another since 1982, never knew that.

    11. Re:My iPod by kantai · · Score: 1, Troll

      Yet again, that is the metric or decimal way of looking at things. When your computer shows you MB, it isnt showing you 1,000,000 or 10^6 bytes it is showing you 1,048,576 bytes or 2^20. But, hardware manufacturers use this system so that it appears that their hard drives are larger. Also, the metric system is commonly used with data transfer rates, while the binary is used with data storage, like with this iPod.

    12. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You just don't get it do you?

    13. Re:My iPod by mattjb0010 · · Score: 1

      Yet again, that is the metric or decimal way of looking at things. When your computer shows you MB, it isnt showing you 1,000,000 or 10^6 bytes it is showing you 1,048,576 bytes or 2^20

      You were the one using the wrong prefixes in trying to tell me I was wrong, you're not a computer. Further, parts of GNU/Linux use the metric system now.

    14. Re:My iPod by Unregistered · · Score: 1

      You should sue them, imo.

    15. Re:My iPod by kantai · · Score: 1

      I'm sorry if I don't use the metric system, a system that requires conversion when dealing with anything related to hard drive storage, not just my blasphemous non-metric computer.

    16. Re:My iPod by mattjb0010 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      I'm sorry if I don't use the metric system, a system that requires conversion when dealing with anything related to hard drive storage, not just my blasphemous non-metric computer.

      Well, Christmas is all about forgiveness. Or is that Easter? One of those pagan festivals, anyway ;)

    17. Re:My iPod by thelasttemptation · · Score: 1

      First, I'm kinda upset this got so far out of hand, you both are wrong and right. Shut up bout it.

    18. Re:My iPod by kramer2718 · · Score: 5, Funny

      You're lucky. I opened a box to see a tiny silver device with earbuds attached. I thought, "good, an mp3 player!" Turns out that the device just plays nature noises.

    19. Re:My iPod by Rhubarb+Crumble · · Score: 1
      Yet again, that is the metric or decimal way of looking at things.

      Yeah! My iPod stores 40 rods to the hogshead and that's the way I like it!

    20. Re:My iPod by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      He was modded up as 'funny,' as far as I could tell.

      Some trolls are funny. Remember the little plastic ones that have their hair sticking straigh up? Those are funny.

      You must be thinking of the decidedly un-funny trolls from "The Hobbit" or perhaps from Billy Goats Gruff, the latter of which is perhaps tragic.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    21. Re:My iPod by Dorothy+86 · · Score: 1

      yout think that's bad, i got my 20gig Ipod and no USB/Firewire cable:( you try putting music on one playlist at a time, then going to charge it for an hour before you do one more playlist. :-( Bah Humbug

    22. Re:My iPod by gnu-generation-one · · Score: 1

      "40 GB iPod has 40,000,000,000 bytes, which in the binary system is about 37.25 GB"

      Interestingly, both the internal software on my Nomad Zen NX, and the supplied "Creative MediaSource" software list my "60GB" Zen as having 57.2GB total storage.

      And this is the official software from the same company which wrote "60GB" in big letters on the front of the device.

    23. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ever tried to buy a simple 2x4 (you know, the piece of wood)... They are never 2"x4"...

    24. Re:My iPod by |>>? · · Score: 1
      [...] the decimal system ( 1 kb = 1000 bytes, 1 MB = 1000 kb, 1 bit = 1 byte ) and so the 40 GB iPod has 40,000,000,000 bytes, [...]

      Uhm, should that then not read:
      40gb iPod
      --
      |>>? ..EBCDIC for Onno..
    25. Re:My iPod by MrUnknown · · Score: 1

      At least until the Battery dies.

    26. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Apple played Grinch and stole 3 gigs of music from me.

      Dude, that's not 3 gigs, it's only 2.9. Chill.

    27. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Remove yourself from the gene pool, dumb-fuck!

    28. Re:My iPod by Fr33z0r · · Score: 1

      --You know... I know how much of a ripoff hard-drives are (due to marketing as 1024=1000, as you said) but I bought a 160gb SATA drive last week, and it works out to 131gb... Can anyone explain to me how the fuck that's legal, even with the "1024=1000" rule/cheat?

    29. Re:My iPod by WhiteDragon · · Score: 1

      Uhm, should that then not read:
      40gb iPod

      no, because the lower case b means bits, not bytes
      --
      Did you mount a military-grade, variable-focus MASER on an unlicensed artificial intelligence?
    30. Re:My iPod by dnahelix · · Score: 1

      Haw Haw

      --
      Slashdot Eds Link Anonymous Posts With Logged Posts
      They Are Vermin Feeding On Each Other's Feces.
      I Hate \.
    31. Re:My iPod by |>>? · · Score: 1

      Hmm, looking at the original post again, it is all over the shop with upper- and lower-case letters. I agree that I should have said: 40gB, thus the following nomenclature:

      1b = 1 bit
      1B = 1 byte
      1kb = 1000 bits
      1Kb = 1024 bits
      1kB = 1000 bytes
      1KB = 1024 bytes

      This of course going to confuse the hell out of everyone, so until someone figures out a way to make everyone speak the same language, we're going to have to deal with this for some time to come...

      [Note: I'm pretty sure I finally got the caPiTilIsation rIGht, but who knows :-]

      --
      |>>? ..EBCDIC for Onno..
    32. Re:My iPod by WhiteDragon · · Score: 1

      not to mention the proposed kibibit, etc

      --
      Did you mount a military-grade, variable-focus MASER on an unlicensed artificial intelligence?
    33. Re:My iPod by wmspringer · · Score: 1

      So exactly how many songs does it take to fill up 37 GB?

      I got an mp3 player for Christmas also...kind of. My parents went to the store and asked for the one with the best sound quality, and what they got plays mp3s...once you put them on a CD. No built-in memory :-p Still, it sounds good, and all the songs I want to listen to should fit on a CD :-)

    34. Re:My iPod by Stray7Xi · · Score: 1

      But you can't say mB and MB by that system, lest you confuse megabits with millibits. ;)

    35. Re:My iPod by |>>? · · Score: 1

      I didn't dream up the system, the first poster did, I just attempted to clarify...

      It gets better: Here is a list of acronyms starting with 'm'. With that system mb is already taken for millibar and Megabits are Mb...

      As I said, it will be some time before this gets sorted out properly. I have no illusion that my post on /. will change the scientific community one iota, but perhaps people will stop stomping on someone else for getting confused - let alone start a flamewar (ala vi vs. emacs or PC vs. Mac, or Microsoft vs. Linux) about being ripped off if their hard-drive is smaller than they think it should be :-)

      --
      |>>? ..EBCDIC for Onno..
    36. Re:My iPod by 876 · · Score: 1

      So... you never need to measure anything aside from HDDs?

    37. Re:My iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I take it you never READ THE DOCUMENTATION on the drive

      all new drives, probably any SATA (don't know, I get SCA) have an explicit disclaimer that STATES how they actually measure it

      (in reverse polish)(easier)
      160 1000 1000 1000 10 * * * * 8 1024 1024 1024 / / /

      comes to about 131 GiB (proposed standard)

      seems fair to me.

    38. Re:My iPod by lvdrproject · · Score: 1
      By the way, it's not 'cheating' or 'marketing'. 'Mega' means (and always has meant) 'million' (10^6). Hard-drive manufacturers are correct in their terminology. The only reason people use 'mega' for 2^20 is that some genius in the early days of computing thought that the standing metric prefixes were 'close enough' to the binary system that computers use... and, unfortunately, it was so convenient that it caught on everywhere.

      Anyway. My Christmas gift to you is the seed that will hopefully allow you to change your perception of this so-called cheat. Blame that dumb computer scientist, not the hard-drive manufacturers. :(

    39. Re:My iPod by sp1kez0r · · Score: 1

      i also received this gift. rain and jungle noise! yay!

    40. Re:My iPod by c4seyj0nes · · Score: 1

      I got one for chirstmas too. The back of the iPod and the box both clearly say: 40GB.

      --
      "In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." --Old German Proverb
    41. Re:My iPod by Lispy · · Score: 1

      I sometimes wish that there was a law against producing something like this. I am a liberal person and I believe in the free market but selling a machine as this is a sin imho.

      Btw. i got three calendars and 100. Now I'm slowley recovering from my hangover those 100 bucks caused last night. ;-)

      cu,
      Lispy

    42. Re:My iPod by rwrife · · Score: 1

      So does the iPod store 40 billion bytes of data or 37 (and change) billion bytes of data???

    43. Re:My iPod by damiam · · Score: 1
      but I bought a 160gb SATA drive last week, and it works out to 131gb

      I know nothing about SATA, but some older BIOS's have size limitations, where big disks won't have capacity over 137GB (don't know if that's 1000 or 1024 GB) recognized. I don't know if that's strictly an IDE thing or not, but you might want to look into it.

      --
      It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.
  9. My brothers present by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    My brother got a bottleopener that can record samples and replay them. That's pretty odd. Any suggestions of messages?

    (On a side note: I got Band of brothers on DVD amongst other things - way cool :D)

    1. Re:My brothers present by sata · · Score: 4, Funny

      How about the sound of a bottle beeing opened?

    2. Re:My brothers present by operagost · · Score: 1

      I have a bottle opener with Homer Simpson on it going "Mmm... beer" when you pop a top. That would be a good start.

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
  10. Weirdest... by Chicane-UK · · Score: 3, Interesting

    For me, the weirdest presents this year came in the form of clothes from my grandma that I wouldn't actually be embarassed to wear!!

    A really smart shirt from Next (clothes store in the UK, not the old UNIX company!), and a silk tie from tie rack - both of which were really smart, and totally suitable to wear to work.

    I was stunned! :)

    --
    "Hey! Unless this is a nude love-in, get the hell off my property!!"
    1. Re:Weirdest... by Compuser · · Score: 1

      And when you say smart you mean goodlooking, right?
      Gotta remember my Brittish.

    2. Re:Weirdest... by bsharitt · · Score: 3, Funny

      A really smart shirt from Next

      The shirt I got is a little slow, but it means well.

      Other than that I got some toothpaste, a toothbrush, and deodorant. I wonder if my mom is trying to tell me something about my hygiene.

    3. Re:Weirdest... by jazman_777 · · Score: 1
      For me, the weirdest presents this year came in the form of clothes from my grandma that I wouldn't actually be embarassed to wear!!

      Which is more likely: your grandma is getting with it on the styles, or your tastes/styles are getting odder? You _are_ getting older, you know.

      --
      Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
    4. Re:Weirdest... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes

    5. Re:Weirdest... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Shirt? Tie? For work? I'm confused..

    6. Re:Weirdest... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      s/smart/tight/g

    7. Re:Weirdest... by UNFAIRMAN · · Score: 1

      I got a T-shirt that reads "Kermit the GORF".
      Obscure childhood references rock.

    8. Re:Weirdest... by tommck · · Score: 1
      The shirt I got is a little slow, but it means well.


      Thanks for the laugh :-)

      --
      ---- It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again. It does this whenever it's told.
  11. Bernhard Langer by alister667 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I was given (by a christian relative) an autobiography of christian golfer Bernhard Langer. A pretty poor attempt to turn me onto 'the right path'! Next year I'm going to buy them something by Richard Dawkins.

    --
    We ARE the peat bog soldiers.
    1. Re:Bernhard Langer by ljavelin · · Score: 4, Funny

      I agree... the only way to be a good golfer is to follow Christian teachings. Nothing else seemed to work for me, so that's gotta be it.

    2. Re:Bernhard Langer by aedan · · Score: 5, Funny

      >>Next year I'm going to buy them something by Richard Dawkins.

      How about getting them a Mac? My creationist cousin has one and I get a kick out of him using Darwin.

      aedan

    3. Re:Bernhard Langer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      If you want to let them know you're not interested, then give them a copy of Satan Burger instead.
      I gave this one out myself this year.

    4. Re:Bernhard Langer by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      I just looked that book up on Amazon (I don't mean as a coincidence -- it was after I read the post.) and found two things of interest:

      1. This title usually ships within 4 to 6 weeks. Please note that special order titles occasionally go out of print, or publishers run out of stock. These hard-to-find titles are not discounted and are subject to an additional charge of $1.99 per book due to the extra cost of ordering them.

      So, it looks like they probably paid full price ($29.99)

      2. The book has 189 pages, which seems a little light for a biography, but it may still be thick enough to make a book safe. You can cut out the center of each page and have enough room to stash your weed -- I mean gangster roll, er, cash. Nobody would be likely to pick that book off a shelf.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    5. Re:Bernhard Langer by nathanh · · Score: 2, Funny
      I was given (by a christian relative) an autobiography of christian golfer Bernhard Langer. A pretty poor attempt to turn me onto 'the right path'! Next year I'm going to buy them something by Richard Dawkins.

      If you really want to prove the point, get them an English translation of The Koran.

    6. Re:Bernhard Langer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Uh... it IS Christmas. If you aren't religious you can easily avoid proselytizing gifts by not celebrating it.

    7. Re:Bernhard Langer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It is Kwanza, you insensitive clod!

    8. Re:Bernhard Langer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If your relative is also a golfer, your should give -him- (or -her-) GOLF AND THE SPIRIT, by M. Scot Peck. A great book! (Not to be accuses of whoring Amazon points, I refrain from linking!)

    9. Re:Bernhard Langer by oddityfds · · Score: 1

      Yeah... My sister gave me a book written by a priest. Guess I could read it just to see what I think about it, but I don't feel like it...

      I also got Spin State by Chris Moriarty and Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson.

    10. Re:Bernhard Langer by Scrameustache · · Score: 2, Funny

      autobiography of christian golfer Bernhard Langer

      Must be hard, being the only christian in a buddhist-only sport like golf...

      Waitaminute

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

  12. Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by t0qer · · Score: 4, Funny

    Along with the usual sweaters, socks and underwear I get every year, this year I got something special..

    My mother in law excitedly handed me my gift this year with a big grin on her face. I opened the box and what was there?

    A seagate Barricuda 7200rpm 120gig hard drive!

    "Now you can download more movies and burn them to dvd (vcd)" she says.

    Large capacity hard drives, the gift that keeps on giving all year long :D

    1. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Datasage · · Score: 0, Troll

      I find it funny that your mother in law is advocating piracy.

      --
      In America we are imprisoned by our fear of them.
    2. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by I+Be+Hatin' · · Score: 5, Funny
      I find it funny that your mother in law is advocating piracy.

      I found it funny that she was advocating downloading and achiving pr0n.

      Those were the types of movies she was talking about, right?

      --
      I know god exists. I read it on the internet, so it must be true.
    3. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by orthogonal · · Score: 1

      I find it funny that your mother in law is advocating piracy.

      I wonder if his Mother-In-Law knows what kind of "movies" predominate on the net:

      "It'll all work out, honey. I'm getting your hubby a big hard drive for Christmas. Once he can store a few of those "donkey, monkey, and lesbian" movies, everything will be all right again!"

    4. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by 0x20 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I find it funny that his mother in law speaks parentheses.

    5. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by sempf · · Score: 1

      I actually got a blue CyberTool 41 from my father. How kewl is That!!!

      --
      /usr/bin/grep -i -E meaning life.txt
    6. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by unborn · · Score: 1

      I find you funny!

    7. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by t0qer · · Score: 1, Funny

      I found it funny that she was advocating downloading and achiving pr0n.

      I found it sick that you even considered that thought.

      It's CHRISTmas, not TROLLmas you ignorant jack off.

    8. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      s/ignorant jackoff/insensitive clod.

      +5 Funny

    9. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Kent+Recal · · Score: 1

      I find this all SO boring...

    10. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Alan · · Score: 1

      I find it wierd that you let other people buy you software or hardware. Personally I prefer to choose the brands and models myself (though I don't mind other people paying :)

      I think ever since my dad decided on his own that buying windows 3.0 was a Good Idea I haven't trusted him...

    11. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by spamchang · · Score: 1

      that is one cool mother-in-law. hope you got her something equally good =P

    12. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by thparker · · Score: 1

      In the cool gift category, my girlfriend got me a Bubba Ho-Tep movie poster.

    13. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Skidge · · Score: 2, Funny

      For Christmas, my wife finally gave me permission to buy a powerbook :)

    14. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by sbentmar · · Score: 1

      I got a HDD just like yours, an everglide and a 120mm fan, Yarr!

    15. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by tzanger · · Score: 1

      Bah. My brother got me The Complete Far Side -- That's something I never would have expected to get from anyone. Awesome. :-)

    16. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      She obviously must have a LISP.

    17. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you'd kept your balls after you said "I DO" you'd get the Powerbook anyway.
      Fuck the bitch's permission. You'll be happier with the Powerbook.
      I know I AM....

    18. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Christ was considered a troll in his day. He got -1, Flamebait all the time. Then, the ultimate modding--cruxifiction.

    19. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Templar · · Score: 1

      Man... my mother-in-law got me a SpongeBob shower radio. Wanna trade? (Mothers-in-law, I mean..)

    20. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You should have gotten the powerbook before your wedding. Then she'd have known beforehand that you're a homosexual, and cancelled the wedding.

    21. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by ptomblin · · Score: 1

      Me too - my wife told me to give my TiBook to my daughter and get a nice new AlBook.

      --
      The next Cmdr Taco duplicate will be ready soon, but subscribers can beat the rush and see it early!
    22. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by IchBinEinPenguin · · Score: 1

      Mother-in-law......

      gift that advocates evil piracy.........

      I'd be watching out for the BSA/RIAA/MPAA SWAT team if I were you

    23. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by LinuxHam · · Score: 1

      I definitely vote for my mother-in-law as the best one out there this year.. I've been talking about getting my private pilot's license this coming spring, and my in-laws gave me Flight Simulator 2004 AND a 1 hour discovery flight AND a half hour of ground school from a nearby flight school..

      now THAT is cool!

      So yeah, I got an xbox with the GTA doublepack (thanks, honey!) and FltSim 2004.. I see my anti-Microsoft campaign is making excellent progress with the family!

      --
      Intelligent Life on Earth
    24. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I got what I asked for, a Braun Syncro shaver with the Clean&Charge base. I thought this would solve my problem of having to buy blades every month, but I was wrong. As the cleaning cartridge contains a mixture of alcohol and "lubricant" they claim you cannot refill it with regular alcohol, you must buy the Braun refill cartridge #5331 every month. !@#$*&, I love my gift, but I'm still paying a "monthly service charge". Anyway if anyone out there can figure out the receipe for this concoction so I can mix my own cleaning fluid I would be grateful.

    25. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by jigyasubalak · · Score: 0

      I find it funny that you speak without punctuations. It is mother-in-law :P

      --
      The best planning can be done after the project completes.
    26. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dog piss. Please just use dog piss. Thx.

    27. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Lehk228 · · Score: 1

      sweet gift! I got 512 extra megs 1 gig RAM woot! and an external DVD+/-RW drive

      --
      Snowden and Manning are heroes.
    28. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Reziac · · Score: 1

      Hmm. Ya know, it could just be that your mother-in-law is trying to get you arrested ;)

      Seriously, you seem to have married into a cool family!!

      --
      ~REZ~ #43301. Who'd fake being me anyway?
    29. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      my mom bought me a house, my wife fainted. My mom is kewl. (She made sure It has high speed access)

    30. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by aardwolf204 · · Score: 1

      My g/f got me one of the new slashdot t-shirts from thinkgeek.com and a plush tux. I got her a GBA-SP and games, and though I spent more I feel like I got the better end of the deal ;-).

      --
      Im dreaming ofa big bndwdth, That can resist the /.crowd.May ur days b merry & bright & may al
    31. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by lyberth · · Score: 1

      are you saying its possible to download non porn movies???
      why would you do that?

      --

      There isn't much like the scent of a fresh harddisk
    32. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      spoken like a single guy.

    33. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by cdrudge · · Score: 1

      I'll flat out give you mine. Actually, I'll pay you to take her. No. Really. I'm serious.

    34. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by 0x20 · · Score: 1

      Well, I find it funny that you use the word "punctuations." It is "punctuation" :P

    35. Re:Screw weird, this is the *COOL* present thread! by jmertic · · Score: 1

      My wife got me JBL Creature speakers ( white w/ blue glow ) and my in-laws got me a DVD+-R Drive. Plus, lots of money to get myself an new desk. Any good recommendations on those modular desk collections ( I was looking at the Networkx Collection from O'Sullivan )

  13. clothes by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    clothes, clothes, and more clothes. thank god no turtle necks. sucks to be me.

    1. Re:clothes by Babbster · · Score: 1
      Unless they're heavy on horizontal stripes, no Slashdot reader should be disappointed to get clothes for Christmas.

      If it weren't for Christmas, I wouldn't have any underwear at all...HelLO ladies!

  14. A Self-Help Book by sk1tch · · Score: 2, Funny

    A friend was nice enough to get me a book called "Why Be Good?" and even highlight select passages for me. One such note in the book is the highlighting of a chapter called "Ego Management." Think they're trying to tell me something?

    --

    when I find myself you'll be the first to know.
    1. Re:A Self-Help Book by MyNameIsFred · · Score: 4, Funny

      Are you sure your friend wasn't a cheap bastard who bought the book used? I'll just tell him I highlighted the good sections for him.

    2. Re:A Self-Help Book by Tassach · · Score: 1
      I seriously considered buying my ex-boss a copy of Death March by Ed Yourdon.

      Of course, that might not have the effect my ex-coworkers would like, since the book is about how to survive Death Marches, instead of how to avoid creating them.

      --
      Why is it that the proponents of "one nation under God" are so eager to get rid of "liberty and justice for all"?
  15. Hint... by PSUdaemon · · Score: 3, Funny

    Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant, and a McDonalds coupon book in the same package.

    Think they are trying to tell you something?

    1. Re:Hint... by g8way · · Score: 1

      Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

    2. Re:Hint... by frankthechicken · · Score: 3, Funny

      Yeah right, sounds like they were trying to get him out on a date.

      And a pretty fancy one at that.

    3. Re:Hint... by MikeXpop · · Score: 5, Funny

      Personally, I'm baffled by the McDonalds coupon.

      --
      Etiquette is etiquette. He kills his mother but he can't wear grey trousers.
    4. Re:Hint... by probbka · · Score: 2, Funny

      Think they are trying to tell you something?

      Anorexic... with bad breath?

      --
      Only requirement for good karma: be pedantic as much and as often as possible.
    5. Re:Hint... by jazman_777 · · Score: 1
      Think they are trying to tell you something?

      You're an emaciated-looking slob?

      --
      Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
    6. Re:Hint... by mek2600 · · Score: 1

      Oh, that's still for the date.

    7. Re:Hint... by mantera · · Score: 1

      same here, that's what instantly occured to my mind... sounds like someone thinks you're in desperate need for a toothpaste, tic tacs, and deodorants.... and unless they buy them for you you won't buy them...

    8. Re:Hint... by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 1

      Personally, I wanna know if they are available in the UK

      It might be junk food, but it sure beats cooking :)

      --
      liqbase :: faster than paper
    9. Re:Hint... by Mr+Smidge · · Score: 1

      I got a *metre* of vodka.. like a huge test-tube with 500ml of vodka in it, one metre long.

      What on earth are they trying to tell me?

    10. Re:Hint... by Quixote · · Score: 4, Funny
      Fits with the date theory.

    11. Re:Hint... by Selfbain · · Score: 1

      And body odor.

      --
      Well, it has never been successfully tested.
    12. Re:Hint... by garrable · · Score: 1

      Not only did I recieve the normal hygiene products from the rents, but also I recieved a set of wind up sushi... Yeah I know, wind up sushi, who would have assumed it existed... All I know is the nice Asian waitress at the local sushi bar is gonna be in for a start as my shrimp role scurries across the table on my next visit...

    13. Re:Hint... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Uh... Would that be a "long drink?"

      ...

      BLAAAH

    14. Re:Hint... by CokeBear · · Score: 1

      Its time to get drunk and switch to metric? Here's hoping Congress finally does...

      --
      Reality has a liberal bias
    15. Re:Hint... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      While in the Mcdonalds flip the placemat over. It's a job application.

    16. Re:Hint... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's cheaper than Weight Gain 10000.

    17. Re:Hint... by dnahelix · · Score: 1

      INSANE FACT
      McDonald's feeds over 11% of the US population every day!

      --
      Slashdot Eds Link Anonymous Posts With Logged Posts
      They Are Vermin Feeding On Each Other's Feces.
      I Hate \.
    18. Re:Hint... by dnahelix · · Score: 1

      Actually, in the US, alcohol is already sold in metric units.
      The smallest size is 350ml. Some still call this a pint.
      The next size is 750ml. Some still call this a fifth.
      The largest size is 1.5L. And suprisingly, some still call this a half gallon.

      --
      Slashdot Eds Link Anonymous Posts With Logged Posts
      They Are Vermin Feeding On Each Other's Feces.
      I Hate \.
    19. Re:Hint... by cj79 · · Score: 1

      "Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant, and a McDonalds coupon book in the same package."

      Think they are trying to tell you something?


      Tell him something? This sounds normal to me - I use all four on every first date.

    20. Re:Hint... by y0bhgu0d · · Score: 1

      largest size is 1.75L, which equates to 0.46 gallons.

      half gallon isn't too far off.

    21. Re:Hint... by g8way · · Score: 1

      I forgot to mention in the article that I also got cologne :P

    22. Re:Hint... by bad_fx · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but what sort of woman are they expecting him to snag with that stuff? A $5 hooker maybe?

    23. Re:Hint... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      While in the Mcdonalds flip the placemat over. It's a job application.

      Why is there an opening that you know about? did they fire you?

    24. Re:Hint... by tenchima · · Score: 1


      He wasn't fired, he was flamed-broiled to perfection...

      --
      If at first you don't succeed, so much for skydiving.
    25. Re:Hint... by dnahelix · · Score: 1

      oops, you're right, I did screw that up.
      Can you tell that I drink?

      --
      Slashdot Eds Link Anonymous Posts With Logged Posts
      They Are Vermin Feeding On Each Other's Feces.
      I Hate \.
    26. Re:Hint... by th3space · · Score: 1

      So he works for Burger King now?

      --
      "How like you to drag your keyboard to a gun fight." - Aaron Bedard (BANE)
  16. I got a dating sim by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    called "Casual Romance Club". It is written by Peach Princess.

    I have big plans for this game. I'm going to use it to learn how to interact with women and to learn what to say to get them to have sex with me.

    Once I've perfected the technique in the sim, I'm going to go out and try it for real!

    I'll be doing the hokey pokey in no time.

    1. Re:I got a dating sim by Tablizer · · Score: 2, Funny

      Sorry, but it was probably written by other geeks that don't know any more about dating than we do. Besides, nobody has ever figured out the algorithm for women's preferences, although money is probably a significant factor.

    2. Re:I got a dating sim by buckeyeguy · · Score: 1
      === nobody has ever figured out the algorithm for women's preferences ===

      On the contrary, my life is an O(1) relationship determinance algorithm... every women I meet, regardless of potential compatibility, takes the same amount of time to decide that they don't want to be around me.

      As for that parent post, that's some freaky Japanese gaming... which I will never find under my tree unless I buy it for myself.

      --
      I'd have a personalized plate on my car, but "toxic bachelor" won't fit into 7 letters.
    3. Re:I got a dating sim by buckeyeguy · · Score: 1
      or 'every woman'... sigh, guess it's my shitty grammar that turns 'em away.

      Weird present? Hmm... well now that I'm asking for consumable stuff instead of hard goods I don't need, I received lots of coffee, wine, and cheese this year. One of the cheeses is so rank, it's currently residing in my garage. Would gladly have taken a fruitcake instead of that one.

      --
      I'd have a personalized plate on my car, but "toxic bachelor" won't fit into 7 letters.
    4. Re:I got a dating sim by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Put Monica Lawinski and Kobe Bryant in the same room. Blew out the harddrive, had to buy new one.

  17. Re:FP for xmass by Validus · · Score: 0

    Oh well too slow...

  18. Grrr by RavenEA · · Score: 1

    Missed first post by a minute. Stupid unplugged ethernet cord. Anyhow, worst Hannukah present my friend got was Marathon for Mac when he had a PC. He then gave it to me, the Mac gamer and all he could do was watch me play.

    1. Re:Grrr by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well the least you could have done was let the poor soul have a go! Perhaps show him the error (or perhaps just one error...(!)) of his ways!!!

  19. When I was a kid... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I just got a spanking

    1. Re:When I was a kid... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you are not a kid, that could be a good present.

  20. Dude... by Fnkmaster · · Score: 1, Funny

    If somebody got you deodorant, don't you think they were trying to send you a message?

    1. Re:Dude... by Ramadog · · Score: 1

      I think someone who gives deodorant and underpants for a present is lacking a bit of imagination. Even the book on making paper planes that I received is more interesting.

    2. Re:Dude... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, I posted this less than 30 seconds after the guy who made the same joke, and thus he got modded up to 5, and I got slammed into oblivion. Consider that maybe his post wasn't there yet when I read the thread? Way to spread the Christmas cheer, mods.

    3. Re:Dude... by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      I agree with you wholeheartedly. I happen to have some mod points here, but to send them to you I need for you to front me enough money to bribe Cowboy Neal with a two-holed blow-up doll. I think $10,000 would be sufficient.

      This is about to get less funny, so please just assume the existence of the rest of the joke.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
  21. From the looks of it... by Shant3030 · · Score: 2, Funny

    g8way writes "Now that Christmas is about, it's time for presents. Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant, and a McDonalds coupon book in the same package. What's your story of Christmas present mayhem?"

    your gift givers think you are fat and smelly

    --
    100% Insightful
    1. Re:From the looks of it... by bsharitt · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Ah, so he's a Unix administrator.

    2. Re:From the looks of it... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      thin and smelly rather.

    3. Re:From the looks of it... by whorfin · · Score: 1

      I was going to say that the giver must have known that he frequents /., and extrapolated from there.

      --
      Laugh while you can, monkey-boy!
  22. Bidet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got a Toto Jasmin!

    www.totousa.com

    1. Re:Bidet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Whoa, was someone saying that you smell like ass?

  23. Technology abuse by Spunken · · Score: 1

    I gave a tripod to my brother's digital camera. When he got home, he couldn't really figure out how to fasten all the bolts and screws. He tried to explain it, but the phrase "I can't find the camera lock" didn't help very much.
    What to do?
    Of course, he took a picture of the tripod with his digital camera and e-mailed it to me. A quick look and I remembered that on this tripod (Velbon Cx-560) you turn the handle.
    Voila! We live in frightingly comfortable times, don't we?

  24. George Bush Jack-in-the-box by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Let's see anyone out weird that!

    1. Re:George Bush Jack-in-the-box by dnahelix · · Score: 1

      No, actually I think that is a URINAL

      --
      Slashdot Eds Link Anonymous Posts With Logged Posts
      They Are Vermin Feeding On Each Other's Feces.
      I Hate \.
  25. Hornby Live Steam by CountBrass · · Score: 1

    Well as a good geek I got a Hornby Live Steam trainset - the loco' is a Mallard and it's powered by steam. Digitally controlled. http://www.hornbyrailways.com/pages/livestm_live.a spx The nephews who came around after Mass were suitably impressed.

    --
    Bad analogies are like waxing a monkey with a rainbow.
    1. Re:Hornby Live Steam by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh, wow! That's really amazing.

    2. Re:Hornby Live Steam by hoytt · · Score: 1

      There's only 1 Mallard. It's the name of the LNER class A4 steam engine that reached 126 mph near Granthem, England in 1938. It currently resides in the Railway museum in York. More information here

    3. Re:Hornby Live Steam by calidoscope · · Score: 1
      What? No 15" gauge live steam model of a C&O Allegheny? Now that would be impressive - scare your neighbors.

      Then there's Ward Kimball's Emma Nevada, a real 3 foot gauge Mogul (2-6-0) - though the last time it ran under steam was in the late 40's.

      --
      A Shadeless room is a brighter room.
    4. Re:Hornby Live Steam by sir+lox+elroy · · Score: 1

      What you need now is a UP Bigboy 4-8-8-4 running live steam, REALLY scare the Neighbors

      --
      Kosh: "Understanding is a 3 edged sword, your side, their side, the Truth."
  26. What I got by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

    I got a 2-disc LOTR:FOTR set, a 4-disc LOTR:TTT set, a quarter book, a pair of reindeer antlers (WTF?), and a Pentium 233 MMX box (it'll be a K6-III-400 pretty soon).

    1. Re:What I got by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      BTW, the story behind the antlers is that some relatives from Florida wanted to prove that their whole family was as crazy as them, and made 20-30 sets of antlers for a family photo.

    2. Re:What I got by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      A nice sweater from my HOT GIRLFRIEND.

      Hey, it looks like the hyperlink html was wrong. It just made it ALL CAPS. Please post again with the correct hyperlink.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    3. Re:What I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow, those surely are weird gifts.

      YUO FAIL IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    4. Re:What I got by Creepy+Crawler · · Score: 1

      Dumb question, but do you live in 1 hour south of Indianapolis, IN?

      --
    5. Re:What I got by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Nope. Half an hour northeast of Columbus, Ohio.

    6. Re:What I got by Creepy+Crawler · · Score: 1

      The reason I asked is because in Columbus, IN , we got a tonload of P2-233 and selling them dirt cheap. I just thought you might be onbe of those 'lucky ones'. ;-)

      --
    7. Re:What I got by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Nope - one of my relatives had a Pentium MMX-233 with a "dead power supply" (turned out to be a bad power cable). I just found out the remainder of the specs:

      Biostar MB8500TTD (found this out before I had the 233 part, but...)
      96MB EDO (scary, when you realize that the chipset is a 430TX - I'm taking it up to 128, even though only 64 is cached (of course, does it matter on cache if I use an AMD K6-III (I'm going to buy a 380 and overclock it to 400, as the real 400 needs a power setting that my board can't deliver, and it costs $10 more)? - don't know how much RAM it came with, but I know it was less than 96)
      4.3GB Quantum Bigfoot CY (BIG is the correct term)
      PNY nVidia TNT (I THINK it's 1) - not sure on the RAM (it came with a Voodoo 1 and a Cirrus Logic card)
      ESS AudioDrive (don't know the model)

      The modem was upgraded to 56K, and I don't have to worry about WinModems, as it's ISA. When this was new, as Sun Electronics was closing out, it cost $300. I told the guy that he was ripped off - I'd have paid $1500 for it six years ago, but that thing wasn't worth $200 three years ago, when it was new.

    8. Re:What I got by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      AUGH! DAMN! It's keyboard is AT, I bought an AT keyboard at Goodwill for $3, and it's a dud. All my other keyboards are PS/2, and I don't have a soldering iron. Will wrapping wires around each pin, and then sticking them in the holes work?

    9. Re:What I got by Richardsonke1 · · Score: 1
      --
      "Men lie."
      "Yeah, about sleeping with other women, but never about bioluminescent plankton."
      -Dan Brown
    10. Re:What I got by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      I know - I didn't have one handy, and needed it quick. Actually, I found an AT keyboard that I could borrow for long enough to install Debian and get SSH on (I'm just trying out Debian - this is a server). BTW, Damn Small Linux works GREAT on this old hardware...

  27. hello, Brittain? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    the Beagle has NOT landed

  28. Anything from "The Shack" is bad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I got a combination wallet/calculator from Radio Shack. Who buys a wallet from RS? Old folks are so crazy. This is the same aunt who last year bought me a combination mouse pad/calculator. Next year I bet I get a calculator watch.

    Oh well, maybe I'll get her back by giving some Metallica CDs.

    1. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by stevejsmith · · Score: 1

      QUICK...what's 4 times 3?

    2. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by arth1 · · Score: 4, Funny
      QUICK...what's 4 times 3?

      Anyone answering C deserves all the strange presents listed here.

      Regards,
      --
      *Art
    3. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by karnal · · Score: 1

      Wouldn't that be 0x0c? :)

      --
      Karnal
    4. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by ocelotbob · · Score: 1

      Fine. It's 14
      </octal>

      --

      Marxism is the opiate of dumbasses

    5. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by techno-vampire · · Score: 1

      It sounds like your aunt goes by the motto, "It's better to calculate than never."

      --
      Good, inexpensive web hosting
    6. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by dasmegabyte · · Score: 1

      My answer was 14. What do I get?

      --
      Hey freaks: now you're ju
    7. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by Mr+Smidge · · Score: 1

      "Wouldn't that be 0x0c?"

      Nope, we were all thinking in base 13. Right?

    8. Re:Anything from "The Shack" is bad by weeboo0104 · · Score: 1

      QUICK...what's 4 times 3? Anyone answering C deserves all the strange presents listed here.

      How about 1100 instead?

      --
      It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. -Frederick Douglass
  29. SCOX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I got ten shares of SCO.

    I would have preferred a roll of Charmin.

    1. Re:SCOX by rbook · · Score: 2, Funny

      What's the difference?

    2. Re:SCOX by metallicagoaltender · · Score: 2, Funny

      Charmin wipes up what SCO spews.

    3. Re:SCOX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I got a Darl Voodo Doll!

      Best Present Ever!

    4. Re:SCOX by icejai · · Score: 1

      I got a SCO Linux License for Christmas :P

    5. Re:SCOX by Orbital+Sander · · Score: 1

      Charmin wipes up what SCO spews.

      Charming.

  30. You really "cleaned-up" for Christmas! by orthogonal · · Score: 5, Funny

    Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant, and a McDonalds coupon book in the same package.

    Toothpaste, breath-freshening mints, deoderant, and cheap out-of-the house food.

    No pattern there.

    Hmm. Unless.... Is your family trying to tell you you're spending too much time playing Everquest, and too little time playing "shower"?

    1. Re:You really "cleaned-up" for Christmas! by kurosawdust · · Score: 4, Funny

      A ha! I found the Bar of Elderon's Zestfully Cleanliness! Have at you, foul crotch! I cast Suds Attack, +5!

    2. Re:You really "cleaned-up" for Christmas! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Toothpaste, breath-freshening mints, deoderant, and cheap out-of-the house food.
      No pattern there.

      Enough already! That's the tenth time I've seen this joke. Must we always mod up people who are just posting other posts? It should be -1 Redundant -- as should the other 50 suggestions that the gifts given were meant to send a message
    3. Re:You really "cleaned-up" for Christmas! by Feztaa · · Score: 1

      too little time playing "shower"?

      I don't think playing with himself in the shower will improve his condition much :)

    4. Re:You really "cleaned-up" for Christmas! by JDWTopGuy · · Score: 1

      Hahahaha! Excellent.

      --
      Ron Paul 2012
  31. A sweatshirt by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This isn't weird but:

    I received a sweatshirt that's XXL and I'm a Medium.

    Huh?

    Allright... pass the butter.

    1. Re:A sweatshirt by Tablizer · · Score: 2, Funny

      I received a sweatshirt that's XXL and I'm a Medium.

      Let's trade. I am a big human but got a medium.

  32. weird. by xgamer04 · · Score: 1

    My brother got a llama calendar.

    --
    When you look at the state of the world, how can you not become a radical, liberal anarchist?
    1. Re:weird. by JDWTopGuy · · Score: 1

      It kicks the llama's ass, no?

      --
      Ron Paul 2012
    2. Re:weird. by servasius_jr · · Score: 1

      My brother got a llama calendar.

      If his birthday's coming up, you might want to check out that "Love Ewe" inflatable sheep somebody mentioned further up the page.

    3. Re:weird. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Damn that was funny! I almost spewed oatmeal all over my monitor. Would've given you mod points if I had 'em.

    4. Re:weird. by xgamer04 · · Score: 1

      It's not that kind of infatuation, and has nothing to do with sheep. It's more of a running joke in the family.

      --
      When you look at the state of the world, how can you not become a radical, liberal anarchist?
  33. Ha. by Magus311X · · Score: 4, Funny

    My Xmas:

    6 pairs of black socks
    1 can of mixed nuts (i hate most nuts)
    A bottle of leather conditioner (presumably for my car)
    A pair of cheap $20 headphones (left side doesn't work)
    15 losing $1-2 lottery tickets
    $10 in gift certificates to Krispy Kreme (love them, but the closest one is an HOUR away. All Dunkin' Donuts around here.)
    Speaker stands for the surround sound system I don't have.

    -----

    I gave...

    My sister a nice Capresso CoffeeTEC coffee maker because her current coffee maker broke, and this does lattes and hot cocoa to boot, which she loves. Also got her an assortment of coffee from Gevalia.

    My parents to share, got them 5 classic movie DVDs (Ben-Hur, Citizen Kane, On the Waterfront, Bridge on the River Kwai, Casablanca). My mom a backyard birdwatching and project book, a pair of nice binoculars. My father I got a 10GB iPod (bring his MP3s in his car without him constantly burning CDs), and a new copy of MS Trips and Streets (to replace his 1994 Rand McNally software which he still uses regularly).

    -----

    I know its not what you get, but the thought that counts, but I think I put in a lot more thought than they did.

    ----- ----- ----- -----

    1. Re:Ha. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Here's some lyrics that you can sympathize with. It's called "Thanx for Nothing" and it's by the Vandals.

      Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
      Thanx for nothing.

      You shouldn't have, Oh- you didn't.
      You're so generous. Thanks for nothing.
      Never mind all the stuff I bought for you
      It was my pleasure, getting nothing back.

      Come next year I'm getting you what you got me
      Fucking Nothing. See how you like it

      I don't have much money but I got you something nice.
      I maxed out my cards, didn't care about the price...
      To show I care this time of year-
      Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
      Thanx for nothing.

      So I'm a sap, under the Christmas tree.
      Trying to find the gifts I thought you got for me.
      But there was nothing there- what a shock.
      just the torn up wrappings from all the gifts I bought.

      Thanx for all the effort to brighten up my Christmas
      Thank you for the knife that you stabbed me in the back with.
      What a blessing. You're really something.
      Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
      Thanx for nothing.

      I've been so selfless, choosing gifts so thoughtfully
      Sweating in a crowed mall and you don't get shit for me.
      You selfish asshole. I hope you die.
      Choking on your putrid pile of presents 6 feet high

      Thanx for making Christmas such a disappointment
      Thanx for making sharing seem so fucking pointless
      What a pal. I'll tell you one thing-
      Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
      Thanx for nothing.
      Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
      Thanx for nothing.
      Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
      FUCK YOU!

    2. Re:Ha. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Proper black socks or just very very very very very very *very* dark blue? ;-)

    3. Re:Ha. by Fr33z0r · · Score: 1
      6 pairs of black socks
      1 can of mixed nuts (i hate most nuts)
      A bottle of leather conditioner (presumably for my car)
      A pair of cheap $20 headphones (left side doesn't work)
      15 losing $1-2 lottery tickets
      $10 in gift certificates to Krispy Kreme (love them, but the closest one is an HOUR away. All Dunkin' Donuts around here.)
      Speaker stands for the surround sound system I don't have.

      "Going postal on your stingy, asshole family --- priceless"
    4. Re:Ha. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      1 can of mixed nuts (i hate most nuts)

      Infidel!!! DIE!!!!

    5. Re:Ha. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you've got leather in your car I'd think you'd be more mature than this.

      Maybe your family can get you some of that, huh?

    6. Re:Ha. by Peaceful_Patriot · · Score: 1

      Welcome to adult-hood. Guess I've been a parent so long, I forgot what a Christmas feels like where you get the things you want and get as much/more than you gave.

      Adults routinely spend more than they can afford on gifts for others who will give them 'socks', hideous cheap jewelry and useless dust catching knick-knacks. Occasionally you get a true prize like your six year olds handprint in clay and hung with yarn.

      Sorry guys, Christmas is different for grown-ups.

      --
      There is nothing so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
  34. You're lucky.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They make inflatable sheep too. Makes a great gift for certain University of Washington alumni.

  35. If you think getting clothes is bad... by vnolton · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not only did I get nothing but CLOTHES for christmas.. My parents bought me a hamper to put them in. *rolls eyes*

    1. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by sinjayde · · Score: 1

      Me too!

      Except mine said
      1. Fill with clothes
      2. Give to mom

      Sounds like a good deal to me :)

    2. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by mog007 · · Score: 1

      Well if you got a hamper then you didn't get "nothing but CLOTHES" did you?

    3. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by wmspringer · · Score: 1

      I got clothes that don't fit :-)

    4. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by Gyl · · Score: 1

      Clothes is bad? I hate clothes shopping, if I get them from chistmas I don't have to go out and buy them! Plus it's an easy non-geek thing to get (assuming buyer has SOME sense your style).

    5. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by CaptainCarrot · · Score: 1

      It's a hint. You're supposed to wash them every so often. (The clothes, not the hamper.)

      --
      And the brethren went away edified.
    6. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by ocelotbob · · Score: 1

      Well, for me, clothes is bad because my relatives have no sense of my personal style. Usually I get some crap article of clothing that I wouldn't be caught dead wearing. I much, much prefer heading out and buying my own clothes, though lately, my purchases have seemed to been more out of necessity than actual desire...

      --

      Marxism is the opiate of dumbasses

    7. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, it's their house, so they can set the rules. If they want you to use a close hamper, then you better.

    8. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by digitalsushi · · Score: 1

      I hear ya. I never wash the hamper either. Just get a new one every 6 months after the clothes let go of the wicker.

      --
      slashdot: where everyone yells sarcastic metaphors to themselves to understand the issue
    9. Re:If you think getting clothes is bad... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A "close hamper?"

      Hookt on foniks helpt mi!

  36. It wasn't a present by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant, and a McDonalds coupon book in the same package.

    It was a message. Your breath stinks, you have BO, and you're too skinny.

  37. Flasher Gear by AsnFkr · · Score: 5, Funny

    I got a full length coat from my mom. Now I can go out in public without wearing anything underneath it. I can;t wait till New Years!! Mwahaahaha!!!!

    1. Re:Flasher Gear by Dun+Malg · · Score: 5, Funny
      I got a full length coat from my mom. Now I can go out in public without wearing anything underneath it.

      Be sure to cut off a pair of trouser legs at about knee height and tie the cut off pieces in place with string on your lower legs just above the calves. That way it looks like you're wearing pants as long as the coat is closed.

      --
      If a job's not worth doing, it's not worth doing right.
    2. Re:Flasher Gear by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      I got a full length coat from my mom. Now I can go out in public without wearing anything underneath it. I can;t wait till New Years!! Mwahaahaha!!!!

      You forgot to tell the /. crowd that it also came with 100 magnifying glasses.

    3. Re:Flasher Gear by eatdave13 · · Score: 1

      You forgot to add:

      Not that I know anything about that. *ahem*

      --
      "Verbing weirds language." -- Calvin
    4. Re:Flasher Gear by deepvoid · · Score: 1

      You sound like you're experienced.

      --
      Fast machines, powerfull AI, impulsive invention,... All I lack is a good espresso machine!
    5. Re:Flasher Gear by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is what garters are for. I suggest frilly pink ones.

    6. Re:Flasher Gear by Scrameustache · · Score: 1

      Now I can go out in public without wearing anything underneath it. I can;t wait till New Years!

      That's when your parole ends?

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    7. Re:Flasher Gear by IchBinEinPenguin · · Score: 1

      NO NO NO NO NO!!!

      The string eventually cuts off the circulation in your legs.

      Much better to sew the pants-legs into the back of the coat, or use velcro so you can mix and match.

      trust me, I know 'cos I , erm..., saw it on TV!!

    8. Re:Flasher Gear by cube00 · · Score: 0

      Are you sure their not telling you to kill everyone at your work place?

      I mean, when I think trenchcoat, I think sawed off shotguns, UZI's, rifles.

      But, maybe thats just me. And maybe thats why there is a grey van with a satelite dish in the street.

      Hmmmm.. time to put my trenchcoat and apparell on.

    9. Re:Flasher Gear by Reziac · · Score: 1

      Reminds me of the day a friend showed up wearing a pair of shorts with all the cloth removed between waistband and thighs :)

      My relatives occasionally give me underwear, the kind that comes in a plastic tube. My sister whacks the tube against the table and announces, "Poppin' fresh underwear!"

      --
      ~REZ~ #43301. Who'd fake being me anyway?
    10. Re:Flasher Gear by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      must have taped up the legs then...

  38. I'm Jewish, you insensitive clod! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So for me that means Chinese food and a movie, although I also volunteered at the local food bank this morning.

    1. Re:I'm Jewish, you insensitive clod! by MemoryAid · · Score: 1

      So, nobody gave you a USB Menorah for Christmas? That would have been a no brainer.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    2. Re:I'm Jewish, you insensitive clod! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Why Chinese food? Why not latkes and sufganiot? It's Chanukah too, you know!

    3. Re:I'm Jewish, you insensitive clod! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You don't mess with tradition, thats why! Just got back from the local Chinese place - it was absolutely packed, as it is every Christmas.

    4. Re:I'm Jewish, you insensitive clod! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh great, now they're moving in on the Chinese too...

      although I also volunteered at the local food bank this morning.

      Oy vey. Don't tell me, last year you tried to bankrupt the sperm bank and scam the blood bank?

  39. Well mine wasn't wierd but cool by raptor21 · · Score: 1

    My girlfriend gave me a $200 gift certificate to an electronics store. It was a tough decision between a PS2 and an ipod, she couldn't make it either, hence the GC. The PS2 won. Becuase I didn't want to spend another $200 on the ipod.

    The ps2 fit nicely in the $200 aligned gift certificate without allocating one more. Geeky?

    1. Re:Well mine wasn't wierd but cool by ilsa · · Score: 1

      And if you are really romantic and she is kinda geeky, you and your girlfriend can even play games together on the PS2.

      Can I recommend Gauntlet: Dark Legacy? Yes, if the warrior is seriously low on food, it does say "The Warrior Needs Food Badly!" Much fun spent in this household.

      Crud, I have now branded myself as a Geek Girl with Knowledge of Olde.

      --
      -- I Am Not A Terrorist.
  40. In the stocking. . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    My dad is a goofball and gave me a wedge of Gouda Cheese in my stocking. Everything else in there smelled like cheese.

  41. For the college student... by NetDrain · · Score: 1

    my mother handed me 8 $50 checks that I can use to buy groceries at school.

    Now I just need to convince myself not to use it for some brand new shiny camera lens, which would result in a higher than usual amount of starvation. So tempted...who needs to eat when you have shiny toys?

  42. The Ex by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My ex-girlfriend gave me my most-appreciated gift.
    I gave the best gifts to my sister and nieces and nephews.

    Funny how that is, eh?

    1. Re:The Ex by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yuck, that's called incest!

  43. Shurikens by gorsh · · Score: 5, Funny

    My girlfriend got me razor-sharp shurikens that I can use to assassinate my enemies in the dark of night!

    1. Re:Shurikens by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      That's funny. I got 10 boxes of Federal Premium 300 grain Nosler Partition .375 H&H Magnum from my girlfriend! I can use that to assasinate my elephants in the dark of night! My enemy's elephants too. Possibly even some of the smaller members of the Boeing family of commerical airliners!

      This is the third year in a row that someone has given me ammo. Last year my mother gave me 2000 rounds (actually 1980 rounds, or something like that) of Radway Green 7.62 in battle packs. The year before that my uncle gave me a shipping box of 174 grain Federal Match .308. I like my family, and I like my girlfriend!

      I all seriousness, it is deer season, and .375 works well for big deer -- less meat damage. More than a shuriken, I suspect, but less than a 7mm Mag or something like that.

    2. Re:Shurikens by Marty200 · · Score: 1

      My girlfriend got me razor-sharp shurikens that I can use to assassinate my enemies in the dark of night!

      Your girlfriend is cool!

      MG

      --

      Randomly distributing Karma whenever possible.

    3. Re:Shurikens by sreynolds17 · · Score: 1

      and by cool you mean TOTALLY SWEET!

      --
      Why did they name it c# when clearly they mean for it to be c$? Wrong finger I guess...
    4. Re:Shurikens by Tablizer · · Score: 2, Funny

      My girlfriend got me razor-sharp shurikens that I can use to assassinate my enemies in the dark of night!

      Osama, I am so happy for you! Its nice to know there is still personal love and caring to be found in those dark hiding places. Treat her well.

    5. Re:Shurikens by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Let me guess? You're American?

    6. Re:Shurikens by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Who else would flaunt that likes to kill animals ?

    7. Re:Shurikens by el-spectre · · Score: 1

      Umm... someone who likes venison, and is hungry?

      --
      "Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.
    8. Re:Shurikens by Morologous · · Score: 1

      Hunting in many areas of the US is a requirement, as one of two things has happened:
      1.) natural predators have been eliminated or pushed out by development.
      2.) farms and parks provide ideal feeding and breeding grounds.

      Where I grew up the local government extended the deer season each year, as the population was out of control. Keeps the crops in the fields and the deer off the roads.

      (More esoterically, before humans were farmers and domesticators we were hunter/gatherers, so we probably wouldn't be where and what we are today without hunting and hunters).

      All that said, I don't own a gun, nor have I ever been hunting.

    9. Re:Shurikens by sharkey · · Score: 1
      razor-sharp shurikens

      And how many times have you cut yourself so far?

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
    10. Re:Shurikens by Wes+Janson · · Score: 1

      Is it just me, or did *anyone* else get the Neuromancer reference? Or am I just a geek among geeks?

  44. Best Christmas Ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    1. Re:Best Christmas Ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Strange no has tried to interpret that....

    2. Re:Best Christmas Ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view.php?id=14026 6

    3. Re:Best Christmas Ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Interpret what? I don't like Remingtons (push feed actions suck, even on nice guns), but that is not a bad list. I would get something other than a .30-30, but it works fine in brush. You can't have too many guns, after all.

  45. Santa's dictionary is F'd by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

    I wrote Santa and asked for a pussy. So I unwrap the box and see only a goddam alley cat.....male even.

    1. Re:Santa's dictionary is F'd by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, that sucks. Should've been specific, you can't expect a human girl for xmas, Santa isn't into slavery. But if you asked for a mare, this could work. Except you'd have to watch out she didn't choke on the christmas tree.

    2. Re:Santa's dictionary is F'd by Edax+Rarem · · Score: 1

      I wrote Santa and asked for a pussy.

      Stan:I want to be a woman... from now on I want you all to call me Loretta.

      Reg: What???

      Loretta: It's my right as a man.

      Judith: Well why do you want to be Loretta, Stan?

      Loretta: I want to have babies.

      Reg: You want to have babies?

      Loretta: It's every man's right to have babies if he wants them.

      Reg;: But you can't have babies.

      Loretta:Don't you oppress me.

      Reg: I'm not oppressing you, Stan. You haven't got a womb. Where's the fetis going to gestate? You going to keep it in a box?

      --
      I hate my sig.
  46. sweating... by bprime · · Score: 1

    One of my female friends bought me a 100% Authentic Pakistanian Polyester Smoking Jacket. Also a replacement key for my Scroll Lock key (that i never use) that's bright orange and says "X%&#!" on it. she's cute :)

  47. Smoke detector by s0rbix · · Score: 1

    My mom bought me a smoke detector for christmas, and nothing else.

  48. a hint? by wo1verin3 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    >> I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant

    do you perhaps think they're trying to tell you something?

  49. A gig of RAM by Juanvaldes · · Score: 5, Funny

    I love my family. :D

    1. Re:A gig of RAM by jagilbertvt · · Score: 1

      I can't trust my parents to buy decent computer components, and they dont buy anything online, so no gift lists.. sigh.

    2. Re:A gig of RAM by dpilot · · Score: 1

      I got a half-gig from my wife. But then, when it's booted to Win98, it can't use more than 640M, anyway. (Without some arcane registry stuff.) Besides, this system probably goes to college next Fall with my son.

      But it's now ready for Doom3.

      --
      The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
    3. Re:A gig of RAM by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      For the love a God please don't send you kid to school with a computer running Windows 98. Have you considered a nice laptop?

    4. Re:A gig of RAM by dpilot · · Score: 1

      Other than the Linux boot already on the machine, he can get a more current Windows when he gets to school, with his student's discount. He's currently looking at animation, (the art side) and those students generally have (beefier) desksides rather than laptops.

      --
      The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
    5. Re:A gig of RAM by fo0bar · · Score: 2, Funny

      What configuration? If they got you 2x512MB sticks (~$160 total), they are cheap bastards and should be treated as such.

      However, if it is a 1GB stick (~$500 last time I checked), you truly have a kickass family.

    6. Re:A gig of RAM by Grizzlysmit · · Score: 1

      I love my family. :D

      you sure a lot of us would like to do a swap :-D.
      --
      in my life God comes first.... but Linux is pretty high after that :-D
      Francis Smit
    7. Re:A gig of RAM by Reziac · · Score: 1

      Side note: apparently the RAM limit (which IIRC is 512mb, not 640mb) is due to some hardware glitch on certain machines, rather than being universal. I'm sitting here right now with a Win98 machine that has 1GB of RAM on a Tyan S1830S motherboard (i440BX chipset), and no one did anything arcane with it whatever. Default install works fine, and Win98 sees/uses all the RAM.

      --
      ~REZ~ #43301. Who'd fake being me anyway?
    8. Re:A gig of RAM by theedge318 · · Score: 1

      I don't know about you ... but I swear by my dual-channel 2x512MB RAM Chips. Especially nice when you get them in matched pairs. So what if they are cheaper, the memory access is still faster. And spending a grand for 2x1GB is ridiculous.

      --
      Sig Nazi- "No Sig for you, come back 1 year."
    9. Re:A gig of RAM by cdrudge · · Score: 1

      2 sticks are better then one aren't they? You can run them in stripped mode RAID 0...double the performance!

    10. Re:A gig of RAM by StarManta · · Score: 0

      Wait a second.... so you think your family should be treated like cheap bastards because they got you pretty much the same performance for about a third of the cost? That's SMART. Not CHEAP.

      --
      StarManta
      I don't think BMW has ever complained about their 2% marketshare. Neither has Apple.
    11. Re:A gig of RAM by Wycliffe · · Score: 1

      Since when was $160 a "cheap bastard"?
      I personally don't know a single person in
      my circle of friends or extended family that
      spent more than $160 on a non-spouse this
      year.

  50. Re:REPAIR THOSE SERVERS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Aarghh! As if getting this instead of the comments wasn't enough, now I'm seeing it in the comments. Please, sir, kindly hang yourself..

  51. Here's what I got for xmas from my parents: by Bent_MG · · Score: 1

    A box of miniature chocolate bars. Yep, that's it. I guess they must not have appreciated my purchase of Microsoft's Streets and Trips 2004 for their computer. Oh well! :)

    --
    All your bays are belong to us!
  52. I Got nothing big for christmas... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Since I graduate with my B.S. in May 2004, I get the feeling I got kinda-sorta screwed for Christmas... I made a quasi-reasonable list, I thought... Tivo, HTPC, or iPod, pick any one, and got back, "We'll see..." So far, no iPod, HTPC, or Tivo-shaped boxes under the tree...

    Ah well. More socks. What's fun is that I had to deliver an ultimatum to my younger sibling (who's 17, and has a *faint* glimmering of understanding the real world) that I wanted a $25 GC to Barnes and Noble... the boy *knows* I spend several hundred dollars there a year... sheesh...

    1. Re:I Got nothing big for christmas... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Um. If you're graduating college in a few months, maybe you're a little old for putting together christmas lists?

      The last time I made up a list and *expected* anything for christmas (or a birthday or any other day for that matter) was when I was like.. 10 years old.

      Kind of greedy...

  53. Interesting by Sirch · · Score: 1

    Kind of sensible really, mom got me a bag of coffee beans per month for the rest of the year, which should be cool.

    A bit better than her giving me 21 different varieties of pasta for my 21st!

    1. Re:Interesting by aspjunkie · · Score: 4, Funny

      "mom got me a bag of coffee beans per month for the rest of the year, which should be cool"
      ...Just *one* bag then, huh? ;)

    2. Re:Interesting by Greyfox · · Score: 1

      So what do you do for caffiene the other 28 days?

      --

      I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

  54. Beat This.... by iLL_L0gic · · Score: 1

    My mom got me some fancy Lifestyles condoms..... given the fact that I"m only 19 and have never mentioned sex to her, it's kinda odd she would get me something like this. I just hope she didn't find some used wrapper somewhere in my old bedroom!

    1. Re:Beat This.... by Rosonowski · · Score: 1

      I got a pack myself. The thing is, she knows I'm completely abstient.

      (and yes, it's a matter of choice. =P)

      --
      01101001 01100001 01101101 01101110 01101111 01110100 01100001 01101100 01100001 01110111 01111001 01100101 01110010
    2. Re:Beat This.... by snilloc · · Score: 1
      (and yes, it's a matter of choice. =P)

      Just keep telling yourself that...

    3. Re:Beat This.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What are you - some kind of fastidious masterbator ?

    4. Re:Beat This.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude, she thinks your gay! She's encouraging you to go have lots and lots of hot sex... with women.

  55. I got the strangest xmas present ever! by RobPiano · · Score: 1

    All good xmas gifts! I have always had at least one or two rotten gifts. Books about birds, heavy winter coats without sleeves, buckwheat pancake mix.. you name it! But this year, to my joyous disbelief I got great gifts: a ps2, some games, nice clothes, two towers, chocolate, and money from my aunt. I can't wait to write my thank you notes!

    Dear Aunt,

    Thanks for the money, I bought beer.

    Your Loving Nephew Reindeer,
    "Blitzed"en

    1. Re:I got the strangest xmas present ever! by isaac338 · · Score: 1

      heavy winter coats without sleeves

      You mean a vest?

  56. Very revealing by haraldm · · Score: 1

    All of your four presents appear to suggest you have a bad breath. ;-) SCNR...

    --
    open (SIG, "</dev/zero"); $sig = <SIG>; close SIG;
  57. Oh great. by BWJones · · Score: 1

    Well, I did not get ANYTHING for Christmas, you insensitive clod! :-)

    --
    Visit Jonesblog and say hello.
    1. Re:Oh great. by bj8rn · · Score: 0
      Erm... In Soviet Russia, Christmas presents give YOU [up]?

      Here, you can have that as a Christmas present :7

      --
      Hell is not other people; it is yourself. - Ludwig Wittgenstein
  58. Aww mod parent up by youngerpants · · Score: 4, Funny

    it is christmas after all

    1. Re:Aww mod parent up by soloport · · Score: 2, Funny

      If only /. would give everyone mod-points. What a wonderful gift that would be...

      Hello? michael? Listenning?

    2. Re:Aww mod parent up by blugu64 · · Score: 1

      hehe, actually I logged in and guess what!....5 Mod points....

      --
      "Personal ownership is a hallmark of conservative capitalism. And I don't believe I am entitled to anything that I did n
    3. Re:Aww mod parent up by MooseGuy529 · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Me too!

      Great, now you can moderate me -1 Redundant.

      No really, I did get mod points!

      --

      Tired of free iPod sigs? Subscribe to my blacklist

    4. Re:Aww mod parent up by dswensen · · Score: 3, Funny

      I got a rock.

    5. Re:Aww mod parent up by epiphani · · Score: 1

      I got a 30cm tall doll of the french taunter from the holy grail. Bet most of you've never even *seen* a doll of John Cleese. My best friend had the sense to accually buy one for me.

      --
      .
    6. Re:Aww mod parent up by kv9 · · Score: 1

      you rule

    7. Re:Aww mod parent up by antek9 · · Score: 1

      > Great, now you can moderate me -1 Redundant.

      No, he can't.

      --
      A World in a Grain of Sand / Heaven in a Wild Flower,
      Infinity in the Palm of your Hand / And Eternity in an Hour.
    8. Re:Aww mod parent up by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Never mind, looks like someone else already got to it...

  59. Weirdest gift I ever received... by ILL+Robinson · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...was wrapped gift wrap.

    Worse part was, I didn't know when the hell to stop unwrapping.

    1. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Gubbe · · Score: 5, Funny
      ...wrapped gift wrap.
      Yes, I had a similar experience once. I got this huge-ass box, cut the strings around it with a knife, opened the box and found another box. I opened the box and found yet another box. By the time I had opened over ten boxes and realized there's no way the last tiny box could contain anything else than possibly an even smaller box, I decided that I'm not going to let my family ridicule me any further. On a moments whim I grabbed the knife and frustratedly stabbed the small box twice.

      The high-capacity so-dimm inside didn't appreciate it.
    2. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Exiler · · Score: 1

      I gave something similar to one of my friends =)

      --
      Banaaaana!
    3. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      me to... me to! i also had or did something similar! i did i did!

    4. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      On a moments whim I grabbed the knife and frustratedly stabbed the small box twice.

      Errr...you have some anger issues. What if it was a pet gerbil, bitch?

    5. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Nazmun · · Score: 1

      Eh... the gerbal would already be suffering/dying/dead if it was stuffed in something of that sort (multiple boxes getting smaller and smaller).

      --
      Hmmm... Pie...
    6. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by mailseth · · Score: 1

      I gave a friend of mine a box with a gift certificate in it for his birthday once. It was a big box with quite a few envelopes taped to the inside of it. He opened all of the envelopes before finding out that there was a false bottom (with more envelopes under it :). He did eventually find it...

    7. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by JoshWurzel · · Score: 1

      My best friend did something similar for my bar mitzvah. It was the largest of all the boxes I'd received...50 layers of boxen later, I discovered an envelope with cash.

      Fortunately, I got the knife out after the second layer.

    8. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Fr33z0r · · Score: 1
      I decided that I'm not going to let my family ridicule me any further. On a moments whim I grabbed the knife and frustratedly stabbed the small box twice.

      The high-capacity so-dimm inside didn't appreciate it.
      No offense intended, but that'll teach you not to be quite so insane in future.
    9. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      must... resist... bar mitzvah... knife... joke...

    10. Re:Weirdest gift I ever received... by Drakonian · · Score: 1

      It's illegal to murder those who commit SO-DIMMy.

      --
      Random is the New Order.
  60. Framed Slashdot Favorites by UniverseIsADoughnut · · Score: 0

    I'm sure a few people where hoping for framed images of Goatse.cx and tubgirl. I thought about giving out a few but I'm more down with tacky and untasteful gifts. Those were just to normal. Maybe thinkgeek will have them on special some day.

  61. Hmm, Maybe.. by MrPerfekt · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant,

    Maybe your friends/family are trying to tell you something!

    --
    I just wasted your mod points! HA!
  62. Giving and getting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My girlfriend and I went to Scores (strip club in NYC) and I bought her lap dances. Everyone was happy!

  63. Let's see... by astro · · Score: 1

    2 GC Games (TH Underground, XIII), 2 Gundam models, 2 shirts, yet another in a never ending series of annual all-in-one Leatherman analogue tools. Typical of /.'ers I would think.

  64. off kilter presents by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My friend got me a cheese grater and a bunch of little candles.(and apprently a couple of shot glasses) on the card it says " for when you're in the mood and want to grate cheese. p.s. the candle holders can be used as shot glasses." fire, alcohol and cheese. it is x-mas.

    1. Re:off kilter presents by Tomble · · Score: 1

      Funny, I read that gift as being "for when you want to try to drink grated wax".

      --
      Be careful! New moon tonight.
  65. They're trying to kill you! by 4r0g · · Score: 1

    Their cunning plan was uncovered today. In addition, I think you should consider showering more often ;)

    --
    - 4r0g
  66. Dilton button by Fancia · · Score: 1

    This is by far the strangest: from my brother, I received a small button with a picture of Dilton from Archie comics, looking confused. He's prided himself this year on strange, nonsensical gifts.

    --

    Bít, zabít, jen proto, ze su liska!
  67. Shocking Roulette by Helmut+Kool · · Score: 5, Funny

    Me and my s.o. got a Shocking Roulette game from a friend who is studying in Scotland (it's supposed to be popular around there?). It's for 2-4 players. Each puts a finger inside this machine, the lights start blinking, and as they stop the lucky winner is rewarded with an electric shock. "The more you sweat the worse it gets!"

    1. Re:Shocking Roulette by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh....I see...it's a finger they want in there. Oops.

    2. Re:Shocking Roulette by bartyboy · · Score: 1
      Not a cheap present!

      16.00 pounds, plus 4 for shipping... I'd rather get an old magneto, though. Lots more voltage.

  68. Carbon Monoxide Detector by Leareth · · Score: 2, Interesting

    My wife got a Caron-Monoxide detector from her secret Santa at the their holiday party.

    Other people got wine, gadgets, chocolate...

    Mind you we have a small house and we have two already detectors allready.

    But, CO poisoning is serious stuff up here in the great northern state, so I guess the best way to look at it is that at LEAST one of her fellow employees would like her to survive the winter. (We had a family of five die this month from it.)

    --
    *A)bort, R)etry, I)nfluence with large hammer.*
    1. Re:Carbon Monoxide Detector by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But, CO poisoning is serious stuff up here in the great northern state,

      I think you'll find the haemoglobin in most of Earth's healthy human population to have about the same affinity for CO.

  69. A Gift from Nigeria by AtariAmarok · · Score: 4, Funny

    I received a wonderful gift in my e-mail box from the King of Nigeria this morning. He said that if I gave him my life savings, he would give me $400,000,000. What a kind fellow, fully of holiday cheer, to make such a generous offer!

    --
    Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
    1. Re:A Gift from Nigeria by tekiegreg · · Score: 2, Funny

      Well,only because in an earlier Slashdot article I feel it's prudent to warn....these guys are bad, evil, worse than Darl McBride even!!! These guys will chew you up and spit you out worse than a corrupt Linux Kernel!

      --
      ...in bed
    2. Re:A Gift from Nigeria by Mannerism · · Score: 1

      I received a wonderful gift in my e-mail box from the King of Nigeria this morning.

      Wenceslas, I presume?

  70. I did pretty good. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got a $200 dollar gift cert from my mother
    $50 from my father (who makes way more than my mother, cheapsakate :-P )
    $20 from my aunt and uncle
    A T-shirt that says "Zombie Joe's Coffee, wake the dead". A fine shirt but I'm allergic to caffine so I don't drink coffee. From an aunt.
    A car cleaning kit for my car from my other aunt.

    I figure I'll keep everything and use the Gift Cert to buy a PS2 or XBOX and a game. Now to get the broadband adaptor or not? Hmmm

  71. Plastic Ribbed Shelf Liner by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My aunt gave me Plastic Ribbed Shelf Liner, a whole 12" wide, "economical 10' role".

    Chamrin

  72. nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's only like 2pm where I'm at and we haven't even gathered at my parent's house yet. We'll probably do that in a few more hours.

    I always tell everyone to get me NOTHING but typically they'll still always get me a little something for a gift. I really don't like getting xmas gifts and am more into giving them. Besides, there's nothing I want that I don't have. As a guy with a job, anything I want I tend to buy right away. It isn't a guy type of thing to be all like "I really want this and this and this... but I'll just wait and hope someone buys it for me"... usually we go out and buy it when it strikes our fancy.

    So yeah... there isn't anything I want for xmas and am not expecting to get anything except maybe a DVD or a keychain that makes noise when you clap (I've lost so manyf ucking keys this year)...

    1. Re:nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm the same way. We have *way* to much junk and clutter in our small house. I've specifically told folks that I don't want more "stuff". The only thing I *do* want (a small-scale server-class computer so I can play at home), we can't afford.

      Do they listen? No. Another Dilbert calendar and book, etc. etc. More "stuff" I don't want, or need, and can't really use.

      And they wonder why I get pissey when they won't listen...

    2. Re:nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Do something useful with it. Just sell the stuff on ebay and put it towards your server fund.

      Don't know why I feel the need to post this anonymously, but somehow it just feels right.

  73. A picture frame by DumbWhiteGuy777 · · Score: 1

    I got a picture frame. No picture or anything inside it, JUST a picture frame. When opening it, I was all "Holy crap, I wonder what it is! It's a, oh, it's a picture frame. Great, thanks a bunch!"

    Best. Christmas. Ever.

    1. Re:A picture frame by maggern · · Score: 1

      Hehe, I gave away some picture frames WITH a picture of me. Can't get any better than that! :-) I take pride in giving away stupid presents!

  74. Pez Coated Popcorn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    My finest gift was a small box of Lemon Flavored Pez Coated Popcorn. I had no idea that anyone alive would be twisted enough to market this.

    1. Re:Pez Coated Popcorn by Rosonowski · · Score: 1

      Mind asking them where? I know a few people who would very likely kill for that.

      --
      01101001 01100001 01101101 01101110 01101111 01110100 01100001 01101100 01100001 01110111 01111001 01100101 01110010
    2. Re:Pez Coated Popcorn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Try 99 cent stores in So Cal, or google it.

    3. Re:Pez Coated Popcorn by fuzdout · · Score: 1

      You think that's twisted? I got my best buddy a DVD set I knew he really wanted and had it all wrapped up..When I give him the box, he picks it up and starts to shake it before unwrapping it (like lots of people do) but then asks "is it chocolate or is it underwear?" :) Oh dear...[g]

      --
      Fuzdout
      ..My sig ran away. Has anyone seen my sig?
    4. Re:Pez Coated Popcorn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey, credit The Amazing Jonathan's stand up routine for that sig.

  75. My wife gave me cock burns by WombatDeath · · Score: 5, Funny
    1. Re:My wife gave me cock burns by telstar · · Score: 1

      Your wife gave me that too! I knew I should've worn a hat...

    2. Re:My wife gave me cock burns by Stephen+Maturin · · Score: 1

      ME TOO!
      but guess what I gave HER!

      --
      Non tam praeclarum est scire Latine, quam turpe nescire
      -- Cicero
    3. Re:My wife gave me cock burns by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nice. I'm working through a bottle of Graham's LBV 97 now. Speaking of which, why am I reading /. with no glass?

    4. Re:My wife gave me cock burns by CaptainCarrot · · Score: 1

      You know it's pronounced "Coburn", right? Or were you wondering about all those funny looks you kept getting at the local BevMo?

      --
      And the brethren went away edified.
    5. Re:My wife gave me cock burns by Epistax · · Score: 1

      I had a professor named Cockburn (last quarter), and I'll have him at least twice more. I don't think this is of interest to anyone but it's the only message in this thread that I can even remotely relate to.

    6. Re:My wife gave me cock burns by babbage · · Score: 1

      What a coincidence, my brother gave me a Dirty Dick...

  76. Comfey Chair by Zorak+Man · · Score: 0

    I got a nice chair for my computer with wheels. Now I can navigate between the 7 computers in my room with tons of ease and comfort to boot.

    --

    404 .sig not found
  77. Weird presaent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Earlier this year I was annoyed by s few flies. I asked my wife to pick up a no-pest strip at the store. She couldn't find any, so I forgot about it.

    Today I unwrap a present to find a mechanical replica of a Venus Flytrap plant, complete with some sort of sticky insert to trap bugs of all sorts. The box proudly exclaims that "it burps when it's caught a bug"...

    <sigh>

    1. Re:Weird presaent by Gondola · · Score: 1

      That is an awesome present. Your wife has a sense of humor at least... do not complain!

  78. johnny cash by FCAdcock · · Score: 1

    two johnny cash albums, and a pair of socks.

    I wouldn't have been upset except for the fact that I play bass for a heavy metal band, and my parents know this...

    They aren't even GOOD cash albums even.

    --
    --Forest C. Adcock--
    1. Re:johnny cash by Scrameustache · · Score: 1


      I once got a Kenny G CD for xmas...consider yourself lucky!

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    2. Re:johnny cash by nocomment · · Score: 1

      At least "the man in black" is cool. Probably the only country music I like. It's a bit like drinking beer at 14 though, until you've done it 15 or 20 times, it won't start tasting good. I once got Vanilla Ice, which is more like drinking melted rubber.

      --
      /* oops I accidentally made a comment, sorry */
      /* http://allyourbasearebelongto.us */
  79. All cool stuff here by crahan11 · · Score: 1

    D-Link bluetooth USB adapter, LOTR TTT extended DVD set and a 50 euro gift certificate for the local comic shop. I'd say it's been a good xmas holiday so far.

  80. yes... by lemonjus · · Score: 1

    On sundays ,my father wears a pinocio outfit and ...

    Oh, I thought the title said "weird parents".
    sorry.

  81. We got out of debt by anthonyclark · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Not to sound smug here but my Wife and I got out of debt.

    Minimal presents to other people, no big dinner or tree and no huge tech presents for either of us. Instead we sneaked past the finish line in our "Debt Free in 2003" goal.

    This Christmas is bare by many western standards, but now we can start saving for a deposit for a house. (Yeah, more debt there but what can one do about that?).

    --
    ----- Documentation is worth it just to be able to answer all your mail with 'RTFM' - Alan Cox.
    1. Re:We got out of debt by unborracho · · Score: 1

      If I had mod points I would be modding this post up. Good luck to you in the future, my friend!

      --
      "You had this look that of an angel, it was such a bad disguise" --Dishwalla
    2. Re:We got out of debt by Thrakkerzog · · Score: 1

      Buying a house doesn't really put you in debt... as long as the value of your house is more than what you owe. Yes, you might have to move if things go south, but you have that equity.

      If you think of it as a big black hole, you'll never buy it!

    3. Re:We got out of debt by kfg · · Score: 1

      (Yeah, more debt there but what can one do about that?).

      Save longer. Build it yourself as you can afford it. It can be done. It isn't the current traditional model but it can certainly be done. Most or our ancestors did and many do today.

      Pick up a copy of Rex Roberts' "Your Engineered House." Memorize it. You won't regret it.

      KFG

    4. Re:We got out of debt by yuri+benjamin · · Score: 1

      Congrats. This is a present for yourselves that you won't regret - and it has inspired me to suggest the same to my wife for next Christmas - thanks

      --
      You make the mistake of thinking you can educate the fundamental stupidity out of people. You can't.
    5. Re:We got out of debt by EmagGeek · · Score: 1

      Yes it can be done, as long as you don't live in the northeast where unions and developers control everything... I can't even change a lightswitch legally without hiring a contractor and making his car payment for him...

    6. Re:We got out of debt by Alexei · · Score: 1

      Debt-free in two thousand and four doesn't quite have the same ring to it, though, does it? :)

    7. Re:We got out of debt by kfg · · Score: 1

      Plumbers, electricians and lawyers have you by the balls just about anywhere. This amounts to about 10% of the cost of the house. Which you'd need to have for a downpayment anyway.

      I live in the northeast. I know lots of people who did it the build it yourself way. I'm related to some of them.

      It can be done. It does save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortagage.

      Buy the book.

      KFG

    8. Re:We got out of debt by Zro+Point+Two · · Score: 1

      what about
      "Debt-no-more in two thousand four"?

      --
      Zro . two

      "I come from Canada...they say I'm slow....eh?"
    9. Re:We got out of debt by kurosawdust · · Score: 1
      we sneaked past the finish line in our "Debt Free in 2003" goal...now we can start saving for a deposit for a house. (Yeah, more debt there but what can one do about that?).

      So I take it your goal for the new year is "Debt Once More in 2004"?

    10. Re:We got out of debt by cperciva · · Score: 1

      Build it yourself as you can afford it. It can be done.

      Can you build the land as well? Where I live, people tend to have $100K houses sitting on $400K of land.

    11. Re:We got out of debt by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Debt-free in two thousand and four doesn't quite have the same ring to it, though, does it? :)

      How about "Broke and poor in two thousand four."

    12. Re:We got out of debt by kfg · · Score: 1

      If you do as "everyone" else does you will achieve the same results. If you wish to do better you'll have to do something different.

      There are alternatives. You may choose to eschew those alternatives for whatever reasons of your own, but this does not negate the fact that they exist.

      KFG

    13. Re:We got out of debt by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      I just bought a $78k house sitting on $350k of land, so I know how the original guy feels.

      I actually researched the idea of building my own house. In Southern California, where virtually all of the buildable land is already developed on, the whole process is fraught with peril and pitfalls.

      Most land offered for sale is illegal to build on, and construction can only be attempted after a horrorific, multi-year planning and permitting process.

      If you have ways around that sort of question, I'd love to hear them. But if your answer is just "Well, move to Oklahoma where land is cheap and there is no Coastal Commission to prevent you from building", I salute you, but do not propose to emulate you.

      Based on my experience in researching construction in Malibu or Topanga Canyon (the two areas where I really thought the hassle might be worthwhile), I wouldn't recommend the process at all. You will spend less money and have fewer hassles if you simply buy an existing, functioning house.

      D

    14. Re:We got out of debt by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, you could start making your money work for you, huh? how's that? ;-)
      Seriously, I just finished reading a book about finances that really got me thinking...if anyone is interested, the author is Robert Kiyosaki.

    15. Re:We got out of debt by swv3752 · · Score: 1

      No. You are better off spending money on a mortage than on rent. Between tax breaks and home equity, it just makes sense.

      There are a few scenarios were one shouldn't buy a house, but in most- buy it.

      --
      Just a Tuna in the Sea of Life
    16. Re:We got out of debt by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Debt, like herpes, is preventable. Still, it's always good to know that it's easier to get rid of.

    17. Re:We got out of debt by kfg · · Score: 1

      I actually researched the idea of building my own house. In Southern California, where virtually all of the buildable land is already developed on, the whole process is fraught with peril and pitfalls.

      In that sort of enviroment, then yes, you may be constrained to purchasing and mortgaging if you wish to remain in that area.

      I would not, however, recommend Oklahoma to anybody, even those already living there and thinking they're happy about it.

      KFG

    18. Re:We got out of debt by LinuxHam · · Score: 1

      (Yeah, more debt there but what can one do about that?)

      Yeah, but that's smart debt. Smart debt good. Dumb debt bad. Lesson over.

      --
      Intelligent Life on Earth
    19. Re:We got out of debt by Chuqmystr · · Score: 1
      Because my wife and I didn't work very hard at becoming debt free before the IT job market iploded, taking me along with it, our last few christmases have been as thin as yours and not by choice.

      Things are coming together now though so I think I'll take your advice and have a few more thin christmases but by choice. Thanks.

    20. Re:We got out of debt by jasonbowen · · Score: 1

      Taken care of, a house isn't a debt but an investment. It's also a huge tax break.

    21. Re:We got out of debt by nicodaemos · · Score: 1

      Don't kid yourself. Equity, smechwity ... it's all about how much interest you have to pay. Besides, to get access to that equity you have to sell the roof over your head -- now where are you going to stay?

      Read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and get your house paid off as soon as possible.

    22. Re:We got out of debt by Edax+Rarem · · Score: 1

      Investing in a house was definitely the best thing I have ever done monetarily.
      Bought a townhouse in NoVa 4 years ago and the property value has almost doubled. If a subway/metro line goes in nearby (still in deliberations). I am sure it will triple.
      Bottom line...if you can do it, do it soon. the real estate market is out of control right now.
      Well, in Northern Virginia anyway.
      Good luck!

      --
      I hate my sig.
    23. Re:We got out of debt by Maechtig · · Score: 1

      Hey! That's Great! Congratulations. And it does put you in a minority of sorts, in keeping with this /. thread. More power to you.

      --
      Gee, it's so tough to find a place to park around here!
    24. Re:We got out of debt by Thrakkerzog · · Score: 1

      We got a very good interest rate.

      If we have to sell the roof over our head, so be it. I can move into a smaller place if I have to.

      We make double payments to the principal, cutting our interest payments down considerably.

  82. What was mom thinking? by confusedneutrino · · Score: 1

    She put an emory board in my stocking. And nail clippers. Does she not realize I'm male? I'm not exactly metrosexual, either...

    --


    --RIAmAses! Let my MP3ople go!
    1. Re:What was mom thinking? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You got off lucky I got a hole nail care kit!

    2. Re:What was mom thinking? by be-fan · · Score: 1

      Men don't clip their nails?

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    3. Re:What was mom thinking? by m0ng0l · · Score: 1

      No, we chew them.....

      --
      Do you see the FNORDS? I refuse to post anonymously, as I am fireproof!
    4. Re:What was mom thinking? by be-fan · · Score: 1

      ewwww.

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    5. Re:What was mom thinking? by archivis · · Score: 1

      Well, yes actually. I do see the FNORDS.

      Do you?

      FNORD

      --
      In July O7, I got a mac pro. There's no punchline. Just endless joy and wonder.
  83. You are homeless... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Obviously they are trying to tell you not to get a job and stop sleeping under the 405.

  84. It's traditional by shockwaverider · · Score: 1

    I didn't get what I wanted....

    George Bush pushing for peace on earth, and good will to all men.

    --
    Remember kids! Guns don't kill people - Americans kill people.
  85. HD & Toothbrush by Locutus233 · · Score: 1

    I got an 80gig HD... Yah more room.. and an electric tooth brush... Thats all I need yah know another peice of crap I can't afford to charge.

  86. ...clothes... by domodude · · Score: 1

    4, yes 4, sweaters - I have one, which is enough
    3 shirts - I have well too many as is
    pair of jeans - I have 4, more than plenty
    2 pairs of khaki pants - I have 1 pair, the right amount
    pair of New Balance shoes - I already have a perfectly good pair
    Homer Simpson slippers - this gift actually didn't suck
    200$ - I do love my horde of money.

    Beh, at least I have plenty of food to eat (actually all the food at my house sucks), a place to sleep, and a car (2000 Toyota Prius, I love it!). It could be worse.

    1. Re:...clothes... by MemoryAid · · Score: 1

      Are the slippers the ones where the foot is inserted in Homer's mouth to put them on?

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
  87. I got the good stuff... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Home made jerkey, life savers, varoius chocolates, a digital camera, $200 worth of tools, and $300 in cash from relatives.
    My parents and myself all kicked in some dollars to get my sister a lap top for school.

  88. Is this a hint? by Blarfy_Snarflepoop · · Score: 0, Redundant

    > Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant,

    Dude, I would seriously consider what this person is trying to tell you!

    --
    No sig for you.
  89. Head Gasket by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Looks Like the $$ from Grama will go to replace the head gaskets in the Windstar, second time in 7 years, not for the DVD burner & video cap card.

  90. Oddity Under the Tree by Tablizer · · Score: 2, Funny

    I woke up and found a meter-wide disk-shaped space probe right under my tree, hot to the touch. It kept beeping this odd British pop tune. Bummer, there were no chocolates in it though.

    1. Re:Oddity Under the Tree by bj8rn · · Score: 1

      This aint no space probe, 'tis a space probe bait! Just point it at the planet Earth and they will send you many many more! Filled with chocolates and toffees!

      --
      Hell is not other people; it is yourself. - Ludwig Wittgenstein
  91. practical? by at_kernel_99 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    My girlfriend gave toilet paper & laundry soap to her brothers and their families. Happy Holidays!

  92. cool gift by GerbilSocks · · Score: 1

    For Christmas, I got ice cubes with a matching ice cube tray.

  93. Cologne From Junior High English Teacher by pingus · · Score: 2, Funny

    I got some crumby cologne from T.J. Maxx from my 8th grade English teacher. It was very likely the most embarassing moment of my school life. She gave it to me in class and I was the only one to receive a gift. So, so, so embarassing (primarily because i smelled bad and was too busy kernel hacking to take a shower when I was at home) Ahh, those were the days...

    1. Re:Cologne From Junior High English Teacher by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
      was too busy kernel hacking to take a shower

      Is that what they call it these days? In my day, it was just called "jerking off" or "wanking"...

    2. Re:Cologne From Junior High English Teacher by blincoln · · Score: 1

      She gave it to me in class and I was the only one to receive a gift.

      Was her name Mary Kay Letourneau? =P

      --
      "...always new atoms but always doing the same dance, remembering what the dance was yesterday." -Richard Feynman
  94. Let me guess... by donutello · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant, and a McDonalds coupon book in the same package.

    Sounds like it's from someone who had a really bad date with you.

    --
    Mmmm.. Donuts
  95. I got Gillette Deodorant... by Tokerat · · Score: 1


    ...and it smells like toothpaste.

    I guess my mother thinks I reek and scare off all the ho ho hos? Nah...geeks never get girlftiends. (I love you, baby :-)

    --
    CAn'T CompreHend SARcaSm?
  96. Air Horn off of a Big Truck by freeio · · Score: 5, Funny

    A good friend of mine came by and presented me with a wrapped item, about 1 meter long with bulges on each end. I tried to guess the contents, but to no avail. It turned out to be a beat-up air horn off of a large truck - which he had found in a junk yard. It didn't take long to find the fittings in the junk box to wake up the neighbothood with it.

    Loud? Oh my! The 100 PSI shop air will make it sing. Now, where can I install it?

    --
    Soli Deo Gloria
    1. Re:Air Horn off of a Big Truck by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      I took 2 air horns off of old vehicles and managed to fit them under the gas tank of my Kawasaki 400 street bike (which I treated like an enduro...).

      The next time I got cut off I laid into the air horns for about 10 seconds. The old lady just about drove her station wagon off the road trying to get out of the way of the "semi truck" that was about to run her over.

      I kept it that way until I sold the motorcycle.

    2. Re:Air Horn off of a Big Truck by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      It would make a nice doorbell. Mount it outside, though.

    3. Re:Air Horn off of a Big Truck by i.r.id10t · · Score: 1

      A friend used to have a pair mounted in his late '60s MG Midget... Between that and the Weber carb and next to nothing for an exhaust, you really knew he was there

      --
      Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos
    4. Re:Air Horn off of a Big Truck by Chuqmystr · · Score: 4, Funny

      Here's one for ya. Back in my autosound installer days I had a good repeat customer who was a long-haul truck driver, used to drive for car shows, CES, big corps, stuff like that. Needless to say his truck was all top notch. N'way, he one day brings in an airhorn from a diesel-electric locomotive. It was HUGE, something like 10'-12' in length if memory serves me right. He wanted to know what we could do with that. Well, much bracket fabricating, some pluming, a solenoid and a few Boch relays and a homebrew triple 5 timming cicuit later I had that dude mounted under the cab and running off of the factory horn button for manual and in conjuction with the timmer circuit off of his alarm. Good thing my sister was the cop on duty in that area that day when I had to explain what was upsetting the neighboring shopkeepers ;-) I believe it took just shy of three minutes to deplete the aux air tank with the enjine shut off.

    5. Re:Air Horn off of a Big Truck by sharkey · · Score: 1

      Heard this guy call in on Bob & Tom one morning. That's a damn loud horn.

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
    6. Re:Air Horn off of a Big Truck by wbav · · Score: 1

      Talk about one hellva case mod. I never liked that little beep the computer gave anyways.

      --

      =================
      Unix is very user friendly, it's just picky about who its friends are.
  97. My thoughts exactly... by eforhan · · Score: 1

    lol
    Merry Christmas anyway!

  98. Best Gift Ever! by aspjunkie · · Score: 3, Funny

    I got Mod Points for Christmas! Thanks Santa!

    1. Re:Best Gift Ever! by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 1
      Just out of curiosity, what determines how you get mod points? I've had excellent karma on Slashdot for over a year now. Do you need to meta-moderate a lot? I've only done it a few times. Is it just completely random and due to the large number of people, I just haven't gotten lucky yet?

      --
      Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
    2. Re:Best Gift Ever! by JUSTONEMORELATTE · · Score: 1

      Just out of curiosity, what determines how you get mod points?
      Psst. You can get anything you want on eBay

    3. Re:Best Gift Ever! by NickFitz · · Score: 1

      This bit of the FAQ will give you an idea of how it works - see the subsection Today: Most Anyone onwards.

      One point worthy of note is that people who read all day, every day are very unlikely to be selected. I've noticed that I often get mod points when I've been too busy to do more than glance at the occasional story. When I'm out of work, I almost never get mod points. Too much free time... let's reload...

      --
      Using HTML in email is like putting sound effects on your phone calls. Just say <strong>no</strong>.
  99. Slashdot on Christmas? by kmhebert · · Score: 1

    Isn't that its own present? I got mostly shirts.

    --
    Regular Meta Moderators are not more likely to get mod points.
  100. Home Depot Gift Card by Polyphemis · · Score: 4, Funny

    I recently moved out on my own into an apartment in Portland with my fiancee, and this Christmas from my brother I got a $25 gift certificate from Home Depot... now, at first glance that might make sense, but if he'd checked he'd have realized that:

    1) The nearest Home Depot is 50 miles away and I don't have a car.

    2) You can't use them online.

    3) There's hardly anything there you can buy for $25 that isn't sold by the pound anyway.

    I'm selling it back to my dad for cash and thanking my brother politely for the thoughtful gift.

    1. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Weird, portland isn't 50 miles across, I live in Portland and there's a Home Depot just a few miles away.

    2. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you are in portland, there is a home depot off of 99 right before sherwood, and another home depot in tigard. both are 20 miles from most anywhere in portland...

    3. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Polyphemis · · Score: 1

      Really?!

      Hell, I just checked their website myself and you're right, they're closer than my fiancee told me. Fuck! I can't figure why she thought it was 50 miles. I really should have checked it myself first.

      Thanks, ACs!

    4. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Pfhor · · Score: 4, Funny

      I went to the home depot, which was unneccesary. I need to go to the apartment depot, which is just a big warehouse with people standing around saying "hey, i don't have to fix shit". -- Mitch Hedberg

    5. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't forget about the one right off of the Murray Road exit of 26. You could take the train out to Sunset transit center and then catch a bus to the front of it. Cheers! -AC

    6. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Kynde · · Score: 1

      I recently moved out on my own into an apartment in Portland with my fiancee

      You sure you didn't overdo that wild-and-free thingy, you... bohemian crazy person... I mean, out on your own and into a flat with your fiancee. How much more independent can one get?

      --
      1 Earth is warming, 2 It's us, 3 it's royally bad, 4 we need to take action NOW
    7. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by raodin · · Score: 1

      This is precisely why I dislike recieving giftcards from relatives who don't live nearby.

    8. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, hopefully she's good in the sack, lest I pity you.

    9. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by SendBot · · Score: 1

      Assuming you live in portland, OR not ME...

      There's one on Jantzen beach, and you can take the 5 right to it. And you can buy a nice set of bolt cutters for around $25.

    10. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by __aafutm5472 · · Score: 1

      I recently moved out on my own into an apartment in Portland...The nearest Home Depot is 50 miles away and I don't have a car.


      Ah, so not Portland, Oregon then. I live in a apartment in Beaverton (about 10 miles from Portland), and have 3 Home Depots within 10 minutes of me. And yes, I do go there. If you have a project that you're doing (computer or otherwise), it's a great place. Plus, they sell CAT5e and all the fittings to build your own network, so it's not all construction stuff.

    11. Re:Home Depot Gift Card by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There is a Home Depot at Mall 205 also.

  101. Location and Timing are everything by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    A black leather trenchcoat. Absolutely normal...

    ...except I live in Florida and spend Christmas/Winter in shorts and a tank-top.

  102. How about this for weird: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How about finding an opened bottle of peanut butter in your stocking.

  103. Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by utahjazz · · Score: 3, Funny

    Why does my mother keep giving me Microsoft Games no matter how many times I tell her I don't use Windows!!! She just doesn't get it, "My son's a computer guy so I get him computer games".

    -"Mom, I don't use Windows".
    +"So how do you use Word?"
    -"I don't".
    +"Oh, Hmm, how do you use MSN?"
    -"I Don't!!!!"
    +"But I know you get email".
    -"Yes"
    +"Well that's certainly strange".
    -"No, it isn't. MSN is not the Internet"
    +"Oh, well here's you're Chrismas present, a copy of Freelancer". (Which is some MS game I never heard of)

    Nevermind the fact that I'm 34 and don't even play computer games.

    Anyone want an unopened copy of Freelancer?

    1. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by |>>? · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Why does my mother keep giving me Microsoft Games no matter how many times I tell her I don't use Windows!!! She just doesn't get it, "My son's a computer guy so I get him computer games".

      Instead of seeing this as a negative experience, your mother knows that you are into computers and she is attempting to communicate with you that she relates to you - by acknowledging this. She likely knows nothing about computers, but she wants to try to connect to her son.

      In return you should not be bitter, but give your mom a big hug, that's all she's really asking for...
      --
      |>>? ..EBCDIC for Onno..
    2. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Trurl's+Machine · · Score: 1

      You lucky, lucky bastard! I'm 35, I do play computer and console games, and if I want to have a computer game for Christmas, I have to buy it myself (then write my name on it and mix it with gifts for my kids). Actually, "Tomb Raider V: The Chronicles" was the worst gift I ever gave myself for Christmas.

    3. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Yert · · Score: 1

      Freelancer is actually a pretty cool game, with some nifty mods to add ships from various Science Fiction genres (Star Wars and Bab5 come to mind) available out there on that newfangled internet thingy. The storyline isn't too bad, but after beating it in about 4 days, I figured maybe it was time to get into the modding... ...lasted about a week. *shrug* Great game, lousy lifespan.

      --
      Truck driver, plumber, Linux systems engineer.
    4. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Damn hippies.

    5. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Dark+Lord+Seth · · Score: 4, Funny

      Yo Freud, merry christmas!

    6. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by FTL · · Score: 1

      > Anyone want an unopened copy of Freelancer? I'll trade it for my only Christmas gift this year: a large bottle of Scottish whisky (from a grateful client). It's a great present given that I DON'T DRINK. Actually on second though, let's not trade, the customs in and out of the UK for it would cost more than the presents.

      --
      Slashdot monitor for your Mozilla sidebar or Active Desktop.
    7. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by weave · · Score: 5, Insightful
      Hell yeah. My mother died when I was young. I remember once she bought us a badminton set for the family to play together. I thought it was gay. We never did use it and I never knew what happened to it. Sometime after she died, I found it stashed away in the corner in the attic and imagined her being sad putting it up there because none of her kids could find the time to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon playing badminton together in the back yard.

      Needless to say, I'd do anything to get a chance to play badminton with her now. For all of you with mothers, even if they drive you nuts, I envy you greatly. Now go do something that will make her happy and show her you still love her.

    8. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by OnyxRaven · · Score: 1

      Freelancer is a great game, you should see if it runs under WineX or something.

      --
      --onyx--
    9. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by irc.goatse.cx+troll · · Score: 1

      Freelancer is actually pretty fun, and I think it runs in Wine or atleast WineX (its been so long since I last tried).
      Gameplay is rather repetitive, but its fun to just fire up and go do some missions to kill time. Its mostly just fly to docking station, accept mission, complete mission (kill someone usually, and kill other people on the way. feel free to collect any small parts they drop), get reward. use reward to buy a better ship, more parts, or random items you can sell to another docking station for more money (dopewars style)

      --
      Pain lasts, kid. Its how you know you're alive. Sometimes I think this growing up thing is just pain management-TheMaxx
    10. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by nanimo · · Score: 0

      At least you have a good reason not to play it ;)

    11. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ... oh, and don't forget to ask for the receipt!

    12. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Teckla · · Score: 1

      Nevermind the fact that I'm 34 and don't even play computer games.

      What does your being 34 years old have to do with your not playing video games?

      -Teckla

    13. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by mcrbids · · Score: 1

      Anyone want an unopened copy of Freelancer?

      Me! Me me me me ME!

      --
      I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
    14. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Freelancer is actually pretty good. You may remember a game called Privateer, part of the wing commander series, it's much like that.

    15. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by syukton · · Score: 1

      or install windows and play freelancer. It's rather scenic.

      --
      Reinvent the wheel only at either a lower cost, greater effectiveness, or your own personal enrichment and satisfaction.
    16. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That is easily the most depressing thing I have read in a long time.

    17. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by realdddave · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Your post made me get up from the computer and go talk to the TV with my mom, dad, and sister - that's a powerful post, and an eerily appropriate one for Christmas.

      I just wanted to say thanks. As a college student especially, it's easy to overlook things that really matter - I'm sure I'm not the only person you had an impact on.

      My religion says that everything happens for a reason - if you believe anything like that, I hope maybe you just saw a way that your mother's unfortunate death was able to help this lowly /.'er.

      Thanks again, sincerly.

    18. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by KeelSpawn · · Score: 1

      LOL dude. Actually I got the exact same thing from one of my friend's parents. They presented me with Freelancher when I went to their house for a party. I just installed it and have been trying it out. Not that fun or special or anything though. A stupid space exploration/trade/fighting game.

      --
      http://www.palmzone.net
    19. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Fr33z0r · · Score: 1

      What's more terrifying than your mom not understanding your choice of OS, is the fact you relay discussions in pop3.

      Please move to Windows for your own sake, you need to be dumbed down a bit.

    20. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by KeelSpawn · · Score: 1

      Nice 3D graphics though I would say.

      --
      http://www.palmzone.net
    21. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just say ebay...

    22. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      shit way to take away that carefree attitude for the holidays.

      but i feel for you, and you make a good point. merry xmas

    23. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by utahjazz · · Score: 1


      In return you should not be bitter, but give your mom a big hug, that's all she's really asking for...


      Of course, this is exactly what I always do, every Christmas and Birthday, and I fully plan on doing the same this year "Thanks mom, it's great, I love it". And I look forward to getting more MS crap for my Birthday this summer.

      But, there was a story on Slashdot asking about weird gifts, and I used this wonderful oportunity to vent. (I knew Slashdot had some redeeming value)

      No need for Dr. Phil here, I'm not some misunderstood 15 year old my mom is trying to 'connect to'. We get along great. She just buys crappy gifts. This is a sit-com, not an after-school special.

    24. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by utahjazz · · Score: 2, Informative

      My example conversation amalgam may have been misleading. I always tell my mother I love the gift, "Thank you so much, It's great, I love it, etc..." It's in the 'off season', like when I'm fixing her comuter or something that I drop very large hints that I don't use Windows (Like saying "I don't use Windows").

      My whining is enterely to Slashdot, never to my Mother.

      Sorry for you loss, Merry Christmas.

    25. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      But in this case in order to show her he still loves her, he has to run Windows, and I just don't think it's worth it...

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    26. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Your post made me get up from the computer and go talk to the TV with my mom, dad, and sister - that's a powerful post, and an eerily appropriate one for Christmas.

      I biked out to my parent's place for christmas (6 miles through snow, uphill both ways! (but downhills both ways too...)), stayed there talking with them until my mom got up and started playing a computer game and my dad took his cue to start playing a nintendo game -luckily i was there to fix the tv for him, but i also took *my* cue and left.

      Guess i'm not very good at conversation.

    27. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by glitch23 · · Score: 1

      In return you should not be bitter, but give your mom a big hug, that's all she's really asking for...

      and give the game to me.

      --
      this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. -- Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
    28. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Drakonian · · Score: 1

      Wow. As someone else said, thanks for the great post. It's so easy to forget what really matters sometimes.

      --
      Random is the New Order.
    29. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      (Gives Weave a hug and cries).

      That's very sobering and you have my deepest sympathies.

    30. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Evil+MarNuke · · Score: 1

      Man, that breaks my heart.

      --
      The journey is better then the end.
    31. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Wolfrider · · Score: 2, Insightful

      --Call up the family and host a party. Set up the badminton kit and tell them you'd like to play a few rounds w/ the family to honor her memory.

      --Badminton can be really fun with the right attitude, and it's easier than tennis.

      --
      .
      == WolfriderV6 == I'm willing to admit that *I just might* be wrong... Are you??
    32. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Gilmoure · · Score: 1

      My Dad does the same thing. About every other year, it's some Windows game. I ooh and aah over it and take it to work and pass it on. I've been a Mac tech for almost 10 years and he still has no clue, despite my telling him "no, I haven't gotten X virus this week as I have a Mac and it doesn't run Windows.

      It's the thought that counts. This year, I got Pirates of Carib DVD and cordless drill (12v). Guess I'll use it as driver as I already have a nice 18v combo set that I bring over and use at his house.

      Wife (with severe asthma) got another gift basket of scented soaps. Sometimes it seems they never really have a clue of who you are, after awhile.

      Best gift for me was watching my 3yr old daughter really get into Christmas this year. She was trying to make snow angels on the floor at work this week (I threw down a bunch of packing peanuts to keep her occupied while I upgraded a server). She also tried sliding down a small hill on the grass (we're in Florida). Got her a real bike (16" wheels) this year and she spent almost two hour going up and down the sidewalk. Guess we can ditch the tricycle. Dad did get her a leap pad which is really cool. He knows what little kids like.

      --
      I drank what? -- Socrates
    33. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Stray7Xi · · Score: 1

      Psh, doesn't matter if the person drinks... you give booze so you have something decent to drink at next years party. ;)

    34. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by aardwolf204 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I know how you feel. This has been the third Christmas I've had without my mom, and my second without my dad, and I'm only 20 years old.

      For all you geeks out there taking your parents for granted, quit it. Its one thing to have processes without parents on your *nix box but completely different without real parents.

      My mother left me with one thing in this life, the knowledge of ballroom dancing (she's a pro dance instructor, and no matter how queer it may sound, dude it gets chicks, no lie. The ability to put on some old music she used to play around the house and dance around the apartment is a depressing blessing all in one. I feel weave's pain, I've been there. I would do anything for one last dance with my mom but instead I'm left with an empty apartment i can just afford, a cat, and a girlfriend I can teach all the dance steps I want.

      some days i feel like there isnt a light at the end of the tunnel, some days i try to emmerse myself with techie shit to keep from reality, but this christmas I've been able to face facts and though the family I once had is gone I'm happy knowing that shes in those steps.

      ps; my dad kicked ass too.

      --
      Im dreaming ofa big bndwdth, That can resist the /.crowd.May ur days b merry & bright & may al
    35. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by weave · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Wow, that sucks aardwolf204. Christmas is never really quite the same after losing a parent, let alone two.

      I was 20 when my mother died. I'm now 44. There's the old cliche about she's never really gone if you keep her alive in your memories. While on some level that's a bunch of bullshit, on others it's not. Our minds are like DRAM. Each memory needs to be refreshed regularly or it fades and is eventually lost or at least unreachable. It sucks that I dream about her less now too.

      Anyway, I'm really touched by the replies here. It's inevitable that if you care about people in your life, you're going to face these kinds of losses. It's part of life unfortunately.

      But, like the great philosopher Butters said in Southpark episode 714, "I love life. Yeah, I'm sad, but at the same time I'm happy that something can make me feel that sad. It's like, it makes me feel alive, it makes me feel human. The only way I can feel this sad now is if I felt something really good before. So I have to take the bad with the good. So it's a beautiful sadness."

      Damn that was a great episode! Merry Christmas all. You know, I learned something very important today. Even among the trolls on slashdot, there's goodness in each and every one and you all touched my heart today. Best wishes to all this holiday season. Thanks!

    36. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This post really sunk in with me as well. My grandma passed away tonight while staying with us. It wasn't unexpected but sad to see her go nonetheless. But this post really made me think about how much goes unappreciated and how hard parents try to connect. It's alien to my mom, but I still got 256MB of laptop memory and a SoundBlaster Audigy 2 NX for Christmas. Anyways your post made me look past some of the things I got and rather at intentions. Some of it's clearer now that I've gone off to college and came back to visit, but your post really sparked a light for me.

      Thank you

    37. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I just realized I used the word "post" four times in seven sentences. I'm done posting for the night.

    38. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by aliensporebomb · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You guys are making me all misty inside! Arrrgh!

      My father died in 1975 when I was 11 and my mom
      died in 1998.

      I know how it is to feel set adrift and cut off
      from everything. I married a woman with a large
      family and they make me feel welcome to be there
      but I still feel the occasional "orphan" type
      feelings, especially at holidays.

      The weird thing is there are no living relatives
      on my mothers' side that we know of (long story)
      and also on my fathers' side he did not keep in touch with his family much - we get occasional cards from them who we don't know too well.

      So, Christmas is sort of a weird time - very,
      very bittersweet. It's true - you won't know
      how much you'll miss your folks until they go.

      Pretty grim stuff for a Christmas gift thing but
      my mom had her fun foibles too which I now
      remember fondly.

      Have a great holiday everyone!

    39. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Just+Some+Guy · · Score: 1
      My sibs and I had our petty bickerings over the last few years that made holidays something to dread. Finally, we collectively said "enough!" and started being nice to each other again. Last Spring, we all got together for no great reason at my parents' house and laughed, played with the toddlers, watched TV together, and generally had a great time as a family. We all went hope happy and with great memories.

      Not long after that, my dad told my mom that he was happy that, unlike in so many other families, his kids actually liked spending time together. He talked about how proud he was to have a big, loving family to spend time with in his retirement years.

      About a week later, he died of a massive heart attack.

      I miss my dad horribly, and I'm half-crying while I write this. Still, it's a lot easier knowing that the last thing my family did for my father was to come together in love and happiness, and to show him that he had managed to raise a group of kids that value family like he did.

      I wish I still had my Daddy, but I'm eternally grateful that I did take the time to tell him how much I loved him. I don't have any regrets, and that's maybe the best accomplishment I've achieved so far in life.

      If you still have your parents, and you've been separated by trivial things, fix it now. You don't always get another chance.

      --
      Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
    40. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      (not original AC) Hmm.. I would declare a correlation between your effusive use of 'post' and your refusal to post any further posts, but that would be committing post hoc ergo propter hoc, post-facto.

    41. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ahah pwnt
      I have explained to my parents that I dont use M$ stuff, and how much I hate it, and they, supprisingly understand (its just kinda annoying because my mom keeps asking me what im doing, and its hard to explain what recompiling a kernal is to someone who dosent know what linux is).
      Anyway, my grandma sent me a puzzle this year. Not even one of those big cool 3d ones or anything. A little one. In a board. Like 6 yearolds have. Im 16. She also sent me socks.

    42. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by SharpFang · · Score: 1

      What 'bout getting a small revenge?
      Can't result in anything bad.

      1. Install the game. On two or more boxes.
      2. Set it up for multiplayer on LAN
      3. Get your mom to play it with you. Just make her to! "But mom, it's no fun playing it alone! Why don't you give it a try? I'll teach you everything!"
      4. ???
      5. Profit!!!

      --
      45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
    43. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Perky_Goth · · Score: 1

      yeah...
      thanks...

    44. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You should do what I did. Write a letter to Santa. Post it on the web, with links to all the things you would like. Send family and friends the link. Even if they won't shop online, they at least get an IDEA of what you might like.

    45. Re:Microsoft Games Goddamnit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I got my mother into Everquest and now she and I play just about every day together. She has her friends and I have mine but it is really special to be able to call her and chat about Frost Giants.

      I lost my father to cancer when I was 20 and not a day goes by that I don't wish I could talk to him about a thousand different things. Instead I talk to my mom.

  104. My Special Gift by Mr+Bone+Stripper · · Score: 5, Funny

    My 6 year old daughter presented me with my long lost black handled phillips head screwdriver. She gave my two sons my mechanical pencils.

    1. Re:My Special Gift by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 2, Insightful
      "My 6 year old daughter presented me with my long lost black handled phillips head screwdriver. "

      Wow, your daughter is a genius. She filled in the missing ???.

      1.Steal prized possession of gift recipient.
      2.Give stolen prized possession back to gift recipient during Holiday.
      3.Don't pay for a gift.
      4.PROFIT!!!!

      --
      Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
    2. Re:My Special Gift by Symb · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Very cute. She knew the gift was your pleasure in her ;)

    3. Re:My Special Gift by aef123 · · Score: 2, Funny

      My 6 year old daughter presented me with my long lost black handled phillips head screwdriver. She gave my two sons my mechanical pencils.

      When I was about 12 my sister (who was 5) gave me a chewed up pencil. When everyone laughed my mom got mad and told us not to laugh as this was one of her treasures. My sister's reply to this was, "No it isn't"

      --
      Where are we going, and why am I in this handbasket?
    4. Re:My Special Gift by echucker · · Score: 1

      Happened to me once. I got my old coat back from a girl in my dorm for a Secret Santa gift. Her boyfriend had taken it the year before from in front of the dorm while a bunch of us were playing football in the parking lot. One of the best gifts I've ever gotten.

  105. Organic Experience by Animekiksazz · · Score: 1

    I got Herbal Essences Dandruff shampoo... I guess I can have an orgasmi.. organic experience while removing the dandruff I don't have. *shrug* I got the usual black socks too, and a Full Metal Panic DVD, some dishes and stuff for my dorm, and then clothes. Oh and $110 which I'll probably use to replace my funky Maxtor 100 gig drive (I'm never buying a maxtor again). ... anyway, Merry Christmas

  106. homework... by VariableSanity · · Score: 1

    My aunt got her son's homework!!!

  107. this year by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    from my parent, i got a golden motorcycle model lighter. why weird?

    1) i don't smoke
    2) i don't ride a motorcycle
    3) i don't collect model
    and...
    4) they let all the gas out because they are paranoid about the house getting burnt down.

    oh, and
    5) ???
    6) profit

    1. Re:this year by niko9 · · Score: 1

      1) i don't smoke
      2) i don't ride a motorcycle
      3) i don't collect model
      and...
      4) they let all the gas out because they are paranoid about the house getting burnt down.

      oh, and
      5) ???
      6) profit


      5) burn the house down accidentally
      6) profit by collecting on the insurance
      and buy as many cigarettes, motorcyles and models as you want? ;D

      --

    2. Re:this year by Wolfrider · · Score: 1

      5) EBay

      'Nuff said.

      --
      .
      == WolfriderV6 == I'm willing to admit that *I just might* be wrong... Are you??
  108. It's because... by weston · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I have a theory about this. Geeks in general are interested in things that look impenetrable to others. You want an external hard drive for christmas, or music production software? Besides the fact that those things are somewhat expensive, the details the non-geek would have to become familiar with the get the gift right (heck, to figure out where to purchase such things) are a daunting barrier. So they drop back and punt on the gifts they do understand, or things they see you as needing (for example, maybe they see you wear white socks all the time)....

    My own family works pretty much this way, especially my parents, who'd rather buy another set of underwear for me than subject themselves to the fear and confusion they associate with shopping online. But on the other hand, every once in a while they get things exactly right -- like, buying me the LOTR trilogy two years ago... I wouldn't have even asked for it because I hadn't read it since high school and wasn't too into it then, but once I picked it up again I was hooked. And then there's my siblings, who actually have a great sense of style and when they buy me clothes it's great. So this isn't a "poor me" rant. :) It's just an observation. I'll probably never get great geek gifts, and I don't think most geeks will.

    1. Re:It's because... by irc.goatse.cx+troll · · Score: 2, Insightful

      "Besides the fact that those things are somewhat expensive, the details the non-geek would have to become familiar with the get the gift right (heck, to figure out where to purchase such things) are a daunting barrier. "

      Thats why amazon wishlists are a great idea, although having to shop at amazon limits it. It would be really nice if someone would setup a wishlist system where you could add price, description, and a link to buy. Maybe even hack this on to froogle (which already indexes all items from online shopping stores)

      --
      Pain lasts, kid. Its how you know you're alive. Sometimes I think this growing up thing is just pain management-TheMaxx
    2. Re:It's because... by raodin · · Score: 1

      Personally I asked my parents for a couple sticks of RAM for christmas.. and got some cash and a note to go buy myself some RAM. Better than getting it wrong, or a lame-o gift card like I got from most of my relatives. Certainly better than black socks! I realize people want to give 'real' gifts.. but a couple bucks isn't much more/less thoughtful than a gift card, and its certainly nicer to recieve.. What am I going to do with a Starbucks gift card, when I don't drink coffee?!

    3. Re:It's because... by Wallslide · · Score: 1

      This year my mother pulled a fast one on me. She had me "research" DVD burners for one of her geek friends. Imagine how surprised I was when the same player I recommended to her ended up under the tree. That's the way non-geeks should handle christmas all the time :)

    4. Re:It's because... by Obiwan+Kenobi · · Score: 2, Informative

      I agree, the wishlists are restricting. There are other places to do non-amazon-only wishlists, and I chose The Things I Want, whose wishlist is easy to find (based on name seach or you can give them an url to click on), and it automatically pulls pictures for them, AND allows them buttons to tell other family members if this is purchased already.

      It paid off very well this xmas...

    5. Re:It's because... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This year I got frosty beer mugs and a martini kit, among other things like DVDs and CDs. I bought things like a computer, satellite radio, and a dvd recorder (this is the first year I've really bought good presents - I was cheap in college).

      This makes sense - I buy things I know and they buy things they know. I do appreciate attempts to get computer-related items, as long as it's limited and I don't get a pile of useless and pitiful computer items every year.

      [posting AC since I forgot my login at home - what kind of geek am I?]

    6. Re:It's because... by H0NGK0NGPH00EY · · Score: 1

      like, buying me the LOTR trilogy two years ago...

      What? Okay this post is obviously a lie... The first movie had only just come out two years ago, and you still can't buy the entire trilogy. Whatever, liar.

      </sarcasm>

      --
      Do not read this sig.
    7. Re:It's because... by yic · · Score: 1

      huh? he means the books, which were written in trilogy form. i bought the LOTR trilogy and read it probably about 5-8 years ago.

    8. Re:It's because... by dasmegabyte · · Score: 1

      Yes, but the fact is that people feel far more satisfied giving you things you don't explicitly ask for. So the shitty gifts you sometimes receive are worth more to the giver than if they just perused your wishlist.

      My wife's biggest Christmas regret was the year she bought me a flash card reader. At the time they were $70 and she also bought a 3 year protection plan. Six months later, not only were flash readers in the $20 range but the one she'd gotten wasn't supported by my new mac. So I had to buy a new one. Value of gift utterly CRUSHED by next Christmas.

      Solution? Buy yourself the shit you want. Ask you friends and relatives for things you grudgingly buy but would rather not have to...being very vague about it. All my best clothes are from Christmases where I didn't ask for anything.

      And sometimes you'll get surprised. My wife hates when I play games on the computer, HATES it...and for Christmas, I get KotOR. Woo Woo!

      --
      Hey freaks: now you're ju
    9. Re:It's because... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I know it's trolling, but the books were written as a set of six with an appendices. It was published as a trilogy.

    10. Re:It's because... by Uma+Thurman · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      You dummy. Obviously you're one of those cretins who likes the movies better than the books. You probably can't even read.

      --
      This is America, damnit. Speak Spanish!
  109. Weirdest Yet.. by Wes+Janson · · Score: 4, Interesting

    My uncle, who worked for the Air Force in some sort of intelligence/communications aspect, gave us an unusually heavy small package last year. Inside was our very own gurkha knife, leather holster, display stand (which I promptly broke), and instructions. According to the care and use instructions, this knife and other fine ones like it could be found in Muhammed's Knife Emporium, blah blah street, Kathmandu. The instructions included such gems as "Be sure not leave fingers on blade from cleaning". This year's present was a carved pen-sized fish with two screws coming out the bottom of the head. We have no idea what it is, where it came from, or what it does. This seems to be a typical feature of my uncle's presents, come to think of it..

    1. Re:Weirdest Yet.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Must be the Babelfish. Stick it in your ear.

    2. Re:Weirdest Yet.. by G.+W.+Bush+Junior · · Score: 1

      the fish sounds like a bottle-opener

      --
      "I don't know that Atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots." -George H.W. Bush
    3. Re:Weirdest Yet.. by Wes+Janson · · Score: 1

      Most interesting...I hadn't considered that, but yes, it does sound plausible. Thanks for the tip!

    4. Re:Weirdest Yet.. by zappafish · · Score: 1

      I got an ice bucket shaped like a knight's helm. when you open it to get the ice out it looks like he took a mighty blow right above the eye shield.

  110. Yeah, I got a... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    A Piezoelectric Transformer

  111. Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Zathraskun · · Score: 5, Funny

    Thats what I got, no shens. But seriously what the hell am I going to use Whiskey flavored condoms for?!

    --
    Bill Gates took my pants, and I thank him for it.
    1. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Whiskey-flavored dates?

    2. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Picking up alcoholic whores?

    3. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Pour Coke on your girlfriend and make "rum & cola"?

    4. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by HaveBlue34 · · Score: 1

      go to ireland?

    5. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It figures that on /. someone would have to ask what they're going to use condoms for...

    6. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by !3ren · · Score: 2, Funny

      Mix up a rye and co**?

    7. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Mr+Smidge · · Score: 3, Insightful

      But seriously what the hell am I going to use Whiskey flavored condoms for?!

      Well this is just a long shot, but how about having safe sex?

    8. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by MrHanky · · Score: 2, Funny

      I got two bottles of whisky. For some reason, now I've got a headache and my condoms are gone.

    9. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by chunkwhite86 · · Score: 1

      Thats what I got, no shens. But seriously what the hell am I going to use Whiskey flavored condoms for?!

      Well, I could think of something that involves "Hot Grits" and "Natalie Portman"...

      But I think you know where I'm going with this.

      --
      I'd rather be a conservative nutjob than a liberal with no nuts and no job.
    10. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by shadowbearer · · Score: 1

      But seriously what the hell am I going to use Whiskey flavored condoms for?!
      --
      Bill Gates took my pants, and I thank him for it.


      Um....

      --
      It's old. The more humans I meet, the more I like my cats. At least they are honest.
    11. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by nEoN+nOoDlE · · Score: 1

      But seriously what the hell am I going to use Whiskey flavored condoms for?!

      Especially since you probably got to get a girl drunk BEFORE you actually take your pants off.

      --
      Don't trust a bull's horn, a doberman's tooth, a runaway horse or me.
    12. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by rune.w · · Score: 0, Redundant

      S-E-X maybe? Oh, wait...

    13. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Fr33z0r · · Score: 1
      Thats what I got, no shens. But seriously what the hell am I going to use Whiskey flavored condoms for?!

      Pulling alcoholics?
    14. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Tell bums it is real Whiskey and they will suck you off... oh wait is this a childrens site? no. good.
      Some of them don't have all their teeth which makes it even better.

    15. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by CaptainCarrot · · Score: 1

      I take it you're not very agile, huh?

      --
      And the brethren went away edified.
    16. Re:Whiskey Flavored Condoms. by ocelotbob · · Score: 1

      I'll trade ya this christmas CD with songs from groups I never heard of for them. Plus, I'll even send you back footage on what you do with whiskey flavored condoms ;3

      --

      Marxism is the opiate of dumbasses

  112. The one I gave to my Mom las year by agoliveira · · Score: 5, Funny

    Actualy, wasn't weird: it was a dress but it was the ugliest dress I could find. Of course was a joke but the funny part was to see my mother's face trying to smile (a very yellow smile!) and saying it was beautiful and thank you until I burst in laught.
    When my mother realized it was a joke her first words to me were "Thank Lord was a joke! I was already thinking a way to get rid o it without offend you!" Them I gave her the real present :-D

    --
    Scientia est Potentia
    1. Re:The one I gave to my Mom las year by ralphart · · Score: 2, Funny

      My parents pulled the same stunt on me when I was a freshman in high school ... they gave me a double knit Nehru jacket (this was a loooooong time ago) that had been marked down to about 2 cents...left the original price tag of $75 dollars on it. They still love to recount how hard I tried to look like I really *liked* this orange paisley monstrosity. I still get the shakes when I think about it.

    2. Re:The one I gave to my Mom las year by Gudlyf · · Score: 1
      Better watch it with a stunt like that. Next time you might get them something that you really intended for them to like:

      Moms: "Oh...a dress. HAHAHA! OK now, where's my real gift? C'mon, I'm not falling for that again!"
      You: (nervously) "Oh, uh, yeah the real gift's still at the mall. They say I can pick it up tomorrow."

      --
      Trolls lurk everywhere. Mod them down.
  113. I had a good Christmas actually... by eaddict · · Score: 1

    I got a NASCAR leather racing jacket, NASCAR Winston Cup pennants, NASCAR candies, books off of my amazon wish list, a cordless Dremel (model 8000). And some cars and track! Did I mention I like to race?

    --
    "If you are on fire you can just stop, drop, and roll. If you fall into Lava you are just dead." - my 5yr old daughter
  114. What I got by Tim_F · · Score: 1

    A nice sweater from my HOT GIRLFRIEND.
    A copy of Vivaldi's Four Seasons.
    A belt.
    Gift Certificates for A&B Sound and Chapters.
    An American Eagle shirt (two Christmases in a row for my brother, they're the only two shirts I have from whatever store it is, and I never shop there).
    A copy of Quicksilver by Stephenson.
    Parts for a new computer. Mine died just around essay time, so I spent a lot of time in the lab. Not something I want to repeat. I can't wait to get back to Winnipeg so I can put this one together. I picked out the parts in advance and accompanied my Dad down to Memory Express so that I got only what I wanted.
    Black socks.
    One of those 40 year calendars. That's probably the weirdest gift.

    That's it. I think I'll go by the new Onion anthology or whatever from Chapters tomorrow.

  115. Anybody get any good Chanukah Gifts? by HockeyPuck · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Put on your yarmulke
    Here comes Chanukah
    So much funukah
    To celebrate Chanukah
    Chanukah is the festival of lights
    Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights

    When you feel like the only kid in town without a Christmas tree
    Here's a list of people who are Jewish just like you and me

    David Lee Roth lights the menorah
    So do James Caan, Kirk Douglas, and the late Dinah Shore-ah

    Guess who eats together at the Carnegie Deli
    Bowser from Sha Na Na and Arthur Fonzerelli
    Paul Newman's half Jewish, Goldie Hawn's half too
    Put them together, what a fine lookin' Jew

    You don't need "Deck The Halls" or "Jingle Bell Rock"
    'Cause you can spin a dreidel with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock- both Jewish

    Put on your yarmulke
    It's time for Chanukah
    The owner of the Seattle Supersonicahs
    Celebrates Chanukah

    O.J. Simpson, not a Jew
    But guess who is? Hall of famer Rod Carew- he converted
    We got Ann Landers and her sister Dear Abby
    Harrison Ford's a quarter Jewish- not too shabby

    Some people think that Ebenezer Scrooge is
    Well he's not, but guess who is
    All three Stooges
    So many Jews are in showbiz
    Tom Cruise isn't, but I heard his agent is

    Tell your friend Veronica
    It's time to celebrate Chanukah
    I hope I get a harmonicah
    On this lovely, lovely Chanukah
    So drink your gin and tonicah
    And smoke your marijuanikah
    If you really, really wannakah
    Have a happy, happy, happy, happy Chanukah
    Happy Chanukah

    1. Re:Anybody get any good Chanukah Gifts? by REDNOROCK · · Score: 0

      I can't tell, is this a troll or just a stupid post?
      I know it's not a joke, cause it sure the hell isn't funny.

      --
      Even if I say something insightfull or inteligent, it doens't matter cause I'm an ass.
  116. If you don't like my present by Santa_Clause · · Score: 1

    let me know, I'll be happy to put you on my naughty list right away.

    --
    Don't forget, Christmas is coming, and I check my list twice!
  117. You know how it is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  118. Boxcutters by Kickstart70 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'm assuming the person who gave it to me isn't expecting me to fly anywhere after Christmas :)

  119. I did well by Unregistered · · Score: 1

    1/6 ghz G5 and an eyeTV+Remote Wonder package. The eyeTV/RW isn't here yet, but that's ok. I win.

    1. Re:I did well by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      1/6 ghz G5...

      So now I have to do math....

      1/6 is about 0.167, so 1/6GHz is about 167MHz.

      I didn't know they made them that slow.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    2. Re:I did well by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Well, I'm sure you could take the HyperTransport bus down to, what, 166MHz - same as the CPU?

  120. I win! by Nematode · · Score: 1

    Didn't get anything off-the-wall, because my relatives are all conscious enough to buy straight off my Amazon wish list - PC games, DVDs, Richard Dawkins books....the weekend isn't long enough for all this loot :)

  121. I got a salami by 512k · · Score: 1

    not even an extra large or gourmet one, just one my mom saw in the supermarket yesterday and decided to get for me.

    and salami isn't even my favorite food or anything, it was just a really random gift

    --
    ------ Work is so much easier when you don't
  122. A Twofer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    My 19 year old got a nice leather appointment book/planner from an out of town relative. Just the thing to help a college freshman stay organized. Really. A thoughtful gift. The cool thing about it is that it's a 1999 calendar.

    And I got a sweatshirt with the name of the local pro hockey team on it. Officially licensed NHL gear, purchased from a national department store chain. The team name is misspelled.

    Out of date Daytimer....$5. Sweatshirt that slipped past the QC inspector....$7.50. A Christmas tale we'll laugh about for years....priceless.

  123. what I did by CAIMLAS · · Score: 4, Funny

    I've got two younger (11 and 12) brother-in-laws. They're into collectable playing cards (such as Magic: The Gathering). One of them is quite the selfish type and quite conscious of other peoples' opinions of him; the other one is a bit more geeky and off in his own world.

    I got them each a Core Set deck. The one more fitting for the geeky b-in-l (Sky Slam/blue) I wrapped simply - just put it in a small box slightly larger than the deck - I also put a $5 bill in. The other one (Burn/red), I put in a large box with heavy objects (several rocks wrapped in paper). I didn't put any names on the packages.

    I then let the older/less geeky b-in-l pick the present that he wanted. Being selfish, he picked the larger one. The result: a lesson hopefully learned - and if not, hopeful progress made on that lesson.

    I love playing mind games with influential youngsters. :P

    --
    ~/ssh slashdot.org ssh: connect to host slashdot.org port 22: too many beers
    1. Re:what I did by turtlexit · · Score: 1

      LOL! Thats... dirty :-P

    2. Re:what I did by eviljolly · · Score: 1

      All that would teach me is to pick the smaller box next year. :)

    3. Re:what I did by the+end+of+britain · · Score: 1

      WTF? Its that sort of freaky jedi-mind-trick that I think RUINS family gatherings. I mean really. Not only do you have to actually SEE your family, but they insist on using the occassion for charmlessly didactic "life lessons." Truly a grinchish tactic, my friend.

      --
      "Oh, the tragedy of math gone wrong. I can't even talk about it." -Wil Wheaton http://www.wilwheaton.net
    4. Re:what I did by fuck_this_shit · · Score: 1

      I wonder what will happen to your windows given those nice gifts.

    5. Re:what I did by spazoid12 · · Score: 1

      That's pretty funny.

      For Christmas, I got a book from which I've already learned how to correctly use the word "influential".

    6. Re:what I did by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      For Christmas, I got a book from which I've already learned how to correctly use the word "influential".

      They have a shot for that, right? But I hear this year's version didn't work very well.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    7. Re:what I did by qewl · · Score: 1

      I then let the older/less geeky b-in-l pick the present that he wanted. Being selfish, he picked the larger one. The result: a lesson hopefully learned - and if not, hopeful progress made on that lesson.

      Wow! Great way to show your in-laws your generosity and care for their chirldren! You'll definitely earn some extra brownie points as their daughter's husband from them!

      --

      (\_/)
      (O.o) This is Bunny. (> <)
    8. Re:what I did by Mannerism · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Maybe the kid who got the small present will share the five bucks with his brother and teach you something, sensei.

    9. Re:what I did by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      "I've got two younger (11 and 12) brother-in-laws."

      OK, that is the worst christmas gift - ever.

    10. Re:what I did by chunkwhite86 · · Score: 1

      Maybe the kid who got the small present will share the five bucks with his brother and teach you something, sensei.

      Either that or they'll just beat the crap out of each other. Nothing learned there, but it might be entertaining to watch ;-)

      --
      I'd rather be a conservative nutjob than a liberal with no nuts and no job.
    11. Re:what I did by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      "Oh, the tragedy of math gone wrong. I can't even talk about it." -Wil Wheaton http://www.wilwheaton.net


      You're a loser because you quoted fucking Wil Wheaton. What are you, 14? Dumbass.

    12. Re:what I did by arth1 · · Score: 5, Funny
      I've got two younger (11 and 12) brother-in-laws.

      Damn, you win. That's the weirdest present I've ever heard of.

      Regards,
      --
      *Art
    13. Re:what I did by commodoresloat · · Score: 4, Funny
      I love playing mind games with influential youngsters. :P

      Yeah me too. Remind me to tell you the story about the night I met the Bush sisters at a party....

    14. Re:what I did by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What a sad little man you are. I'm not sure which is worse: doing this (unlikely) or just making up the story about doing something like this so you'd have something to say that you thought other people would thinks was cool. Prett pathetic either way.

      Hint: get a dictionary. Pick up a life while you're at it.

    15. Re:what I did by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What if he had picked the smaller one? True, he didn't, but what if he had? You would have taught the 'more geeky' kid to be more ambitious(and possibly selfish)

    16. Re:what I did by grimani · · Score: 1

      influential youngster?

      you mean impressionable...right?

    17. Re:what I did by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Either that or they'll just beat the crap out of each other.

      Dunno about that -- a box full of rocks vs. a $5 bill?

    18. Re:what I did by Wes+Janson · · Score: 1

      Someone's going to mod this up as Funny, I'm sure...but I'd say the kid with the red deck got the better deal..after all, red Burn decks are arguably the most powerful decktype, and a core set preconstructed of one must contain lots of useful cards. /end geek.

    19. Re:what I did by Johnny+Mnemonic · · Score: 1


      You actually gave "rocks wrapped in paper" as a present? While a larger/heavier box that actually has an item of less value is kind of funny, I can imagine his reaction when he found actual rocks. I don't doubt he learned something, but I think it's not what you hoped it would be so much as that I love playing mind games with influential youngsters. A penchant for which you will no doubt be cherished for, when these kids grow up to be men in their own right.

      --

      --
      $tar -xvf .sig.tar
    20. Re:what I did by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And then they'll pick the rocks and throw them at ya'! ;-)

    21. Re:what I did by Fear+the+Clam · · Score: 1

      Yeah, everyone knows paper beats rock.

    22. Re:what I did by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What's the odds the younger one comes home with no cards or money after being hit in the head with a rock wrapped in paper???

      Lesson learned...

    23. Re:what I did by AragornSonOfArathorn · · Score: 1

      Yeah, everyone knows paper beats rock.

      No way! Rock flies thru paper!

      --
      sudo eat my shorts
  124. I got an iPod, I got an iPod! by The+I+Shing · · Score: 1

    My girlfriend got me an iPod! Now I just have to figure out how the darn thing works. So far, so good.

    --
    You are in error. No-one is screaming. Thank you for your cooperation.
    1. Re:I got an iPod, I got an iPod! by !3ren · · Score: 1

      Shake your head above the iPod, wait for the iAlien to pop out and lay an egg in your iChest

    2. Re:I got an iPod, I got an iPod! by Your_name_here · · Score: 1

      Shake your head above the iPod, wait for the iAlien to pop out and lay an egg in your iChest

      Oh, if only I still had mod points.

      --
      I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me. -- HS Thompson
  125. I don't get it by ithicine · · Score: 1

    My parents gave me six tins of tuna and a jar of cherries.

    1. Re:I don't get it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Um, one thing comes to mind, connecting 'tuna' and 'cherry'.

      You would have to have REALLY cool parents to be making that kind of a joke though.

  126. Oooh...a book! by RocketScientist · · Score: 1

    My Aunt found out I like Science Fiction.

    So she got me the new Tim LaHaye book.

    Great. Quasi-christian religious propaganda. Used book store will probably take it in exchange for something. Maybe I can eBay it and get some new guitar strings or the next Paarfi book.

    1. Re:Oooh...a book! by the+unbeliever · · Score: 1

      They're actually not too horribly bad. I've been reading them since I'm a fan of pseudo-religious fiction (Year Zero, The DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons, etc)

    2. Re:Oooh...a book! by Ptraci · · Score: 1

      Maybe you could give her Brust's 'To Reign in Hell'. Though you might want to keep it for yourself if you don't have it.

    3. Re:Oooh...a book! by RocketScientist · · Score: 1

      That would be friggin hilarious. That's an awesome book. Satan as the misunderstood not-so-bad guy. Her head would spin. Or she'd think mine was spinning.

  127. Some things go without saying by Qwell · · Score: 1
    For Christmas, from my Aunt-in-laws to be...

    Leather fanny pack, Pirated DVD, Soap on a Rope

    Yeah...odd Christmas indeed.

    --
    As of 10/06/03, I hate COBOL developers.
    1. Re:Some things go without saying by Sexy+Bern · · Score: 1

      "fanny" is a vulgar expression in the UK (lady's genitals).

    2. Re:Some things go without saying by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Whats it mean in america then as I only know it as the fishy bits of a woman

    3. Re:Some things go without saying by Morgon · · Score: 1

      Typically the 'fanny' is just the rear end. Basically a 'fanny pack' is like a small pack work around the waist. Best visual might be if you look at bicyclers, they might have those around their waist to carry small items when they don't have pockets (cash, portable music players, bludgeons (if they're in a professional race))

      --
      [DISCLAIMER: This post is a work of satire and should not be misconstrued as a holy text upon which to base a religion.]
    4. Re:Some things go without saying by Sexy+Bern · · Score: 1
      US: Fanny pack

      UK: Bum bag

      I have no idea what "bum bag" could infer in the US...

    5. Re:Some things go without saying by Morgon · · Score: 1

      First image I got was a colostomy bag.

      --
      [DISCLAIMER: This post is a work of satire and should not be misconstrued as a holy text upon which to base a religion.]
  128. My sister got soap by ctrl-alt-elite · · Score: 1

    While this isn't a weird present in and of itself, there is one problem with it: she has eczema.

  129. Payments. by BrookHarty · · Score: 4, Funny

    My wife bought herself a car, I got the payments. /me scratches head..

  130. Socks by Rtsbasic · · Score: 0

    As usual, a pair of socks, but not just any socks, a pair with a message, "D'oh, another pair of socks".

    Wish people would think about what they're buying. I got part 2 of a book series I don't have part 1 to as well, great fun.

    1. Re:Socks by sharkey · · Score: 1
      I receieved a total of 17 pairs of socks from my parents.

      Makes more sense than a total of 17 socks.

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
  131. Legos! by wowwser · · Score: 1

    This is what I got! http://www.lego.com/eng/create/technic/default.asp ?x=x&id=8455 It does say 11-99 - I'm in there!

    1. Re:Legos! by wowwser · · Score: 1

      What's on the list for next year... http://shop.lego.com/product.asp?p=8458&t=5&d=11&c =9B2FB49D%2D83F8%2D4A74%2DA4BD%2D6A03FA77BE65

  132. An Amish Punching Puppet by Dolphinzilla · · Score: 3, Interesting

    An absurd gift, An Amish man (beard, hat etc..)puppet who's spring loaded arms can pack quite a nice hit - A completely bizarre gift from my equally bizarre sister... The company that makes it also makes a Nun punching puppet...

    1. Re:An Amish Punching Puppet by tandr · · Score: 1

      hmm... I guess thats a fine gift for someone with a signature like yours... :)

    2. Re:An Amish Punching Puppet by Dolphinzilla · · Score: 1

      I guess an army of Amish punching puppets would be quite an extraordinary force :-)

      Thanks for the laugh this morning...

  133. But is it really debt? by Inoshiro · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If the worth of the house is more than the cost of the mortage, it's not really a debt. You could easily turn around and sell the house, pay off the mortgage, and have some money to boot.

    Rent is debt, it's a continuing eternal debt. Owning a house is owning something that's worth something, even if you have to pay a very large amount of money for it.

    --
    --
    Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
    1. Re:But is it really debt? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Anything that someone else owns a stake in is a debt. That it is secured by an asset doesn't change the fact that you are responsible for repaying it.

      The poster was referring to being debt free. With regard to a house, buy some property in an inexpensive area (Oklahoma, certain parts of Texas, etc) and begin building when you have the money to. Most parts of rural Oklahoma doesn't require building permits and fees are minimal, so building a home for yourself is relatively easy and inexpensive.

    2. Re:But is it really debt? by MemoryAid · · Score: 2, Funny
      And then, once it's done, you can move it to somewhere you wouldn't mind living....

      Oh, wait, never mind.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    3. Re:But is it really debt? by Scrameustache · · Score: 1

      Owning a house is owning something that's worth something, even if[...]

      I'll huff and i'll puff and I'll put you in debt!

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    4. Re:But is it really debt? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      i just sold off my house... got not a penny from it. .. the mortgage companie even got 4K MORE than the origanal loan (over my payments even). the agent took about half of what was left and i had to cover the fscking closing cost (about 4.5k) for the buyers.

      so NO owning a house does not mean you will get anything from selling it.

      i am glad i did not have to PAY to sell it.

    5. Re:But is it really debt? by rjamestaylor · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Very true. People don't understand NET WEALTH. One of those people is my wife who frets that we don't save anything (except empty computer boxes, but that's a different story) month to month. Every once-in-a-while (usually after being awakened at 2 AM by a woman caught up in anxiety) I fire up Quicken and show her our balance sheet. Now, while we do owe $330,000 on our house its value appraises, conservatively, at 500,000. That's thanks to the housing market in Southern California. She thinks $330,000 debt. Our balance sheet says over $170,000 net worth.

      Of course, that's on paper and the housing market could crash (but a "crash" is a drop from the latest high appraisal, so I think even then we'd be safe) and wipe us out, or communist insurgents could take power and outlaw private ownership of property nullifying our investment (but I doubt Howard Dean has a real chance in 2004 -- just kidding). Regardless, real estate has been the best financial investment I've ever made.

      In fact, one friend bought a 4-plex unit as a commercial real estate investment last year for about 400,000. She just received an offer for over 700,000 on the units -- after expenses she'd clear $300,000 (but before taxes).

      Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future results; investing is risky -- you could loose all your principal; contact your taz advisor before making any investment decisions. IANALBIRGl (yadda yadda yadda, But I Read Groklaw).

      --
      -- @rjamestaylor on Ello
    6. Re:But is it really debt? by Obiwan+Kenobi · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Rent is debt, it's a continuing eternal debt.

      Um, excuse me. What the hell are you talking about?

      Rent is paying for the use of something temporarily. Debt is being a slave to the borrower, period. You can put it in whatever PC term you choose best. If you owe someone money, they control your finances until you are relieved of this debt.

      Now, if you're speaking of leases, that could be considered debt because a lease is worth the entire term of said rent. This could be considered temporary debt at best.

      This guy knows his shite. He's a pro-cash guy. And while I can't go full-tilt into his scheme, it's important to realize that rent is not debt, no matter how you see it.

      Rent == Eternal debt. Where do you guys come up with this garbage?

    7. Re:But is it really debt? by Dan667 · · Score: 1

      You also have to consider taxes, mortgage insurance, and other costs. That adds up in a hurry to as much as rent would. I think owning a house is more of a life style decision, it has not been cheaper for me.

    8. Re:But is it really debt? by dougthonus · · Score: 1

      This is often true in reality, but it doesn't have to be true if you rent intelligently.

      If you invest the money you would have put down as a deposit, then you invest all the money you can save living in an apartment vs a house (usually free utilities and rent can be significantly cheaper than a mortgage).

      After 30 years, you may have been well ahead in the investment category than you would be owning the house outright. (of course, there are many factors like property values where you buy vs how good an investor you are, plus the fact that almost no one is a good enough saver to make this plan work).

    9. Re:But is it really debt? by h4rm0ny · · Score: 1

      Of course, all money is initially distributed into the economy as loans from the central bank (Bank of England, Federal Reserve, whichever), so technically speaking, all those notes are markers of debt.

      The more you have the greater your debt. Don't think about it too much until the effects of Christmas drinking have work off.

      --

      Aide-toi, le Ciel t'aidera - Jeanne D'Arc.
    10. Re:But is it really debt? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Most people shell out $300,000 for a $100,000 house over 30 years.

      If you pay only the minimum payment, mortgage is rent, at least for the first 20 years.

      Most people make money from selling a house because the real estate value went up, not because they "owned" any of it. Add in inflation, and they didn't really make much.

      It's exactly the same as financing a car, except cars always lose value.

      Renting isn't the greatest, but buying something with money you don't have isn't so great either.

    11. Re:But is it really debt? by eberry · · Score: 1

      invest all the money you can save living in an apartment

      What savings? My four bedroom house cost me less than my friends one bedroom apartment.

      He might pay less for heat/AC, but that's nothing compared to savings on taxes. Since I get to deduct my mortgage (and property tax) from my taxable income.

      When it comes to investing you should get the following in this order:
      1) Home
      2) 401k
      3) Roth IRA (when you max 401k)

      A house also appreciates in value, and your mortgage stays the same. While rent goes up every year.

      IANAFA (Financial Advisor) but I have a smart one and I have been doing this for a long time.

      --
      Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Lois, this isn't my Batman glass. - Peter
  134. Vibrating pen by Steve+X · · Score: 2, Interesting

    My dad's GF got me a vibrating pen. You press the little button on the cap and it vibrates. I don't quite get it, I mean, it's not even water-resistant. Such is electroschlock, I suppose.

  135. HOT SAUCE! by tuxette · · Score: 1
    And I'm not talking about that wimpy wannabe crud they sell in the supermarket. I'm talking about the kind with warning labels and legal disclaimers. I'm talking about the kind that can only be used one drop at a time. MMMMMMM!!!!! (thanks little brother of tuxette!)

    I got a teeny tiny MP3 player from boyfriend of tuxette, one that is especially made for training/gym use. His motives are, of course, ulterior. He loves my muscles, and anything to get me to enjoy my workouts more which lead to bigger badder muscles...;-)

    All in all, cool gifts this year!

    --
    People say I'm crazy, I got diamonds on the soles of my shoes...
  136. ROLODEX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got a Rolodex from my grandma. Anyone still use these things? I mean I have a palm and a cell phone for phone numbers why would I need a rolodex? I'd look like an old fart with that on my desk.

    1. Re:ROLODEX by bsDaemon · · Score: 1

      what happens if your palm/cell break, or you lose them, et cetera? don't dis analog. it's an "always on," "hot swapable," "fault-tolerant," "redunant" back-up solution. perhaps you can use it to store buzwords.

    2. Re:ROLODEX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      the numbers in my rolodex!

  137. Sounds like someone's been reading Microserfs... by Denyer · · Score: 1
    ...or watching an early episode of Friends.

    Weirdest gift? Keyboard vacuum.

    --
    Ph-nglui mglw'nafh Gates M'dna wgah'nagl fhtagn.
  138. Haha by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Toothpast, tic-tacs and deodorant? Perhaps they're trying to tell you to brush your teeth and wash. You probably smell bad.

  139. Yay! You can join the class action lawsuit! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    n/t

  140. I must NOT have been nice by EmagGeek · · Score: 2, Funny

    I got "Pirates of the Caribbean" on DVD for Xmas...

  141. Kind of a grim day... by Otter · · Score: 1
    Things were pretty dismal here anyway -- wife's away and a warm, drippy, weird smelling day, that I mostly spent writing. But then the news: that horrible thing in China, another attempt to kill Musharraf, the plane rash in Africa, a bunch of killings in Israel, that spacecraft disappearing, Miss South Africa getting attacked by a hippo.

    Hmmm, sorry to depress everyone else...

    Meanwhile, I'll be alone through New Year's as well. Last time that happened, I read the new Burpee seed catalog, ate the last of the 'shrooms from the summer's harvest, lay down and cowered in terror as a giant Purple Rain eggplant crashed through my bedroom door like the Kool-Aid man. I really need to do better this year. The new catalog just arrived and I almost keeled over in shame.

  142. Moonshine by ghostrider_one · · Score: 1

    My brother-in-law-to-be and his fiancee gave me (and my other half) a 1.25l pepsi bottle filled with some kind of green liquid and a hand-written label stating "melon liqueur". They announced proudly it was from his fiancee's mother's "own still". Allegedly it is 40% "alcohol", although they weren't specific as to whether it was ethanol or methanol.

    What's really funny is that just an hour before when we were speculating about what gift we would get from them, I said they would probably give us a jug of moonshine. I wasn't far off.

    I'm marrying into a family that contains Cleetus the Slack-Jawed Yokel. Nooooooooooooo!!!!

    1. Re:Moonshine by numark · · Score: 1

      Surely I can't be the only one thinking right about now: only on Slashdot would we have a discussion about the chemical makeup of the alcohol in the moonshine we got as a Christmas gift.

      --
      Want Slashdot headlines on your site? Try SlashHead
  143. lamest gift ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    my stipid brother bought me a DVD of "Last Action Hero" with Arnold Swartzenegger, that has got to be the lamest Arnold movie ever made, i seen it before on TV, it only cost him $9.50, i asked him where he got it, he would not say, probably a discount bargain bin somewhere...

  144. weird gifts by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    an electricity meter? nicely wrapped up!

  145. Tis the season to be odd... by Thedalek · · Score: 1

    5 Contact Juggling spheres, a little plush Beaker Muppet (Meep meep meep!), 6 discs of 80s music, and Monty Python's Live at City Center album.

    And since everyone got the early Christmas gift of The Common Cold, everyone's stockings came filled with cough drops. Riiiiiicolaaaa!

    --
    Happiness is relative, Based upon the way we live.
  146. If you was a good boy ... by Via_Patrino · · Score: 1

    If you was a good boy, and behaved well the whole year Santa could give you something ... but being you a beard old geek you got nothing :-)

    1. Re:If you was a good boy ... by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Umm... I'll replace the chips on the RAM I was going to send you with fake plastic chips if you forgot about coal...

  147. sounds almost like... by tuxette · · Score: 1
    ...boyfriend of tuxette's homemade limoncello. I'm surprised none of the recipients have shown up here to mention it. Maybe they've gone blind hahaha...

    But seriously (hi honey, I know you're reading this!), it's actually good stuff :-)

    --
    People say I'm crazy, I got diamonds on the soles of my shoes...
  148. What you can do... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Go a live in a wooded cabin..

    Er, debt free means without a mortage..

  149. Socks. by Bilange · · Score: 1

    I never bought socks in my life so far. I always get at least one pair for christmas or my birthday.

    Something way better, my girlfriend gave me a Logitech MX500, yay!

    Yea, i did say girlfriend.

    --
    "...a generation of kids has grown up thinking Trance is the shittiest music since country and western." - Paul van Dyk
  150. Broken Window by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got my car broken into for the second time in as many days.
    Merry Christmas

  151. Two holes! How does the air stay in? by mykepredko · · Score: 1

    Great subject line set up with an infinite number of follow ups, none of which are as funny.

    Or, rather they are, but I'm sure none would enhance my reputation.

    Merry Christmas everybody!

    myke

  152. Well, I got sued by SCO... by mraymer · · Score: 1

    I got sued by SCO for Christmas, and all I got was this lousy T-Shirt!

    --

    "To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit." -Stephen Hawking

  153. Odd gift by iomud · · Score: 1

    10oz bar of soap on a rope. It's a very short rope.

    1. Re:Odd gift by Phattypants · · Score: 1

      I got one too. Mine was called Massaging Soap on a Rope and it has injection molded bumps on it to soothe aching muscles. Just what was my wife trying to say?

      Some Ideas:
      "Watch out for your cornhole." Or "If you want someone to wash your back you better ask a big prisoner from now on."

  154. I did not this thing existed by Beautiful_Mind · · Score: 1

    I used to believe that you dont need to reboot your computer every day and that PCs never crash till I got this present from a friend (whom I consider my worst enemy now) , guess what was inside ? WINDOWS Then I understodd the saying that computers are like Airconditioners, both work fine till you open windows

  155. It's a conspiracy! by jbrader · · Score: 1

    I also got tic-tacs(!?) Hmmmmm

    --
    You are so boring that when I see you my feet go to sleep.
  156. Squirt Cheese by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    For the past oh 4-5 years I have recieved at least 2 cans of squirt cheese in my stocking.

  157. All I got for Christmas was cheese by Pfhorrest · · Score: 1

    Not that I'm ungrateful to the cheese-givers, cause it was five big hunks of assorted good cheeses, but everybody else sucks. Then again I didn't get anybody else anything; well, besides letting my mom off for $250 in debt she owes me and "loaning" my dad $200 for misc expenses (and modifying my taxes so that he gets more money back at my $350 expense, which he promises to pay me back out of his return... yeah right). Now watch, I get home from work and all my cheese is eaten...

    --
    -Forrest Cameranesi, Geek of all Trades
    "I am Sam. Sam I am. I do not like trolls, flames, or spam."
    1. Re:All I got for Christmas was cheese by op00to · · Score: 1

      Think of it as "back rent". Your mom carried you around in her uterus for 9 months, the least you could do is cover the security deposit!

  158. All Natural 20's by crashley · · Score: 1

    The best Christmas WISH I have ever received was this year when my friend E-mailed and wished our entire game group all Natural 20's all year.

    1. Re:All Natural 20's by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Huh? What's that?

  159. As if there's too little hot air by SoSueMe · · Score: 1

    I got a certificate for a 1 hour hot air balloon ride. Since I'm in Ottawa, I'm glad it is good till June 2004.
    P.S. Thanks to my wife!!!

  160. worst present by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    swiss army knife and cooling racks(the baking kind) together.

  161. The Gayest present ever by killmeplease · · Score: 1

    I was at a mens stag function and the Santa gave a bunch of the guys a box of 12 condoms. Pretty gay if you ask me. And the guy was a pedofile too.

    --
    - Kill Yourself, spare us all! -
    1. Re:The Gayest present ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So what - did each guy get a box, or did a bunch of them get one box to split? If it was the second one, yeah, I could see how that might be considered a little gay.

      I thought we didn't have to pretend about our sexuality in this day and age by saying "I don't have a date".

      Merry Christmas, all!

    2. Re:The Gayest present ever by elliotCarte · · Score: 1

      'I thought we didn't have to pretend about our sexuality in this day and age by saying "I don't have a date".'

      We don't have to. I don't. I'm as gay as can be and I don't deny it. Neither should you or anyone else. Be yourself and encourage others to do the same.

      --
      If you can't just be yourself, then be more like me, ok?
  162. typical by GoatPigSheep · · Score: 1

    Apple cuts corners with all their products, I believe the hard disks in their computers are also ussually several gigs shy of their stated size.

    I bet the money saved goes to Steve Jobs' big fat Xmas bonus so he can buy more LSD and pie.

    --
    GoatPigSheep, the 3 most important food groups
  163. My Girlfriend by krumms · · Score: 1

    My girlfriend got me a Slashdot T-shirt from ThinkGink.

    'Nuff said I reckon :D

    1. Re:My Girlfriend by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      My girlfriend got me a Slashdot T-shirt from ThinkGink.

      My ex-girlfriend dumped me for wearing one.

  164. Nothing weird this year... by Lobo_Louie · · Score: 1

    ... however my Mother-in-law gave us something weird when we first wed. My wife and I got married in early December, honeymooned later in the month and got a very unusual handmade pillow on Christmas day. During the honeymoon, this 'resourceful' woman, took my wife's $1,000 wedding dress, cut it and sewed it into a pillow for our Christmas present. My wife was *pissed*! She had planned to give the gown to future generations for their use, but no! We laugh about it, but the pillow stays at *their* house!

  165. Tie and socks by NoSuchGuy · · Score: 1

    same procedure as every year.
    The best presents are the ones that I buy for myself.

    My wish for next year:
    WMD, 14kg Plutonium, Telco with Saddam and GW Bush, Earthquake in California..... and a fair vote in the US.

    --
    Grundgesetz * 23. Mai 1949 - 30. November 2007 - http://www.vorratsdatenspeicherung.de/
    1. Re:Tie and socks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You must be German. Did you also get "Dinner for one"?

      Same procedure as last year? Same procedure as every year.

    2. Re:Tie and socks by NoSuchGuy · · Score: 1

      Busted :-)

      --
      Grundgesetz * 23. Mai 1949 - 30. November 2007 - http://www.vorratsdatenspeicherung.de/
  166. Dino excavation kit by froncke · · Score: 1

    Yep. It's a real-life (fake I presume) dinosaur fossil encased in a block of soft plaster. It comes complete with excavation utensils and a brush for the delicate parts. Archeology for the masses -- and I'm sure I can use it as an excuse for drinking beer..

  167. Lottery tickets by RainbowSix · · Score: 1

    I made fun of thost commercials I saw on TV advertising lottery tickets. If you don't win, the gift says you're a loser. If you do win, you feel bad for the person who gave them to you who got nothing out of it.

    Then I got some for Christmas. Hah.

    --
    --------
    It's OK to be social, just don't tell anyone about it.
  168. The art of gift giving by mabu · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Interesting subject. Some people get really excited about the holidays, looking at it as a materialistic boon. Others loathe the idea that a social mandate dictates that they are to give items to everyone they know, and then have to make stressful decisions as to which of their friends fall into that "gift recipient" category and which don't. And then there's always the situation where someone who isn't on your list, gives you something and you feel weird about it.

    I don't know what's worse. Running around trying to find something meaningful for someone as a gift, or opening presents from people you care about and wondering if you ended up with some impulse item that's devoid of any insight into who you are.

    I've always tried to give things to my friends that didn't fall into that impulse or heres-the-latest-gadget-even-though-i'm-not-sure-i t's-something-you-like category. I used to think that I was one of those people who is very hard to buy gifts for, because I tend to get what I want, when I want and don't mull around much advertising things I'd like but don't have. But lately, I've had a few friends completely blow me away with things that I didn't even consider, but turned out to be great gifts. Anything that reflects some time, personal effort or thought is always rewarding. So I no longer buy into the idea that some people are hard to buy gifts for... it's not about money; it's about taking some time to pay attention to what they like.

    This year I found a number of otherwise mundane items that I could make special. For friends that are into cooking, I picked up some cookbooks by a famous chef in the area, and then tracked him down and got him to sign the books to my friends. Making things for people is also a good idea. One year I made up batches of herbed olive oil. Another year I smoked a bunch of hams and turkeys myself and gave them out. For friends that are into history or science, I'd keep my eyes open for interesting, very old artifacts on ebay. Wine also makes a good gift if you know what's good. A little research can yield some inexpensive, yet exceptional wines that are otherwise hard to find.

    One of the weirdest gifts I ever got was from an ex-girlfriend (who at the time wasn't an ex). A gardenia bush. That in itself might not seem that weird, except I found a book she accidently left at my place on Voodoo spells, with a "love spell" page dog-eared that required placing Gardenia bushes around the target's house as a component!

    1. Re:The art of gift giving by Scrameustache · · Score: 2, Funny

      Another year I smoked a bunch of hams and turkeys

      Dude, that's some serious drug problem...you should see a doctor!

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    2. Re:The art of gift giving by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Now that was funny!

    3. Re:The art of gift giving by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      And then there's always the situation where someone who isn't on your list, gives you something and you feel weird about it.

      I solved this one years ago. Middle of December I'd buy a case of decent wine and stick it in my car trunk, along with a pack of stick-on bows. If anyone gave me a present, I'd simply say, "Thank you. I have your gift in the car."

      Worked like a charm, through 2 decades of bachelorhood. And, I would often spend Christmas night getting happily plotzed on the remaining vino.

    4. Re:The art of gift giving by arantius · · Score: 1

      One of the weirdest gifts I ever got was from an ex-girlfriend (who at the time wasn't an ex). A gardenia bush. That in itself might not seem that weird, except I found a book she accidently left at my place on Voodoo spells, with a "love spell" page dog-eared that required placing Gardenia bushes around the target's house as a component!

      Accidentally? You don't know the first thing about women.

      --
      Health is simply dying at the slowest rate possible.
  169. Only normal in Texas by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This isn't strange for someone in Texas, but I got a 12-gauge shotgun(waterfowl hunting) and an ak-47(swine extermination) from my Dad. Also got a case of shells for each gun. I got a Penn reel for catching sharks from my mom. Good thing I bought myself a good knife.

    1. Re:Only normal in Texas by MemoryAid · · Score: 1

      Are these real swine or metaphorical swine? If it's the latter, you had probably better not answer.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    2. Re:Only normal in Texas by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Real swine. I live on a cattle ranch in South Texas and wild pigs are very destructive to the property. If left unhunted, they will leave 2-4 holes over an entire 3000 acre area, roads included. Most of the hunting is done on foot in sparse woods, which puts them within a 100 yard range. They usually travel in large groups and the shots are moving. A hungarian ak-47 (7.62x39mm) is an excellent gun for those situations. Deer rifles are limited by number of rounds and having to fuss with a scope in close ranges. Another plus to russian engineered rifles is the ability to take extreme abuse; think dropped in the mud.

    3. Re:Only normal in Texas by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My sister's down in San Saba, says the same thing. Very practical, and since she and I were taught by old Marines and can actually use iron sights, all she needs to do is slip on the Game Ears and off she goes! She also has a pig problem. The little bastard are the only wild animal I am aware of that can have three litters of 8 piglets a year and wind up with 20 living adolescent pigs. There are very few natural predators. Luckily, they taste good, and people are usually up for a hunt.

  170. College Tuition for a Semester by Enonu · · Score: 1

    and yes, I'm very grateful. A good education these days seems priceless.

  171. Books, books books.... AND $50! by Performaman · · Score: 1

    I got some books, the boardgames Risk and (oh boy) Scrabble. I also got some money and giftcards to Borders and Barnes and Noble (Everybody thinks I read all the time. I do, when I'm not on the computer) I also got the 1st season of [i]Futurama[/i] The books I got were: [i]Just For Fun[/i] by Linus Torvalds and David Diamond [i]All The President's Men[/i] by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward [i]Quicksilver[/i] by Neal Stephenson.

    --

    I have gas, but my car uses petrol.
  172. big video games by nmeu · · Score: 0

    my girlfriend is rad and hooked me up with a 800 lumen lcd projector!!!!

  173. Strange present by Elpacoloco · · Score: 1

    A music loving relative one year got me a gift card to a music shop. A pop-only music shop. Oops.

    I ended up getting some britney spears cds to give on to others.

    1. Re:Strange present by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      Britney's hot! Did you scan the album art and use it as wallpaper, cuz that's what I did.

      (but only in one room)

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    2. Re:Strange Present by Damon+Campagna · · Score: 1
      I want to a Christmas party and got a Kuffs DVD.

      Come to think of it, everybody else got Kuffs too.

  174. NeXT Gear! by Mr-Fish · · Score: 1

    This year my brother managed to find me a working color NeXT slab, monitor, cdrom, printer, and all the other accessories.

    Another friend gave me 3 Ultra 5s, 2 Ultra 2s, and a SS10.

    This is one happy geek!

    1. Re:NeXT Gear! by CoolMoDee · · Score: 1

      damn, i want a NeXT box!

      --
      Jisho - A Japanese English German Russian French Dictionary for the rest of us.
    2. Re:NeXT Gear! by sir+lox+elroy · · Score: 1

      SCHWEEEEEETTTTTTT You are wayyyyy too dam lucky. Can I have the Next or an Ultra 5?????

      --
      Kosh: "Understanding is a 3 edged sword, your side, their side, the Truth."
  175. brown dildos? by joeldg · · Score: 1, Funny

    umm.. yea

    stay away from those..

    and yellow snow..

    and...

  176. Free computers for a poor Indian village.... by scrotar · · Score: 1

    A relative gave $ in my name to a charity that buys computers for rural Indian villages. As I was reading the card, I had visions of creating the out-sourcing company that eventually chowns my job.

  177. Turn that frown upside down by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got my car broken into for the second time in as many days.

    So leave an empty wallet on the dash, hide hearby, and pummel the bastard when he shows up to go for the hat trick. You'll feel better.

  178. $1K iTunes Gift Certificate by adzoox · · Score: 1

    I wrote about this in my journal this morning; my most interesting (not necessarily weird) gift was a $1000 iTunes Music Store gift certificate. Read my journal for the coolest gift I gave:

    http://slashdot.org/~adzoox/journal/56263

    Merry Christmas everybody!

    --
    Yell & scream & rant & rave... it's no use... you need a shaaaave ~ Bugs Bunny
  179. Think Geek! by twoslice · · Score: 1

    Did any one get an Air Bazooka? Anyone?

    --

    From excellent karma to terible karma with a single +5 funny post...
    1. Re:Think Geek! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Come on, I made one myself, it's easy!

    2. Re:Think Geek! by Abalamahalamatandra · · Score: 1

      No, but I did get a $10 gift cert to ThinkGeek from a buddy at work (two Linux enthusiasts stuck in a Microsoft Certified Partner company) and it's going towards one...

    3. Re:Think Geek! by rolocroz · · Score: 1

      I got an Airzooka for my birthday in October, and it rocks. I can blast people twenty feet away and make them yelp. It's great, I tell ya!

      --

      I meta-mod all positive moderation Unfair, because it's abuse of the system.

  180. Sister inlaw by rockwood · · Score: 1

    What a weird coincidence to read this... especially since I just got off the phone with my wife's sister and her common-law husband bought her a kitchen trash can for Christmas.

    I would've shove it up his chimney!

    --
    Never try to beat a professional at his own game!
  181. Copy protected audio CD look-a-like by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Oh the joy about getting a CD from a local band I've been watching closely for a decade and a half! Their sixth album in 15 years. And they are turning slowly to be recognized more widely (here in Finland).

    Insert it into the computer to create a legal copy for car-use. Who would store the original in the car, anyway. But the machine says it is not audio CD!? Quickly, a better look at the CD covers and there is no "Compact Disc - digital audio" logo. Strange, because it looks like and has most probably been sold as an audio CD...

    And there it is (loose translation): "This CD is copy protected and there might be some problems listening it in other players, except normal CD-players." So unless you have pre 2K CD-player available, you are screwed.

    Never pirated any music in my life (really!), and I'm forced to educate myself in these matters. (Isn't this the reason for EMI and others to use the Cactus copy protection..). So few google searchs and a cardware Exact Audio Copy is found, downloaded, installed and ripping the not-so-compact disc. There really should be a separate section in music stores for CD look-a-likes, preferably with a half cover warning about likely incompatibility in every jewel case!

    If the music industry wants to bite the feeding hand, this is perfect example of it. And according to the band homepage, a pirate version was available from both Russia and Estonia about a month before the general lauch of the album earlier in the autumn. So they managed to irritate the most loyal fan and supporter of the band, while not being able to prevent the real piracy!

    Oh, what a present (but I managed to write this rant without swearing.. or running fsck!).

    Sami

    1. Re:Copy protected audio CD look-a-like by TheBillGates · · Score: 1

      Send it to the band and ask them for a real CD for one of their most loyal fans.

  182. So THAT'S where you get those! by tulare · · Score: 1

    Of all the things, I've actually been looking for a mousepad/calculator for quite a while - someone at work has one, but can't remember where she got it. I'd honestly use the hell out of such a thing - I frequently need to bang off a few calculations, and am annoyed by the added clickage of bringing up a calculator on the computer.
    Call me a geek, you're probably not too far off the mark. Now where'd I leave my slide rule...

    --
    political_news.c: warning: comparison is always true due to limited range of data type
    1. Re:So THAT'S where you get those! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hit the Windows key, then "r", then type calc and press enter.

    2. Re:So THAT'S where you get those! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What if he doesn't have a windows key you insensitive clod?

    3. Re:So THAT'S where you get those! by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Ctrl-Esc, then, you insensitive clod! BTW, you could actually still be holding the Windows key when you hit R, but with the Ctrl-Esc trick, you can't use it in combination witb something - hit it, let go, THEN hit R, then type calc, then press enter.

    4. Re:So THAT'S where you get those! by tulare · · Score: 1

      LMAO you dipshit. Lemme try that... wait, the windows key brings up the kmenu... r... no effect. I wonder what happens if I bring up the "run app" window and type calc in it anyhow. Nope, no such animal. I do have a nice calculator, but like I say, I don't like having to bring it up, often obscuring whatever I've got in the foreground. I always have a mousepad, though...

      --
      political_news.c: warning: comparison is always true due to limited range of data type
    5. Re:So THAT'S where you get those! by Fancia · · Score: 1

      Alt-F2, then type kcalc and hit enter. If you have KCalc installed, which you probably do, that should bring up a workable calculator.

      --

      Bít, zabít, jen proto, ze su liska!
    6. Re:So THAT'S where you get those! by tulare · · Score: 1

      Bah. You're no fun. I want my calculator mousepad, and that's that ;-P

      --
      political_news.c: warning: comparison is always true due to limited range of data type
    7. Re:So THAT'S where you get those! by Fancia · · Score: 1

      *giggles* The calculator mousepad is a lot nerdier; go for it. ^.~

      --

      Bít, zabít, jen proto, ze su liska!
  183. hehe by orki · · Score: 1

    I got an treasurechest (Schatzkiste in german) with some New Years Rockets in it

  184. Influenza by nuintari · · Score: 1

    I came down with that nasty new flu that came out this year, ya know, the one that supposedly kills people, and makes my mother sick with worry. For christmas, I was under orders from my doc to drink plenty of fluids, take tons of pills, this groovy cough syrup, and get plenty of rest. Oh, and above all else, avoid other people like the plague. So, I missed the christmas party at work.....

    So, given that I fucking hate christmas, today has rocked! I got my laptop, I'm high as a kite, and I am watching buffy the vampire slayer!

    --

    --Nuintari

    slashdot : where an opinion can be wrong.

  185. Because Mac's are too expensive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    haw haw haw...

    well for a xmas present anyhow.

  186. YELLOW BRUCE LEE JUMPSUIT!!! by Juise · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yeah thats right, a bright yellow jumpsuit with black stripes on the sides! I also got a Oz Quick Trip thermos, a flash lite that has a screwdriver set inside, a very nicely made photo collage of my newborn daughter, 10 pack of Maxell CD-R's, Jing: King of Bandits manga, Elf quest graphic novel, and a Gameboy Advance SP.

    --
    The past is just the present only older -me-
  187. Hookers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My friends got me a hooker one year she also came with a case of the clap. They sprung fopr the doctor too.

  188. Explosives. by SharpFang · · Score: 1

    Lotsa biiig firecrackers. Size of a good dynamite rod and give similar punch. I llllike my present!

    --
    45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
  189. It's mostly men that drink wisk(e)y, isn't it? by nietsch · · Score: 2, Funny

    And the women that do drink it, tend to be the ones you didn't want to meet in the first place...

    Your wife gave 'm to ya?

    --
    This space is intentionally staring blankly at you
    1. Re:It's mostly men that drink wisk(e)y, isn't it? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I was thinking..
      If she is the type that likes whiskey flavored condoms she's probably not the type to give head with a condom on.

  190. Mod parent funny.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    .. in a slap-upside-the-head black-comedy satirical kind of way.

  191. cans of chicken stock by mszilagyi · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Someone gave me 2 cans of chicken stock... I think that counts as a weird gift.

    1. Re:cans of chicken stock by digitalsushi · · Score: 1

      only is it wasnt homemade... best way to store that stuff is in ice cube trays, btw.

      --
      slashdot: where everyone yells sarcastic metaphors to themselves to understand the issue
  192. I got.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    .. a pez dispenser. Yup. That's it.

    Oh yeah and refills too! THANKS MOM!

  193. Lots of Luck with those 7200 rpm HDDs! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Like most geeks, and I have been a geek since 1954, when I got my ham license, I got a nice Maxtor 7200 rpm 80 GB HDD. Put everything on it. Several distros, some downloaded and put-together from scratch, etc.

    Then I thought about asking Santa for a new monitor to go with my home-made boxen with the 80 GB HDD, then it happened, the Maxtor started slowing down, really slowing down. No longer did it roar along, getting hot, etc. as before. Applications and OS's a-crashing all around. Finally removed it, and replaced it with a 2 GB HDD, to put a test installation of Mandrake on it to see if the rest of the box was alright. It was, so it's the Maxtor's fault. So, as it says in the Subject line...

  194. I got a rock by certsoft · · Score: 1

    Just saw that on a Family Guy episode (DVD)

    1. Re:I got a rock by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I just got the DVD of that too!

      Seasons 1 and 2

      There *is* a santa!

  195. well its not THAT weird... by norsk_hedensk · · Score: 1

    ...because i asked for it: a torque wrench.

  196. Anti-Porn Step Down Kit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got custom made anti-porn step down kit. My friends though I needed it. This included 1 blow-up doll in human form.(they took away my blow-up sheep) 1 big jar of Vaseline ( they took away my Viks VapoRub) 1 year subscription to Victoria's Secret catalog.(they cancelled my subscriptions to "Farm Animals: The Erotic Stories and Using Items From The Hardware Store For Pleasure") 1 mail order bride ( they got me a divorce from my sister/aunt/mother) 1 new phone book (they removed Michael Jackson's, R.Kelly's, Mike Tyon's and Larry Flynt's numbers) 1 copy of "Downloading Copyrighted Music For Dummies" (they figured it would be easier to stop the music than the wanking) 1 box of toys from Playschool (they got rid of the toys from the Adam & Eve collection)

    1. Re:Anti-Porn Step Down Kit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Gosh, couldn't they just buy you a mare?

  197. McDonalds coupons by ecl · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Was the McDonalds coupon book labeled as a weird gift before or after the reports of Mad Cow disease in the US?

    --

    Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war ...
  198. alway a matter of choice... by oldwolf13 · · Score: 1

    Yes, but is it YOUR choice?

    --
    If I can't smoke and swear I'm fucked.
    1. Re:alway a matter of choice... by Rosonowski · · Score: 1

      Yes indeed. Didn't want to deal with the hassles in high school after the first girl I even came close with decided to go around telling people I got her pregnant (despite the fact that we didn't have sex)

      --
      01101001 01100001 01101101 01101110 01101111 01110100 01100001 01101100 01100001 01110111 01111001 01100101 01110010
    2. Re:alway a matter of choice... by pete-classic · · Score: 1

      I have no desire to encourage anyone to engage in casual sex, but what you've said makes no sense.

      You didn't have sex with her, and you hope to avoid such problems in the future by not having sex with other women?

      -Peter

    3. Re:alway a matter of choice... by Rosonowski · · Score: 1

      Yes, exactly.

      I didn't have sex with her.
      Then she started telling people that I got her pregnant.

      I am avoiding such problems by abstaining from sexual relations until such time that I find someone I care more about.

      --
      01101001 01100001 01101101 01101110 01101111 01110100 01100001 01101100 01100001 01110111 01111001 01100101 01110010
    4. Re:alway a matter of choice... by pete-classic · · Score: 1

      One of us isn't making any sense. You didn't have sex with her. So you weren't in a sexual relationship* with her. How does not having sex with other women prevent this from happening?

      More to the point, not having sex with this woman did not prevent the unfortunate incident. Why do you expect not having sex with other women to prevent further incidents?

      Can you not see your miserable failure of logic?

      -Peter

      * This depends somewhat on semantics, but is acceptable for our purposes.

    5. Re:alway a matter of choice... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm pretty sure that in his case being abstinent also includes not being romantically involved with any one at all, which does prevent further incidents.

    6. Re:alway a matter of choice... by Rosonowski · · Score: 1

      Ok, I understand your angle, but someone going around and saying that I had gotten them pregnant was only a small worry; I was more frightened by the concept of actually getting someone pregnant, not only becuase I despise children, but because I wouldn't be able to support one.

      --
      01101001 01100001 01101101 01101110 01101111 01110100 01100001 01101100 01100001 01110111 01111001 01100101 01110010
  199. Complete set of by ellem · · Score: 1

    Johnny Lightening Simpsons Cars!

    Homer (pink... complete with fender dent!)
    Marge (Station Wagon... but no Canyonero;(
    Otto (School Bus)
    Chief Wiggums (Police Car... what no Snake 'Lil Bandit?)

    --
    This .sig is fake but accurate.
  200. TOSLink cable by sfe_software · · Score: 1

    I spent the day digging through boxes, closets, drawers -- trying to find my only TOSLink cable (optical digital audio thingy). I drove around for about 2 hours trying to find something that was open to buy a new one, to no avail.

    Then, looking in one of the places I'd already looked at least four times, there it was! It made my holiday.

    Oh, presents... sweater, new underwear and white T-shirts, and a nice kitchen knife set (that I had asked for). And I bought myself a digital multi-track hard disk recorder yesterday (hence the need for the TOSLink cable), which was probably the best present. I always buy myself something nice, to avoid standard gift disappointment ;)

    Overall, it's been a good year.

    --
    NGWave - Fast Sound Editor for Windows
  201. Message to all seasonal cell phone recipients by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Would all of you that received shiny new cell phones for the holidays, please stop sending text messages for today? We've had to bounce the application a couple of times already....spare a thought for the NOC crew in the house today.

  202. funny one by falkor · · Score: 1

    I got a children's cookery-set. I think somebody feels I can't cook very well ;)

  203. Pieces of chocolate... by slavemowgli · · Score: 1

    The little daughter of a friend of mine (7 years old) gave me a peanut, a candle and a handful of pieces from her chocolate Father Christmas. That really was sweet. ^_^

    --
    quidquid latine dictum sit altum videtur.
    1. Re:Pieces of chocolate... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The little daughter of a friend of mine (7 years old) gave me a peanut, a candle and a handful of pieces from her chocolate Father Christmas. That really was sweet. ^_^

      hey, I have a question to this poster: are you asian? or grow up in an asian country? the smile: ^_^ leads me to believe that.

    2. Re:Pieces of chocolate... by slavemowgli · · Score: 1

      No, neither. Sorry.

      --
      quidquid latine dictum sit altum videtur.
  204. I got your crappy present by fewnorms · · Score: 5, Funny

    right here!
    Although the end result seems ok :)

    --
    Veni, Vidi, Velcro!
  205. I got... by dexterpexter · · Score: 1

    My bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and a full ride starting next semester to graduate school. (It only took me 3 1/2 years.)
    A little gift to myself. :)

    Otherwise, I got socks for Christmas. lol.

    -dexterpexter

    --

    *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
    "We are Linux. Resistance is measured in Ohms."
    1. Re:I got... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hang on to those socks, because you won't get much else with that bachelor's degree.... You and about a million other people have one too.

    2. Re:I got... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey, it's not all that bad out in the work place... you could always go work in IT, no, wait, that's being farmed out to India... Well, how about working for an Oil Compan.... oh... right... you don't want to do the job of a petroleum engineer. Well, how about a tech fir -- what, they're not hiring?

      Well, grad school's the way to go then... I'm bitter, in case you can't tell.

    3. Re:I got... by dexterpexter · · Score: 1

      I feel like perhaps I shouldn't grace this silly comment with a reply, but I will bite.

      Well actually, Mr. Anonymous Coward, I have already turned down several job offers from places including (but not limited to) Google (the geek job) and Boeing, so that I can pursue my master's degree. Maybe my odd Christmas fortune is a function of attitude. Perhaps that is what sets me above you and the "million other people" who got a lump of coal for Christmas.

      -dexterpexter

      --

      *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
      "We are Linux. Resistance is measured in Ohms."
  206. .. I gave my daughter an iPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    .. and it was worth it.... seeing her opening the box (excellent design) was my best gift.

    When I was 13, I might dream of a Vic 20. But no way would I get one for Christmas.

    Anyway... she loved it, and I loved giving it away. 20gig..

  207. I think I trump all of you. by xcham · · Score: 1

    A copy of 2 Fast 2 Furious (ugh, what the hell) ... ... on VHS.

    Wait, it was weird gifts, not crappy gifts. D'oh.

    --
    When life gives you lemons, you CLONE those lemons, and make SUPER-LEMONS. -- Dr. Cinnamon Scudworth, Ph.D
  208. All you angry people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Check out this angry letter.

    1. Re:All you angry people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      broken; local referer required.

    2. Re:All you angry people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just copy the URL.

  209. I'll tell you what I got today by John+Jorsett · · Score: 4, Funny
    I got a mass email from corporate headquarters reminding me not to clog up the email system with Christmas wishes to other people, complete with links to the corporate email policy. Merry frickin' Christmas to you too, you bastards.

    But at least it wasn't a hot cocoa sampler.

    1. Re:I'll tell you what I got today by MemoryAid · · Score: 1

      Does the corporate email policy expressly list the methods by which it is permissable to clog up the email system? Or do you need to infer that from activities not specifically prohibited?

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    2. Re:I'll tell you what I got today by MrEnigma · · Score: 2, Funny

      Are you trying to pull a fark cliche on slashdot? I think you got the wrong bookmark :).

      --
      GeekWares - Buy and Download Today!
  210. Re:Not to me directly but... by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
    PS: Don't flame me :) )

    OK, here goes:

    Seriously, though, if you did become the recipient of enough 'flame' you (a) may need the bandages for the burns, and (b) they may actually match.

    That's all I got.

    --
    Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
  211. Obligatory insensitive clod joke by Maskirovka · · Score: 1

    I did all of my christmas shopping in July at garage sales you insensitive clod!

  212. My gift... by t0ny · · Score: 5, Funny

    One of my friends gave me Mandrake Linux for Christmas. Cheap bastard.

    --

    Manipulate the moderator system! Mod someone as "overrated" today.

    1. Re:My gift... by rastakid · · Score: 1

      One of my friends gave me Mandrake Linux for Christmas. Cheap bastard.

      Well, still better than SCO Linux, because then you would had ended up *paying* for your christmas gift.

    2. Re:My gift... by jbplou · · Score: 1

      what a kingly gift.

    3. Re:My gift... by t0ny · · Score: 1

      After a little bit of work, they make great drink coasters.

      --

      Manipulate the moderator system! Mod someone as "overrated" today.

  213. Coal by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got a nice lump of dirty coal!

    1. Re:coal by laejoh · · Score: 1, Funny

      RMS Titanicn, Inc.?

      Shoudln't that be GNU/Titanic, Inc.?

    2. Re:coal by __aafutm5472 · · Score: 2, Funny

      A co-worker of mine gave the best gift that I had heard of to date. His girlfriend

      Whoa...I thought that was the end of your post. I was thinking "wow, that's a pretty open relationship."

  214. How about... by chunkwhite86 · · Score: 1

    How about ground beef, pantyhose, and a stapler. All in the same package.

    As my old chemistry professor would say, "Nothing good can come of this".

    I didn't really get that. But wouldn't be funny if someone did. An idea for next year's "secret santa" perhaps...

    --
    I'd rather be a conservative nutjob than a liberal with no nuts and no job.
  215. Love has limits! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    In return you should not be bitter, but give your mom a big hug, that's all she's really asking for...

    Hey mr. Moron - It was a Microsoft game.

  216. Worst. Christmas. Ever. by KrancHammer · · Score: 1


    What I got for Christmas was a case of influenza. Which I caught at my college graduation. No kidding. I guess its not too bad, though... I'm alive. Sorta.

    --
    Trolls: The high-tech version of those morons that scrawl obscenities in public bathrooms.
    1. Re:Worst. Christmas. Ever. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I caught really bad cold not long ago. So I just hauled my minitower firewall 486 into my bed, loaded its small drive with all good e-books I could get my hands on (have downloaded quite a few from p2p shortly before), and spent a whole week doing nothing but reading and sleeping (with small breaks for eating and taking pills).

      It was good.

  217. I got... by Elfan · · Score: 1

    I got two mini Spong Bob shot glasses from Santa.

  218. Dad's gift for mom by vadim_t · · Score: 2, Funny

    This was about two years ago, I think. It happened near Christmas. We had just installed a new pretty lamp in the living room and were all looking at the pretty effect that light makes with the dust. Then suddenly we realized that it's not dust, it's smoke from the kitchen!

    Turns out mom left a frying pan there, and the oil caught fire. Mom yells "Cover it with something!". I run and bring a big towel. Mom: "Not that one!". Anyway, we fixed that pretty quick, and other than a lot of smoke nothing happened.

    A few days later a strange package for mom from dad appeared under the tree. We all wondered what was it (pretty big, very heavy...) and finally she opened it.

    A fire extinguisher.

  219. I sent this into TechTV last year by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got boxers from from my grandmother... not bad, until she admitted they were bought at a garage sale... that's right, used boxers!

    -Ryan Daw

  220. When worlds collide... by telstar · · Score: 4, Funny

    I got a puppy from my parents and a cat from my uncle... The description of any of my other gifts now includes the adjectives "urine-scented", "chewed", or "clawed to hell" ... primarily as a result of gift #1 trying to swallow gift #2.

    1. Re:When worlds collide... by Kosi · · Score: 1

      Then #2 is not worth its race. With a real cat, #1 would try only once.

    2. Re:When worlds collide... by Creepy+Crawler · · Score: 1

      #3 is the much better cat

      http://joecartoon.com/pages/katfight/

      --
    3. Re:When worlds collide... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah I got a puppy for Christmas (sort of). Except my cat is old and has already lived with and outlived a dog. The puppy tries to lick her, and he gets a claw in the face. At least the cat can take care of herself...

    4. Re:When worlds collide... by dmforcier · · Score: 1

      However rough it might be now, I predict they'll become the best of friends.

      There's nothing innately aggresive toward cats in a puppy - they have to be taught. And cats (kittens, anyway) need someone to play with. If not another cat then a puppy will do just fine.

      Don't make the mistake of trying to enforce a truce or settlement. They'll work it out on their own.

      --
      You can't take the sky from me!
  221. Bunny Suicides by Bertie · · Score: 1

    I got this book. It sure is weird all right. Pretty hysterically funny, too. I think my favourite has to be the one where a woman who looks like she's just gone twelve rounds with a van der Graaf generator is sitting in an armchair whilst a little bunny loads a copy of Fatal Attraction into the VCR...

  222. Regarding the Queen by AllenChristopher · · Score: 1

    The Queen does not refer to herself as "one." She refers to herself as "we." As in "we are very pleased to visit Canada, which has always been dear to our hearts."

  223. A money holder card... by miketang16 · · Score: 1

    without the money. I mean I could understand if it was a regular card, but you buy those things purposely for putting money in.

    --
    -------
    "In times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act."
    -- George Orwell
  224. My Xmas Stocking by nessus42 · · Score: 1

    I got a book called Strange Foods on how to prepare "bush meats", bats, rats, and butterflies; The Lorax by Dr. Seuss; New & Used Blab!, a very strange comic book; a book on medical illustrations; Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix Game and Controller, so I can be a complete geek at home, rather tahn in public; and a wind-up eyeball.

    |>oug

  225. wtf by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    HOly shit, how old is this guy's wife - like 15?!

  226. Congratulations! by daviddennis · · Score: 5, Informative

    The nice people who are suggesting that you build your own house are probably not considering life in a major urban area as desirable.

    I would count it as extraordinarily difficult to save enough money for a downpayment for a house in, say, Southern California (where I live) and similar areas. For the entry level house I just bought in Woodland Hills, the price was $428,000. Woodland Hills is an upscale suburb but doesn't have the cachet of, say, Beverly Hills or Malibu, where entry-level homes start at around twice that. If you consider that typical entry-level homes in the downscale suburb of Canoga Park start at close to $350,000, I think I got a real deal.

    I'm presently renting a house for $1,400 a month, which is way under market. My landlord sold it out from under me, and I checked rental options and found them all horribly expensive. So I talked to a very nice realtor, and he, together with a great mortgage broker, showed me that a good house wasn't beyond my means, despite my lack of savings other than company 401(k).

    In the end, I had to withdraw money from the 401(k) just to rarise the 3% deposit needed to prove that you're serious about the house, and to pay closing costs. My lender gave me 100% financing in a first and second mortgage, with a total payment of around $2,750 a month. Property taxes add another $500-odd a month. However, virtually all of this is tax-deductible, on both federal and state returns. The bottom line is that I get about $1,000 of that from the taxman, so my net cost is $2,250 a month.

    I used some extra money from the 401(k) withdrawl to pay back all my debt. With my debt paid down to zero thanks to the 401(k) withdrawl, my net cost of housing + debt - tax deductions is actually going to be a bit lower than were I was before.

    A nice bit of fiscal alchemy.

    If - and only if - you believe your real estate market will continue to do well, 100% financing may make sense, even though it doesn't sound like a good idea when you first look at it. The tax deductions really help hugely, taking really scary numbers and bringing them down to reality.

    Here in Southern California, there are huge population pressures, and the economy is diversified enough to continue to do well. So on balance, I think home ownership here is a reasonable gamble. The fact that my home, being a tiny but beautifully made place on a hillside, is in a unique area with extremely low housing turnover also helps.

    I have lots of plans for my new home, and I think it's going to be a great experience. And to be honest, I don't think I could have ever saved the amount of money needed without 100% financing.

    If you want to own a home, I think it's well worth considering.

    D

    1. Re:Congratulations! by burns210 · · Score: 1

      "For the entry level house I just bought in Woodland Hills, the price was $428,000."

      I just about gagged when i read that... ya, I know cali has MUCH higher everything than the untaimed Oregon counry to the North, but it is staggering to think that an entry level here is half that price. hell, you would be getting a pretty darn nice home for $225,000. For being only a few hundred(in the grand sceam that isn't too far) miles away, it is amazing that housing prices can double.

    2. Re:Congratulations! by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      Here is an example of what you can get for $247,500. It's the cheapest house in an area where you take your life in your hands when you walk out the front door:

      http://www.realtor.com/Prop/1031941129

      For $350,000, you can get a house in Canoga Park, a fairly unpleasant area of Los Angeles (although better than the first one). It's still on the first page of realtor.com's listings for the area. (Many areas have incongruously cheap homes, mostly those in unsound structural condition or very small. In the case of Canoga Park, there is one house for $245,000 that's a one-bedroom of under 500 square feet. But that's an analomy that need not concern most home buyers).

      For $428,000, I'm buying this:

      http://www.amazing.com/new-house/new-house.html

      It's in a woodsy hillside, which is a huge point in its favour compared to homes on "the flats", which tend to be in ugly places with lots of concrete and few trees. It's also an extremely safe neighborhood.

      So it's a good solid upper middle class area. The average home price is pushing $650k, maybe even $750k.

      To be "rich", an area would have to be like Beverly Hills and Malibu and have average prices around $1,500,000.

      A lot of what makes homes so expensive is economic opportunity - LA is a city with money. A lot of money. That means potential as well as insane home prices.

      It's also a place where it's sunny most of the year. Right now, we are facing our rigourous frigid winters, with temperatures in the 50s and (gasp!) actual rain. But don't worry; this is about as bad as it gets, and we have sunny weather back in the forecast for today. High of 57degF.

      This is the literal price we have to pay for that.

      D

    3. Re:Congratulations! by SubtleNuance · · Score: 1

      You had to take money out of your 401k for a $12k downpayment? Did you consider you *didnt* need a $428k home?

      Outside of the fact that you are contributing to ridiculous sprawl in a suburb-in-the-desert (which by itself is another discussion in What Not To Do In The World), couldnt you have gotten an condo downtown somewhere?

    4. Re:Congratulations! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Condos tend to be poor investment on average (at least in So-Cal).

      Entry-level houses in Irvine easily sell for $500K+.

      We bought way out in ruralish Norco for $420 and expect to sell @ $730K 3 years after purchase. Had I bought a condo downtown somewhere the best I would have hoped for was to break even upon sale.

      For my next trick I will move to the Portland sub-urban area and buy a nice 300K home. Voila! Completely debt free @ 33 in 2004.

      Good idea: Get a good financial advisor to sanity check any extremely large purchases like houses. Its worth paying someone for an hour of time to get validation on the largest investment you'll be making for a while.

    5. Re:Congratulations! by topham · · Score: 1

      You would put only 2.8% down on a home? Are you INSANE????

      As for me, I would NEVER buy a condo. I know too many people that have been screwed by the condo organizations.

    6. Re:Congratulations! by topham · · Score: 1

      Only in America...

      The rest of the world thinks your insane.

    7. Re:Congratulations! by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      I live and work in Edge City. Have you read Joel Garreau's work? It's quite fascinating because it shows what people really want, not what planners want to give them.

      My new house is ten minutes away from my work. I'm not one of those guys who buys a $279,000 house in Pacoima or Lancaster and spends $1,000 a month keeping my car running and insured. No; I realize that's folly. So I buy a $428,000 house so I can be ten minutes away from my work. I should be a Hero of the New Urbanism, except that I think light rail is as much of a folly as heavy commuting.

      In order to convince me that sprawl is bad, you're going to have to create a more convincing alternative to it than has been hithero created.

      Here is my $428,000 house

      Here is a condo in the same general area. Note that I'd be nuts to buy a "condo downtown", because I would have to commute for an hour to get to my job!

      The condo is not in the same, exceptionally nice, area the house is in. Instead, it's surrounded by similar concrete ugliness. In fact, a house in the same area is very similarly priced once you add on the HOA dues to the condo's price.

      Now, I have some questions for you that are very important.

      Does this condo make you feel good when you look at it?

      Would you feel pride, if you worked and slaved very hard for years, making hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments, and the end result was ownership of this condo?

      Would you feel good about making a $2,000 monthly payment (including homeowners' dues) to buy this concrete monstrosity? Remember that homeowners' association dues make it very nearly as expensive as a single-family home in the same area.

      Personally, I think I would have been nuts to buy the condo.

      What do you think?

      D

    8. Re:Congratulations! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      Yes, congratulations on your new house.

      Let me make it a point to be very cautious with your spending over the next year. I don't know if you escrowed your taxes (where you pay your mortagage company monthtly, and then they pay your property taxes annually) or are going to pay them directly.

      But either way YOU WILL be paying out of pocket for your first wave of taxes, which can come as a VERY rude shock if you think you're escrowing them. Nothing like getting a bill for $6000 dollars in the mail.

      Also, there is the tax asjustment. Since your house no doubt gained "value" with its sale, there is an adjustment period from the old value to the new value of the house. Even if you escrow your taxes, this will not be handled by that. And you won't get the bill for several months. They're wonderful at taking their sweet time getting these details to you.

      But as with any new home, you want to do this and that to the house, upgrade things (like a new TV), get things you never needed (like a washer and dryer). You can get wrapped all up in the excitement of the new house and end up deep in consumer debt, and then get slammed with a tax bill that you're not anticipating.

      So, simply be very cautious and watch your cash flow until you've been through the full tax paying cycle. They don't really detail that (at least for me they didn't) about how the taxes work, etc., and how they affect your cash flow. The normal bills hit in the autumn, and are split in two payments. If you are not prepared for this, you can be badly blindsided and have a "sudden" several thousand dollar cash hit.

      After the first cycle, you know what to expect, you know what your rate and expense will be like, and you can budget accordingly. But the first year can be a doozy for the unprepared.

      Good luck on your new home!

    9. Re:Congratulations! by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      I'm actually already on top of this, but it's excellent advice for anyone reading this thread.

      In my case, the payment cycle is more than a little bizarre. My taxes are due in Feburary and November. They are delinquent in April and December. So sometime before April 10th, I have to find $2,800-odd. And then I can coast until December and come up with $2,800 more. This is based on the new value of the home, not the old.

      Fortunately, the sellers are leaving the washer and dryer, but I did have to get a new refrigerator, and I'm buying furniture and lighting stuff at a pretty high rate. I'm using a combination of my holiday bonus and the balance left over from my deposit money, which is refunded at the close of escrow.

      I'm setting aside enough money each month to pay the taxes.

      Since it sounds like you've been through this before, perhaps I could ask a question.

      The house presently has a 40 amp electrical service, plus an extra 40 amp breaker for the air conditioning.

      How much should it cost to replace this with a 200amp panel?

      As a slashdot geek with a home network, multiple computers and the occasional need for video lighting (about 2,500 watts but only for short periods), do you feel I need to upgrade my service?

      Many thanks for your thoughts.

      D

    10. Re:Congratulations! by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      I am but one insane person in a housing market that's equally insane. Unfortunately, all indications are that the insanity will continue for some time to come.

      I'm actually putting $0 down, as you could have seen if you read my message more carefully. I did a lot of research comparing the zero down alternative with the cost of continued renting, and I think I made the right decision, even though I know it has its risks.

      I was really soured on condos when a good friend of mine had his severely damaged in the Northridge earthquake. The insurance deductible was 10% of the total value and even people who were financially solid (capable of affording their fair share) were seriously damaged by it. Despite being financially solid, he was out of his house for two years(!).

      It is true that normal earthquake insurance has similar deductibles. However, in a condo, you are shackled to your neighbors, who may or may not be able to afford the deductible. It can - and did, in that case - take years to straighten the whole thing out.

      But perhaps the most important thing about condos is that they are ugly, unpleasant places to live in.

      I have only seen one condo that could be described as truly beautiful. 101 Ocean in Santa Monica goes down the cliff from the top side, and of course has spectacular, awesome ocean views. It's a stunning architectural masterpiece.

      Units in it go for $2 million each. Homeowners' association dues are $1,375 a month.

      I love that place, but I could get the same view in a lovely Malibu home for under $1,500,000, without any association dues.

      So I'll stick with single family homes :-).

      D

    11. Re:Congratulations! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      you are a rich cracker. arentcha

    12. Re:Congratulations! by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      Wish I was.

      Being rich by the Los Angeles definition requires at least the ability to purchase, say, a $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 house.

      Even what you get for that kind of money isn't going to look very impressive to someone living outside of California. But you can get a nice ocean view for that amount.

      Being really rich means you can afford a $5,000,000 Malibu road beach house AND a $7,500,000 Bel Air estate.

      Aaron Spelling's house cost around $46,000,000. Not sure how much he could sell it for, since not many people need or even want a 3/4 scale replica of the Beverly Hills Hotel. But that's what he put into it.

      It's a bit sobering how wealthy Los Angeles is.

      D

    13. Re:Congratulations! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Note that while you can gain a lot by tax deducting the morgage on a house, you also lose a lot in that deal because you lose your standard deduction. Make sure you consider this when calculating how much of that cost you "save" in taxes.

  227. Hold on, Cowboy. by khasim · · Score: 1

    Maxtor does have a very nice RMA system online. Hop over there and see if your drive is still under warranty (100GB probably is).

    I've returned a lot of Maxtor drives. They're fast and efficient.

    1. Re:Hold on, Cowboy. by Animekiksazz · · Score: 1

      I bought it off eBay, would that matter? I have no proof of perchase or anything, just the box it came in and the drive itself.

    2. Re:Hold on, Cowboy. by Rosonowski · · Score: 1

      Usually the serial number on the drive itself ought to be enough.

      --
      01101001 01100001 01101101 01101110 01101111 01110100 01100001 01101100 01100001 01110111 01111001 01100101 01110010
  228. Now THAT is a message gift! WOW! by Zathras11 · · Score: 1

    Not quite sure about the McDonalds coupon book,
    dude, but getting toothpaste, tic-tacs, and
    deodorant is a CLEAR message. And now you
    know why nobody wants to be around you. LOL!

  229. remotely controlled whoopee cushion by Kludge · · Score: 1

    Got one from bro. Great fun at Christmas dinner.

  230. crochet by BigBir3d · · Score: 1

    hand made (by my grandmother) coasters (6).

    3 sweaters.

    cell phone battery.

    LOTR:FOTR and TTT extended DVD's. Indiana Jones DVD's.

    decorative hand towel.

    snowman knick-nack.

  231. My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by poofyhairguy82 · · Score: 1
    I had my account size doubled. I went from 50 megs of server space to 100, plus I got a cgi bin and a catch-all email address (all I had to do was to agree to pay a years worth of hosting up front instead of a monthly bill).

    This is the best X-mas present from a company I don't work for. Considering how cheap my account is (2 dollars a month) I amazed by the good sevice. Truely a great web geek gift.

    1. Re:My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by schwartzon · · Score: 1

      too bad their is a much better deal out there. Go to www.1and1.com, they are affiliated with united internet and are offering three years of service for free, no fees whatsoever.
      I am amazed at the services that they include with a signup, including a 25$ google adword gift certificate.
      so dump the 2 dollar a month chicken dance, and switch to some freebies mon (they took out a double page ad in wired, so i dont think they are fly by night)

      --
      "Once upon a time men were lions and machines were mice, but since it was so long ago, now its twice upon a time."
    2. Re:My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by eberry · · Score: 1

      Why would someone give free web hosting? Is this 1999 all over again? It's not as if the Dow is...wait nevermind.

      --
      Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Lois, this isn't my Batman glass. - Peter
    3. Re:My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by keith73 · · Score: 1

      lucky you, my web host gave me a big old F**K You and I lost a client because of it.
      Anyone who uses Xeran or ever considered using Xeran, don't.

      Long story short, they changed their whole virtual host system around, screwed up my clients email aliases so they weren't receiving email and I moved them to a colo-server I have elsewhere. Too late, they got pissed at me and are gone

      --
      -- Does anybody know where the 'any' key is on the keyboard?
    4. Re:My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      -- Does anybody know where the 'any' key is on the keyboard?

      Silly, it's not on the keyboard! It's on the case, just next to the Power button. Marked with a triangle!

    5. Re:My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by SharpFang · · Score: 1

      What about bandwidth/transfer limitations and content limitations?

      --
      45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
    6. Re:My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by schwartzon · · Score: 1

      Here are some of the stats from their website www.1and1.com

      500 MB web space
      5,000 MB/month traffic ($.99 per GB for additional traffic)
      No limits on simultaneous hits/bandwidth
      5 FTP accounts
      50 subdomains
      50 POP3 e-mail accounts (50 MB each)

      --
      "Once upon a time men were lions and machines were mice, but since it was so long ago, now its twice upon a time."
    7. Re:My Web Host Gave Me Something for Christmas by SharpFang · · Score: 1

      Everything looked mostly reasonable (except that the registration gives choice only for Canada and US and I'm from Poland and it was never mentioned on the site it's limited to Canada and US) until I stumbled upon the last point of their TOC.

      14.7. AMENDMENT. 1&1 may without advance notice amend this Agreement from time to time, and will do so by posting the new Agreement on the 1&1 website in place of the old. Each and every such amendment shall be become effective immediately for all pre-existing and future accounts. It is your responsibility to periodically check the 1&1 website for updates of this Agreement.

      So they are free to post "All previous agreements are void and changed as follows. All customers are charged $1 per byte transferred. They can terminate the service at any time for $1000 fee" and all I can do is bite my fingers?

      *sigh*. Too good to be true.

      --
      45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
  232. Unbelievable story by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sorry, I don't believe you. I think you made up the entire anecdote.

    You're a guy, a "computer guy", 34 and you "don't even play computer games"? Sure, pull the other one!

    And nobody who's 34 has a mother that buys them software. Sorry, she's just too old! She's of a generation that just wouldn't know what to pick, which would be obvious to her as much as you.

    My guess: you're 13 and got socks. And you're trolling because of the hatred those socks instilled in you.

  233. MOD PARENT UP by cybercomm · · Score: 1

    He deserves it.

    --
    Live for the present, learn from the past, and dream of the future!
    1. Re:MOD PARENT UP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He does

  234. very nice, but... by ScottSpeaks! · · Score: 1

    Along with a nice assortment of new shirts and an iTunes gift certificate (coming by snail mail because Dad couldn't remember my e-mail address), I got a nifty picnic backpack, with an insulated interior and sleeve for a bottle of wine, and two place settings complete with cloth napkins, cutlery, and non-breakable wine glasses and plates. Which would be a lot cooler if I still had someone to go on picnics with. {shrug}

  235. I didn't do so bad. by Pyro226 · · Score: 1

    My Christmas was pretty good. I got a new ATI Radeon 9600 SE (the budget 9600) from my cousin, and my parents got me Prince of Persia for the PS2. I like the way the original Prince of Persia is included as a bonus.

    --
    This message is encrypted with Quad ROT-13 to protect the author's copyright under the DMCA.
    1. Re:I didn't do so bad. by r_cerq · · Score: 1

      It's better than that; both PoP 1 & 2 are in there. One when you finish the game for the first time, the other hidden behind a wall about one-third into the game. :-) There's probably more stuff in there, but I gave up on trying to destroy every wall to find it ;-)

  236. You want weird??? My Grandmother got me cool shit! by popo · · Score: 1


    One extremely cool wallet from jfold.com

    And one very groovy 5 LED flashlight from thinkgeek.com

    She claims she had no help. (Right).

    Then again, she always told me to never let the truth get in the way of a good story...

    --
    ------ The best brain training is now totally free : )
  237. So what was the lesson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nature hard-wires us, like it does every other animal, to know that "bigger is better". Bigger prey feeds more, bigger dwelling is safer, bigger predator is more dangerous.

    Is the lesson not to trust your instincts? I'm not so sure that's such a great lesson.

    1. Re:So what was the lesson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, the kid thought bigger meant better. Very good.

      And he took it for himself, because he wanted the better one. I would call that selfish...

  238. Gave my SO a hat she wanted... by Anti_Climax · · Score: 1

    ...in a Fredrick's of Hollywood box, in front of her parents/grandparents/family.

    Yeah, she was a little pissed off...

    --
    Even people that believe in pre-destiny look both ways before crossing the street.
  239. I got... by antdude · · Score: 1

    Star Trek: First Contact DVD, a shirt, and money. Nothing special there and I didn't really need anything since I already bought myself cool stuff recently. :)

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  240. ignoRANT by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Uh... it IS Christmas. If you aren't religious you can easily avoid proselytizing gifts by not celebrating it.


    The Christians merely stole the holiday from the pagans. Does Yule ring a bell?

    (BTW, Jesus's birthdate was most likely in August, not December.)

    1. Re:ignoRANT by dnahelix · · Score: 1

      The birth of the Roman Sun God was on December 25.

      --
      Slashdot Eds Link Anonymous Posts With Logged Posts
      They Are Vermin Feeding On Each Other's Feces.
      I Hate \.
    2. Re:ignoRANT by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      BTW, Jesus's birthdate was most likely in August, not December.

      I thought the consensus was that he was probably born in April.

    3. Re:ignoRANT by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Christians 'stole' the rituals and placed their holiday at the same time as the pagan holidays. However, the result is still their own holiday called Christmas (they didn't keep calling it Solstice). If you want to steal the rituals again and form a non-religious holiday, go right ahead, just rename it. Continuing to call it Christmas when you are not even Christian is retarded.

    4. Re:ignoRANT by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'll support your request to rename the holiday from Christmas if you'll support my request to rename the days of the week from mostly Roman gods.

  241. A Bill O'Reilly Book by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm not sure if it was just misintentioned
    [I don't think I've ever seen the man on TV without yelling at the TV]
    a joke, or someone misunderstanding "I like the books O'reilly puts out."

  242. Re:Now THAT is a message gift! WOW! by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
    Yeah, man! It's cause he smells bad, right? Wow, that's really a gas, isn't it? It's almost as if there is a subtle subtext there implying that his hygeine isn't up to snuff. I mean, sure, give one of those items as a gift and it could slip in under the radar, but all three at once! Genious!

    Oh, and the coupon book is for Big Macs. That one's easy.

    --
    Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
  243. Underwear by Andrea_from_Arg · · Score: 1

    I got the ussual underwear - but this time it was not pink - it's green. Yay for the change :)

    --
    :: Andrea ::
    Anime Wallpapers
  244. box of Kraft Dinner by S1KUNT · · Score: 1

    it was alright with some extra cheese

  245. eugh by Starve · · Score: 1

    I got pajama bottoms with sponge bob on them from my aunt that were 2 sizes to small (24 us) im 32 us besides the fact that i don't watch tv or cartoons by choice and I am a little old for such things I think someone at hot topic the local chain sold her on this one...

    --
    You have been sig'd
    1. Re:eugh by Grimster · · Score: 1

      NO way, my wife wears Spongebob boxers around the house... My kid and I watch Spongebob every afternoon after his nap.

      --
      --- www.f-theocean.com
    2. Re:eugh by Starve · · Score: 1

      Yeah thats cool, sponge bob is funny and all its just that tv in itself frustrates me, my dad is a heavy fox news channel watcher and its about as biased as news shouldn't be, I gave up after they switched channels so Nickeloden and Fox news where 3 channels apart shitty excuse but computers and other stuff enertain me more.

      --
      You have been sig'd
  246. A slide rule... by ph4s3 · · Score: 1

    I just got news last week that I passed the Fundamentals of Enginering exam at University, so I'm on my way to being a licensed Professional Engineer. My sister's boyfriend found out, and spent from then to now trying to find something special for that occassion. Not only was he thoughful, but as the story goes... William had mentioned this to his grandmother trying to locate his dad's old slide rules in the attic. They weren't there, but she also happens to be a secretary at one of the engineering departments at University of Missouri at Rolla (very prestigious enginering school). She mentioned this for whatever reason to one of the professors. Half a second later he pulls out a pocket-sized slide rule that looks like it's been around longer than I have and says, "Well, then he'll need to have this." I can't think of a more symbolic gesture than one engineer giving a tool of the trade to another just developing engineer coming into the profession. Now I don't know whether to keep it and use it or have it put in a display case for the office.

    1. Re:A slide rule... by BigBir3d · · Score: 1

      Use it. It would be a shame not to. Not to mention a little unsettling to the bloke that offered it.

  247. I didnt get any by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I lost my job in June.

  248. Watch the less-geeky one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    form a lynch-mob and give you a lesson in "what happens to pretentious pricks"

    1. Re:Watch the less-geeky one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You sound about twelve... say, did you get a bunch of paper wrapped rocks for Christmas?

  249. A very special gift by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My wife did something she said she'd never do (again), shaved her snatch bald as anything. Just waiting for the kids to go to bed to enjoy that little piece of Christ-mas (Or Mithras-mas your choice) Cheer. :) :) :) :)

  250. spoiling christmas, but no let downs! by tgriffin · · Score: 1

    my dad gave me the exact digital camera i wanted. but the secret was i actually bought it because i found a nice price for it and gave it to him to give back. he made my promise not to open it :) other than that i got.. - a couple of pairs of shorts and shirts - bowling for columbine DVD (seen it before, but i might check out the bonus disc) - a "rude bear" figurine of a teddy bear smoking a huge spliff (from my dad?!) - i'll post a photo of this later with my new digital camera :P my little bro got a few PS2 games too, so i'm going to have to kick him off and get a few hours of True Crime: Streets of LA in on my few days off.

  251. Hmm, old fashioned by Seydlitz · · Score: 1

    All three Lord of the Rings books, for some reason. These are obviously useless, since if we consider that a picture tells a thousand words, and a NTSC/PAL video / DVD is around 40 FPS, and that the movies are around three hours long apiece... That means that one film has ~ 432000 pictures in it; If each of those is worth a thousand words, that means each book is going to have to be at least 432000000 words long, simply to match the quality of story told by the films! Parents, heh. Who'd have em?

    1. Re:Hmm, old fashioned by slycer9 · · Score: 1

      Weirdo.

      My GF (something I'm grateful for in and of itself) got me a nice HB set of LotR. Especially nice since I've been whining about how much I need to pick 'em up for a year or so. She got me the leatherbound Hobbit for my b'day, so I'm pretty thrilled!

      I don't think she's learned yet that the smoothie maker is more a gift for me than her yet...mwahahaaa!!!

      --
      Don't park drunk, accidents cause people.
  252. When I was five... by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 2, Interesting
    ... I was given nothing less than a "radar station". It was a very neat wooden box (about 60 cm high by 80 cm wide) with a sloping front.

    There was a pull-out panel with a circular cutout with a green ground glass in it with concentric circles and various tiny blobs painted on the back, and behind it, an revolving black plastic circle with a radial line cut-out. When the 60 watt bulb behind it was turned-on, it looked like a sweeping radar scope.

    Some toggle switches allowed to control the light, the rotator and some other blinkenlights (which were blinking christmas lights in reality).

    Altough made of plywood, the whole thing was finished in that wrinkling paint which was so popular for instruments 40 years ago and it looked awfully real.

    Plus there was a crystal radio with headphones built into the thing...

    My father had worked several weeks with a TV-repairman friend to make it. I suppose that this gift I got was the one that was the closest ever to the true Christmas spirit: my father made it himself - never mind it was a "radar scope" instead of a rocking horse, it rocked the same... I must have played with the thing until I was 10...

    1. Re:When I was five... by JK+Master-Slave · · Score: 1

      the whole thing was finished in that wrinkling paint

      I have a pair of WWII 'Observational Standard' pieces of sheet steel with that 'crackle paint' finish on them. On the other side is all the info about the standard number, signatures, etc. One is marked Property of United States Navy and the other as Property of Bell Telephone Laboratories. Dated 1943, with a 1947 'expiration date.'

      Really, they're too valuable as 'geek collector items' to ever consider giving them away to anybody, so they'll never been 'weird presents.' But Crackle Finish painted cabinets rule.

  253. WTF? by cybrchld · · Score: 1

    I got a set of craftman strap wrenches...guess i wont have any trouble opening jars..:)

  254. How about... by Worldly+Iconoclast · · Score: 0

    I don't celebrate christmas, you insensitive clod.

  255. Six jars of hotsauce... by BW_Nuprin · · Score: 1

    ...and a roll of antacids! Rolaids, I believe. Merry Christmas, Dad!

    1. Re:Six jars of hotsauce... by mikewas · · Score: 1

      I'd love to get six jars of hotsauce! No need for the Rolaids either.

      --

      "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever." --Napoleon Bonaparte
  256. why i love my girlfriend... by decepty · · Score: 1

    *All the DVDs of FLCL , both volumes of the FLCL manga and both sountracks
    *"Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance" for the PS2 (2-player so she can play with me!)
    *A Bionicle robot
    *Master Gundam Deluxe Action Figure...


    ...all that and I pick up my iPod tomorrow...

    best...christmas... evar...

    --
    Be careful! Bears shouldn't consume large furry dogs.
  257. A giant frog hat :-) by MoxFulder · · Score: 1

    I got a hat in the shape of a giant frog. It has big eyes that stick out and legs that stick out like a foot from your head. It's nuts.

    It was a Chanukah present, actually :-P

  258. "than kind of money?" D'oh! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Or that kind of money, even.

  259. The gift of oil by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I once received a 5gal bucket of 15W-40 motor oil. Nothing says love like feeding a man's diesel pickup.

  260. According to Google by AndroidCat · · Score: 2, Funny
    I did a search for "weirdest christmas gift", including quotes. Nothing too interesting, but the sponsored link was for:
    Kangaroo Scrotum Gifts
    Wacky good fun from down under.
    The gift for all occasions mate!
    www.kangarooscrotums.com
    Umm, okay.
    --
    One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
  261. not wierdest but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I came down with the flu so I've stayed away from the family... But one of the most memorable was the year that I got socks for christmas. Not one pair, but *everyone* in my family got me socks! The truely funny thing was that it was not planned or intentional, but every one thought... what does he need.... SOCKS!

    Many years later I am still going through the box of socks. So, now every year I get asked by my grandmother if I need any more socks ;-) Last year she gave me a card on "The Joy of Sox"

    ---

    weirdest given: a pair of antique teeth pullers.

    The family has an expression about ____ being like pulling teeth. So one year when mom went through a particularily difficult year I bought her a 150 year old set of teeth pullers! Oh, I should mention she collects antiques. My girlfriend at the time could NOT BELIEVE I would buy my mother something like THAT.

  262. My present... by Grendel+Drago · · Score: 2, Interesting

    My folks decided not to give us presents this year, and give the money to charity instead. I think this is a good idea.

    See, we're Hannukah people, not Christmas people. Most Christians think we celebrate Christmas with the serial numbers filed down, but it's really not like that. The presents we used to get were little things---some nifty pens, a t-shirt---certainly not the crap our fellow consumer-citizens are using to bury themselves in debt.

    So, what am I missing? Twenty bucks---maximum---of various kitsch. What am I getting? A warm fuzzy. Not to mention that I already got one big-ticket item from my folks this year (a flat-panel monitor, at commencement) and getting stuff makes me feel obligated.

    After all, isn't it really all about giving? Eh? Eh?

    --grendel drago

    --
    Laws do not persuade just because they threaten. --Seneca
    1. Re:My present... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      nothing like a sweet lemon eh? eh?

  263. Recieved a.... by Radiantal · · Score: 0

    rubber snatch from my FREAKING MOTHER!!!
    Worse thing about it... I'm married and she said that I don't seem to be getting enough from my wife!!

  264. Weird? No. Aerodynamic? Yes! by Motie · · Score: 1

    Zero Gravity Double Bubble motorcycle windscreen. http://www.zerogravity-racing.com/sportbikes/yamah a_sptbks/images/577%20DB.jpg

  265. Fireworks by Kargan · · Score: 1

    Last Christmas, my girlfriend's cousins gave her a basket containg some of their leftover fireworks from the 4th of July, a few bottlerockets, jumping jacks, etc. They're the white trash cousins. Can I say that and not get modded into oblivion? It's true, they know it and they're proud...

    --
    Palaces, barricades, threats, meet promises
  266. Re:My 20 gig iPod by alienzed · · Score: 1

    I got a 20 giger and only have 18 gigs! oh well... it's 18 gigs more than I had before!

    --
    Never say never. Ah!! I did it again!
  267. *I* didn't, but ... by Yunalesca · · Score: 3, Funny

    ... a male friend of mine, who has a rather elderly grandmother, received a dress.

    --
    The floggings will stop when morale improves.
  268. Blast From The Past by Our+Man+In+Redmond · · Score: 1

    Oddly enough, the two presents I opened first were a G scale railroad engine and an hat made out of ersatz raccoon fur, complete with ringed tail.

    Hmmmm . . . a model train set and a Davy Crockett-style coonskin cap. I felt like it was 1955 again.

    Merry Christmas.

    --
    Someone you trust is one of us.
  269. It's hard to go wrong with t-shirts. by dbirchall · · Score: 1
    My wife and I both got t-shirts from the Sagemore grand opening from my folks, who live near there, and my sister sent me one from the Short Pump grand opening near her, too. So when I finally get over to Ala Moana (200 miles away, and $150+ for a round-trip air ticket), I guess I'll wear one of those for the trip.

    Weirdest present I gave has to be the Xena refrigerator magnets I found for a buck at the drugstore (last sheet they had left, it appears). My wife was happily surprised.

  270. IMPOSSIBLE! by GerbilSocks · · Score: 0

    Unless you are humping a hole in a fence, it's impossible to get cock burns.

  271. Well, my sister... by macmaxbh · · Score: 1

    My sister got a 8mm editor super-glued onto this box with a sewing kit and pencils inside. It was the strangest thing..

  272. What lesson is that? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You know what I'd learn from that at that age? That bigger isn't always better. If that's the lesson you wanted to convey, congrats you probably did it.

    Obviously your own selfish desire of some asinine lesson to be learned, probably didn't come through at all because I can't ascertain what it is besides what I stated above.

    I give to make myself feel good - my own self worth is determined by me and make a friend or loved one happy is a truly selfish act in the emotional reward I recieve.

    So, I'm glad maybe the selfish one will grow up to be a successful man and only give when he has the will and means to do so.

  273. Me? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If it was me?

    wait for it...

    I believe I'd get a shot of pussy.

  274. Just about every year on Rec.guns... by vudufixit · · Score: 1

    Someone posts, "who got a gun for Christmas?"
    And there are usually a lot of replies.
    Very cool...

  275. Indoor Mushroom Growing Kit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My weirdest gift this year: an indoor mushroom growing kit. This from my twin sister, who is apparently willing to go to great lengths to get me a unique gift that she's sure I don't already have.

    1. Re:Indoor Mushroom Growing Kit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      make sure to eat them as they are probably psychadelic.
      mmm psychadelic twin sisters mmm

  276. I got a chair by siphi · · Score: 1

    A big lovely chair that i got to assemble meself and its all cushy, now i can sit more comfy infront of the goggle box.

    --
    Sig (appended to the end of comments you post, 120 chars)
  277. My Sister The Perfect Shopper by Weirdoradio · · Score: 1

    My sister got me a Barbie mousepad and a New Kids On The Block album. I told her that '1993 was a wonderful year, maybe 1994 will be good to us too'

    --
    The P.O.W.s... The best band to never hit the recording studio.
  278. Not weird but not what I expected by HarveyBirdman · · Score: 1
    I asked for the complete Far Side collection and got it, but, geez, this box set weighs about 700 pounds. I didn't realize it was so big and solid.

    That makes it all the more cooler, but, wow, I can just about bench press this thing. I'm going to have to reinforce a shelf on one of my bookcases for this.

    --
    --- Ban humanity.
  279. coal by antares73 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    A co-worker of mine gave the best gift that I had heard of to date. His girlfriend is a Titanic buff and he found out that RMS Titanic, Inc., which holds the salvage rights funds some of its activities by selling the only item that they are authorized to...coal.

    So guess what she got in her stocking.

    --
    2 believe || ! 2 believe
  280. Cha! by AgentAce · · Score: 1

    my family bought me a new computer after I just bought a new one last week.
    well, I bought a desktop last week and they bought me a new laptop...but still...

    other than that...nothing too out of the ordinary...

  281. I got a bungee cord by HangingChad · · Score: 1
    Just one, mind you, about 8 inches long. A tin of Altoids, a handful of unshelled pecans, and a copy of Xandros 2.0 Deluxe edition.

    Nobody got me what I really wanted: An Airzooka. SHHUMP!

    --
    That's our life, the big wheel of shit. - The Fat Man, Blue Tango Salvage
    1. Re:I got a bungee cord by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Come on! No real nerd BUYS Airzooka! Look up Vortex Generator and build one yourself from a bucket or a can, a baloon, condom or plastic bag and some rubber. It's really easy and works like a charm!

  282. This is not funny by Pan+T.+Hose · · Score: 0, Troll

    I also got a dildo for Christmas, from one of my coworkers. (It's some sick sodomy kind of dildo, called "arse plug" or something.) As soon as I find out who bought it, he is going to get a big, nice, happy lawsuit from me for the Happy New Year. There is no place for perverts where I work.

    --
    Sincerely,
    Pan Tarhei Hosé, PhD.
    "Homo sum et cogito ergo odi profanum vulgus et libido."
    1. Re:This is not funny by michaelhood · · Score: 1, Funny

      Hey, it's a joke. What's up your ass?

    2. Re:This is not funny by mokomull · · Score: 1

      Haha. Nice pun.

    3. Re:This is not funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Obvious Message:
      Go FUCK Yourself!

    4. Re:This is not funny by lewp · · Score: 3, Funny

      Darl? Is that you?

      No, he wouldn't be complaining.

      --
      Game... blouses.
    5. Re:This is not funny by MrIcee · · Score: 0, Troll

      Obviously you can't use the butt plug since your ass is already occupied with your head. What the world REALLY needs less of is people like you. Go fuck yourself (the message the giver was intending most likely)... oh wait, your already constipated. And let me guess where you store your jackboots....

    6. Re:This is not funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are little bitch for even thinking lawsuit. It's people like you that make this world a more hellish place every day. Bad will to you and yours.

    7. Re:This is not funny by ModernGeek · · Score: 1, Troll

      You are the kind of person who thinks that if a lawsuit is won, that whatever they were trying to prove with that lawsuit is correct. You are one of those guys that if you weren't in America, you wouldn't make it because you need to be pamered and sheilded from the world and all things offensive. Wake up to reality. By the way, pointing out my spelling errors doesn't prove your point either, so don't try that either.

      --
      Sig: I stole this sig.
    8. Re:This is not funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, it's pretty damn funny.

      Remove the arse plug from its obvious current location, please.

    9. Re:This is not funny by flewp · · Score: 1

      The fact that your username is Pan T. Hose amuses me.

      --
      WWJD.... for a Klondike bar?
  283. Re:Not to me directly but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why would negroes need/use "black soap"? Or more specifically, why would negroes in the USA ("African Americans") need/use it

    No, there's no punchline. It's an honest question from a baffled "North-European Swede", who usually happens to buy blue or green soap.

  284. For the anatomically challenged by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    One hole is the mouth, one is the anus, and one is the vagina. Hence three holes, get it now?

    1. Re:For the anatomically challenged by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      But what about those poor disenfranchised pervs who have and ear fetish?

    2. Re:For the anatomically challenged by flewp · · Score: 1

      Or gunshot fetishes....

      I crossed the line with that one.

      --
      WWJD.... for a Klondike bar?
    3. Re:For the anatomically challenged by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It terrifies me that someone moded this +1 Informative

  285. DC wish came true by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got Saddam's ass for Xmas! Praise the Lord! -W-

  286. I got a rock... by Robotech_Master · · Score: 1

    ...oh wait, wrong holiday.

    I got an odd assortment of largely prosaic items--vacuum cleaner, knife sharpener, "Gator" universal socket wrench, Cuisinart home ice cream freezer--and pretty much none of the "fun stuff" like DVDs and CDs I'd put on my Amazon wish list. I got one DVD of a movie I didn't even ask for, let alone really want, and one CD from my wish list.

    So...it's not really a Christmas where I have any new toys to play with. I'm kind of sad about that.

    --
    Editor Emeritus and Senior Writer, TeleRead.org
  287. Where it's @ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got a giant pewter @ symbol. It's meant, I think, to be a book end, but it doesn't have much of a flat base, so it falls over quite easily, which makes it kind of a bad book end.

    I think I got it because the buyer knew I was into technology. And @ is where it's @.

  288. Coal by utlemming · · Score: 1

    Due to some family illness, my sister was in charge of the festivities. And so I awoke this morning to find Coal in my stocking. First time for everything? But she made up for it with a wireless keyboard and mouse combination as well as a switch and tv tuner card. Heck, with a haul like that for Christmas, I'll take coal any day...

    --
    The views expressed are mine own and do not express the views of my employer.
  289. Made in America by Americans! by linux_author · · Score: 2, Interesting

    i got a digital signal processing enabled high-frequency transceiver optimized for carrier-wave communication! even more surprising, it was made in America by Americans (if you count people residing in Tennessee as Americans?) :-) see http://www.tentec.com/tt516.htm

    1. Re:Made in America by Americans! by W2IRT · · Score: 1

      > I got a digital signal processing enabled high-frequency transceiver optimized for carrier-wave communication!
      > Even more surprising, it was made in America by Americans :-)

      So Santa gave *YOU* my asked-for HF rig! Razzafrazza!@#$$#&

      Mind you, I guess I got a couple of nice prezzies...TO4E online logs are back up and I'm in the log, and I finally snared 3B9FR after months of trying.

      But still...

      *Must Get An Orion* *Must Get An Orion* *Must Get An Orion* *Must Get An Orion* *Must Get An Orion*

      --
      Cheers, Peter, W2IRT
  290. How to get First Post without even trying by KalvinB · · Score: 4, Informative

    Wait 30 minutes to see what posts get moderated up and which post is first.

    Look at the content of a highly moderated post farther down on the page and regurgitate it as a reply to a first post.

    It looks like it's an original thought and it's at the top of the page!

    If a post has nothing to do with the parent post, don't moderate it up. Chances are it's redundant from something posted earlier but farther down.

    You should have posted to the real first post (and changed the title so it's not "re:") which is most likely moderated at a -1. Then it looks like you post is the parent post to those who don't browse at that level. Badabing! First Post. Without even trying.

    Ben

    1. Re:How to get First Post without even trying by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A the beauty of it is that the earlier post that you copied gets moderated down to redundent my moderators who think the order they read something is the order it was posted :)

  291. i found it cool... by agent2 · · Score: 1

    that i got two 120 gig serial ATA disks with a a new gigabyte motherboard with serial ata raid which im going to set to raid 0 so i will now have 240 gigs. isnt that cool everyone!?!

    1. Re:i found it cool... by operagost · · Score: 1

      Until one of the hard drives in your uber-cool stripe set dies and you lose everything. Or did you get a SuperDLT drive to back it all up as well?

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    2. Re:i found it cool... by Tassach · · Score: 1

      Better run out and get two more so you can have RAID 0+1. RAID 0 with retail IDE drives is downright scary.

      --
      Why is it that the proponents of "one nation under God" are so eager to get rid of "liberty and justice for all"?
  292. A gift from myself by hcg50a · · Score: 3, Funny

    Recently I ordered 6 CDs from a CD club, completely unrelated to Christmas.

    When they came in the mail, my wife intercepted them and wrapped them and put the box under the tree as a gift to me. She warned me it was a joke.

    Imagine my surprise when I opened it and saw what it was!

    --
    HCG 50a = 2MASX J11170638+5455016
    11h17m06.4s +54d55m02s
  293. Did you ever deliver papers to him? by caveat · · Score: 4, Funny

    And did he invite you down to his basement, where he had a freezer full of popsicles for you? Or ask you to reach in his pocket to collect your tip? I'm sorry, but that creepy old male neighbor (Family Guy, 'To Live and Die in Dixie") sp00ked me but good. His voice did it, I think...

    --

    Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. - Aldous Huxley
    1. Re:Did you ever deliver papers to him? by d34thm0nk3y · · Score: 1

      His voice did it, I think...

      no shit, I totally got neverland ranch flashbacks too!!!

    2. Re:Did you ever deliver papers to him? by tweder · · Score: 1

      "Hey Paperboy!"

      *shudder*

    3. Re:Did you ever deliver papers to him? by cknight52 · · Score: 1

      Whats the good Neeews? - Still lookin for my strong armed paper boy.

  294. Practical Gifts... by NeuroManson · · Score: 2, Funny

    I got a new tire for my car, and bought a replacement pump housing so I could repair the dishwasher for my mom.

    Kind of the adult equivilent of socks and underwear for Xmas.

    --
    Just because you can mod me down, doesn't mean you're right. Shoes for industry!
  295. Re:Blow-up sheep by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How many holes did the sheep have?

  296. Hot Chit by swv3752 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    At least it sounds like you got hot sauce that everyone will not make bad jokes about.

    Yes, I received Hot sauce called Chit. Hot Chit, Dip Chit, Spicy Chit, Mild Chit- all in a box that looks like an Outhouse.

    At least it tastes good.

    --
    Just a Tuna in the Sea of Life
  297. Wind Up Sushi and Jesus Christ: Serial Rapist by Lachrymite · · Score: 4, Interesting

    My best friend gave me these two extremely odd presents. The wind up sushi is a set of little plastic pieces of sushi which wind up and zoom across the floor. The set includes shrimp, three pieces of tuna, and salmon eggs.

    Jesus Christ: Serial Rapist is a DVD, the front of which has pictures of crucified naked women and says, "First he nails you... then he NAILS you!" The back summarizes the movie as, "A schizophrenic thinks he is Jesus, and he wants payback! He crucifies and rapes the wives of his enemies. He films his deeds because he wants to make a new gospel - the Gospel of Blood!!!"

    Should be... interesting.

    1. Re:Wind Up Sushi and Jesus Christ: Serial Rapist by Craig3010 · · Score: 0

      Rip me a copy of "JC:SR" please?

  298. My Blow-up doll gave me the clap by alfredo · · Score: 1



    and a funny rash on my balls

    --
    photosMy Photostream
  299. Strangest (and best) present by Lost+Penguin · · Score: 2, Funny

    On my 18th B-day my girlfriend gave me her friend.

    --
    I am the unwilling control for my Origin.
    1. Re:Strangest (and best) present by Jesus+IS+the+Devil · · Score: 1

      You mean, Slashdot members actually GET girls?!??

      --

      eTrade SUCKS
  300. Re:I got a legolas poster by corpsiclex · · Score: 3, Funny

    I got a legolas door-poster from MY parents. im male as well, but i told my ex-girl what i got for xmas and she said shes comin over. never know when a life-size image of orlando bloom will come in handy ;)

    --

    eBayDig 1s a typo saerch engien
  301. I got someone a ring this way by CrazyJim0 · · Score: 1

    If I propose to anyone, she'll probably get her wedding ring like that.

  302. A Million Dollar Lawsuit by dupper · · Score: 2
    Against my Dad, for me breaking a man's back in a ski accident I don't remember because of a concussion and whose horrific extent had been hidden from me for the last three years by my parents. A man arrived at my door on Christmas Eve with the papers, while my family was having a rare and cherished moment of peace and harmony, irreperably destroying my sanity, conscience and peace of mind.

    Ignore the .sig; in retrospect, I was addressing myself.

  303. A tin of Girl Scout Cookies... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    From my brother, his wife (who's a girl scout troup leader) and 4 girls. Geez, what a bunch of cheapskates!

    1. Re:A tin of Girl Scout Cookies... by NickFitz · · Score: 1

      People: please read the title of the parent post, and realise that

      From my brother, his wife (who's a girl scout troup leader) and 4 girls
      is a continuation of the sentence...
      --
      Using HTML in email is like putting sound effects on your phone calls. Just say <strong>no</strong>.
  304. The Christmas Bullfrog by j1mmyqu1ck · · Score: 1

    Here's a first: I got a Christmas Bullfrog. Details? I live in Florida. This year, I got a genuine South American Bullfrog. He's about 1 foot long(!), freakin' *shellacked* into a cowboy "ready-set-draw" pose. Did I mention it was dead? Complete with a cowboy hat, gun, holster, and poncho! The hat is *stapled* to the poor bastard's head! Not a clue why I got it. It's from my Mom, of all people. WTF am I supposed to do with a HUGE frog? Any suggestions?

  305. human fund by wazzles · · Score: 1

    I received a card that said "A donation has been made in your name to the human fund." hehe

    1. Re:human fund by sammaffei · · Score: 1

      It's a "Festivus" miracle!

      --

      Political correctness is the newest form of slavery.

  306. What I got by ducomputergeek · · Score: 1
    A sweater from a highend store, old navy vest (kinda reminds me of the one from Back to the Future Micheal J. Fox wore), Landsend pullover, an emergancy roadside kit for my new car, and a set of tools from Home Depot, check for whatever else I want/need. Although, its funny because my Birthday is exactly a month from Christmas eve. So if I didn't get it today, I will in 30 days.

    Actually, that tool set is nice and exactly what I needed.

    For my Dad: pre-paid Cell Phone with an extra 120 minutes, Reinstalled Windows 98 after a melt down and set him up with Mozilla and OpenOffice.

    He wanted a Cell phone to have since he's retired and travels a lot now, but doesn't need a monthly plan. So it will work out well for him.

    --
    "The problem with socialism is eventually you run out of other people's money" - Thatcher.
  307. Vaseline, boxer short and a fan, same package by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So as to prevent the very nasty "red crack" syndrom that happens when you do AV in a convention (AV techs will understand). You walk so much your butt cheeks gets on freakin fire! My sister thought it was a good idea to help me with that this christmas!

    DAMN, girl, get me a freakin' videogame or some'!

    1. Re:Vaseline, boxer short and a fan, same package by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Artificial Vagina techs?

    2. Re:Vaseline, boxer short and a fan, same package by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe if you lost some weight your massive buttcheeks wouldn't be grinding against each other. Just a suggestion.

  308. A shot glass... by DreadfulGrape · · Score: 1

    ... with a picture of Dr. Evil on it (i.e. Austin Powers). Must admit it did make it easier to pour a standard amount of whiskey into my egg-nog.

    --
    sig has been sent away for a few small repairs...
  309. How about... by Carmelia · · Score: 1

    How about no present at all ?
    Hehe, I don't mind at all, though :P

  310. RealHamster? by IamGarageGuy+2 · · Score: 1

    How do people have this much free time? Not only the effort into the site but the fact that other people have actually found it !!!

    --
    Stay tuned for new sig...
    1. Re:RealHamster? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're new here, huh?

      Welcome to the Internet, noob.

      It's the biggest time-sink ever. Besides sex, alcohol, and TV... Anyway....

  311. Umm.. by midimonkey · · Score: 2, Funny

    I don't celebrate Christmas, you insensitive git! Ever hear of Ramadan? ;-)

  312. Ugly shoes by BakaBaka · · Score: 1

    Every year my mom buys me the ugliest shoes she can find. This year, no shoes (I got silly socks, and I don't wear socks). I was disappointed. We no longer remember why this tradition started, but it lasted about 12 years, during which I got pink glitter-covered platform sandals, checkered tennis shoes, 3 pairs of teal Keds, and a dizzying variety of other nasty footwear. Every once in a while I actually like the shoes, which I guess is why she kept doing it. My roommate once gave me erotic fortune cookies for Christmas. They weren't very good.

  313. Gevalia? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Gevalia is the gift that keeps on saying, "I know nothing about coffee but I bet you know even less!"

    As long as you're tootin' your own horn there buddy, you might want to think about what kind of peasant brew you're giving out.

    At least the people who gave you the Krispy Kreme knew you cared about donuts...

  314. Well. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My wife and I got some dried seaweed. Ten bags full actually.

    Oh, and a can of spam.

    Life in Korea is sometimes much different then Canada.

  315. Tires and socks by kcm · · Score: 2, Funny

    I knew I was getting old when I appreciated the four tires I got and wanted *more* socks and underwear. I actually need them and don't want to buy $10 pairs of boxer shorts for myself.

    Although, they could have told me before I got an oil change and tire rotation last week.

  316. iGot / iGave by OrthodonticJake · · Score: 1

    iGot: Adobe Creative Suite Premium (Education Discount, stop eying my parents' wallets...) Beyond Good & Evil (LOVE it!) Two books from The Onion [theonion.com] Finding Nemo Extended DVD Animal House DVD iGave: Mom: 'Flawed Dogs' by Berkeley Breathed [berkebreathed.com] Bushism-A-Day Desk Calendar Contributed to a lazy susan painted at Sticks [sticks.com] Dad: Bush Cards: A Carefully Stacked Deck 'Dude, Where's My Country?' by Michael Moore So yeah... nice 'n' liberal all around! ;)

    --
    I regularly report MSN spam to the Hotmail admins.
    1. Re:iGot / iGave by Dr+Tall · · Score: 1

      Liberals are fun to set on fire, you know.

  317. A donation in my name... by Ath · · Score: 1

    I gave my sister a $200 gift certificate to the Discovery Store (after her request for nature television shows).

    She "gave" me a donation to some African AIDS and Tuberculosis Prevention Society fund.

    Now, I am 100% against both AIDS and Tuberculosis, especially in Africa. But is it really appropriate to make a donation in someone else's name and then offer it up to them as a gift?

    Stay tuned. Next year, she will also be donating. I am thinking MBLA or one of those Nazi groups who deny that the Holocaust ever occurred. I am sure she would love to be on their mailing lists.

    1. Re:A donation in my name... by ocelotbob · · Score: 1
      Stay tuned. Next year, she will also be donating. I am thinking MBLA or one of those Nazi groups who deny that the Holocaust ever occurred. I am sure she would love to be on their mailing lists.

      Now, while agree that what she did wasn't exactly of the best form, were you to encourage either of those groups of asshats in some sort of tit for tat sibling rivalry, I will personally hunt you down and pin you to the ground so your sister can kick your ass.

      However, as the donation was made in your name, I imagine that technically, you can use the amount of the donation as a tax write-off. Though I'm not an accountant, so don't take my word as gospel.

      --

      Marxism is the opiate of dumbasses

    2. Re:A donation in my name... by PreviouslySeen · · Score: 1

      Nope, he cant. However, she can write off the donation since she paid the money.

      --
      Meet the new sig, same as the old sig
  318. Binary clock by Jim+Hall · · Score: 1

    My coolest (also weirdest?) Xmas present was a binary clock. My brother built it for me based on his own design. Quality construction - the hour, minutes, and seconds light up with different color LEDs, and it also has a sweeping-hand clock for noobs that can't read binary. :-) Mounted on a nice wooden back.

    I'm going to bring it to work, and let people ogle it.

    1. Re:Binary clock by Jim+Hall · · Score: 1

      My coolest (also weirdest?) Xmas present was a binary clock. My brother built it for me based on his own design. Quality construction - the hour, minutes, and seconds light up with different color LEDs, and it also has a sweeping-hand clock for noobs that can't read binary. :-) Mounted on a nice wooden back.

      Here's a photo: front.jpg

      The yellow tape covers the battery - it's removed now. The battery stores the last time on the clock, in case of a temporary power outtage, so you don't have to reset the clock. Very cool.

    2. Re:Binary clock by Professr3 · · Score: 1

      The label says "Warning! Do not bring this object into the proximity of security cameras, airports, or FBI agents. Serious injury and/or death may result."

  319. what I got by spid101 · · Score: 0

    I got something which looks quite phallic but is actually a hood (yes, just the hood, the manufacturer thought it would be a good idea to NOT make the rest of the fleece).

  320. ThinkGeek all the way by TLouden · · Score: 1

    I made it very simple for my family. My list had one thing on it, ThinkGeek.com. Favorite gift = hooded 'got root?' sweatshirt. This method is great for both parties. I get what I want and they needn't worry about what to get and still have the element of suprise. Does anyone else know of good methods for allowing gift exchange with low effort, low return rate and still surprising?

    --
    -Tim Louden
    1. Re:ThinkGeek all the way by LinuxHam · · Score: 1

      My family had a nearly-pure Amazon Christmas this year. I'm outside Trenton, NJ, and my sister flew in from L.A. while my mom came up from Orlando. For the last couple of weeks, my wife and I have been receiving 1-3 Amazon boxes every other day. We all wrapped the night of the 24th and had a GREAT TIME today.

      We (the kids) had some bigger gifts shipped directly to Mom's in Florida and just put pictures of those big items in with her cards.

      And yes, I did get the binary clock from ThinkGeek.

      --
      Intelligent Life on Earth
    2. Re:ThinkGeek all the way by TLouden · · Score: 1

      very nice, that's the kind of thing my family likes to do as well. We aren't so far apart but the rest of it sound about the same. Have fun with the clock!

      --
      -Tim Louden
    3. Re:ThinkGeek all the way by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      to root in Australian jargon means to fuck ;)

    4. Re:ThinkGeek all the way by TLouden · · Score: 1

      Well then, I guess this sweatshirt is only for rich geeks or geeks with dreams, I guess I'm the second.

      --
      -Tim Louden
  321. No proof required. Just the drive model & Seri by khasim · · Score: 1

    I'm not too thrilled with the reliability of their drives, but they do make replacing the defective ones very easy.

    http://www.maxtor.com/en/support/service/index.h tm

    Then just start following the right links to see if you're still under warranty.

    Lots of luck with the new drive.

  322. Weirdest Gift by SilverJets · · Score: 0

    I've got you all beat.

    I got a receipt. Yup that's right, a receipt. Instead of the intended gift certificate, I was given the receipt. It was from my grandmother who
    is quickly starting to lose it.

  323. But hey, its stuff I need by davmoo · · Score: 1

    Many of my friends think its funny that every year my mother always gives me a case of motor oil, two oil filters, two air filters, and two sets of spark plugs.

    --
    I want a new quote. One that won't spill. One that don't cost too much. Or come in a pill.
    1. Re:But hey, its stuff I need by MegaHamsterX · · Score: 1

      Yeah, it must be funny to pick them up after THEIR cars die of poor maintenance. That's actually not a bad present.

  324. The incentive to get a Mac by Nonillion · · Score: 1

    I played around with my parents new e-mac. Not a bad machine for what it is, and OS X is really cool. I was even able to find the terminal and ssh into my linux box. There are even some old console games hidden in the depths of the OS. So I think this year I'm going to treat myself to a new 15" powerbook :)

    --
    "I bow to no man" - Riddick
    1. Re:The incentive to get a Mac by rockmanac · · Score: 1

      Wait..There are? Hmm.. I haven't found them yet.

      AC

  325. I will not "fucking live with it" (sic) by Pan+T.+Hose · · Score: 0, Troll

    Quite contrary to what you insinuate, I didn't "enjoy" it (sic), as I got it secured by our security team as as soon as I opened the package, to preserve the fingerprints for the investigation. As I've already said, I will not tolerate perverts working here. Over my dead body. This sick deviant will "probably enjoy anyway" being sodomized in the jail, where he will get for his act of sexual abuse in the place of work.

    --
    Sincerely,
    Pan Tarhei Hosé, PhD.
    "Homo sum et cogito ergo odi profanum vulgus et libido."
    1. Re:I will not "fucking live with it" (sic) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are one of those 'normal' people who definately do not belong on Slashdot. Please leave and keep your 'morally and legally correct attitude' away from here.

      Thank you.

    2. Re:I will not "fucking live with it" (sic) by override11 · · Score: 1

      good lord, it was most likely a joke. Throw it away and laugh, then maybe think about modifying the behavior that prompted that to be sent to you. Try to have fun instead of being an ass. :P

      --
      No I didnt spell check this post...
    3. Re:I will not "fucking live with it" (sic) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I am very interested in your relationship to your parents.
      Please tell me about your education.
      How did your parents react to especially masturbation or illustrations of nude women?

  326. present from God by botmfeedr · · Score: 0

    cancer.

    1. Re:present from God by REDNOROCK · · Score: 0

      Congratulations!

      --
      Even if I say something insightfull or inteligent, it doens't matter cause I'm an ass.
    2. Re:present from God by mcbridematt · · Score: 1

      Slashdot needs a new mod point:

      "+1, Unfortunate" and "+1, Segfualted"

  327. Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 5, Informative

    Why would that be weird? Darwin was a professing Christian till the day he died. Shocked? Then you might be interested in reading his books, like "Origin of the Species".
    If you research his life and theory you may discovers some interesting facts.
    But don't let that stop you from poking fun at Christians. It helps keep us on our toes.

    1. Re:Christians using Darwin by SanGrail · · Score: 1

      Christian != Creationist
      You can be a Christian without being a creationist. And you can still poke fun of the creationists too. :)

      --
      ---- I've fallen, and I can't get up.
    2. Re:Christians using Darwin by Rob+Simpson · · Score: 3, Funny
      Then you might be interested in reading his books, like "Origin of the Species". If you research his life and theory you may discovers some interesting facts.

      For example, the title he gave a certain book was "The Origin of Species", not "Origin of the Species".

    3. Re:Christians using Darwin by O2dude · · Score: 1

      Christians are hilarious.

      The world being saved by an immaculately conceived son, because he was sacrificed by his ghost of a father as penance for my sins 2000 years on?

      Sounds like a comedy of errors to me :)

      Oh, and of course I'm being insulting, it's xmas for chrissakes - I've got to vent my frustration over tinsel and green and red and gold and merchandising some place.

      If you must be religious at least have the decency to try something semi-rational like Buddhism or classical Judaism. On the other hand the Jews wont let you in to their exclusive club so easy, and the buddhists might be just a little too self-reliant for your taste.

      --
      - It took western civilisation 2000 years to ensure popular literacy, and now we work with icon driven GUI's. Go figure.
    4. Re:Christians using Darwin by aedan · · Score: 1

      I have read the Origin and know plenty about Darwin. You don't know my cousin. He claimed the Catholic church said Darwin was wrong till I found a letter from the Pope which said otherwise. My cousin ignored it and said there were other authorities in the Catholic church...

      If he ever starts mailing me again I'll tell him to do uname in a terminal.

      aeedan

    5. Re:Christians using Darwin by SubtleNuance · · Score: 1

      Yes, so Hitler was a Christian too... what does that mean about his "professional" work...?

    6. Re:Christians using Darwin by WindBourne · · Score: 1

      Why did he stop professing on his last day?
      Strikes me as being a weird time to stop believing. :)

      --
      I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
    7. Re:Christians using Darwin by GCU+Friendly+Fire · · Score: 2, Interesting
      Darwin was a professing Christian till the day he died.

      This is untrue. For instance, here are Darwin's words, in his diary, on the death of his father in November 1848:

      "I can indeed hardly see how anyone ought to wish Christianity to be true; for if so the plain language of the text seems to show that the men who do not believe, and this would include my Father, Brother and almost all of my friends, will be everlasting punished.

      "And this is a damnable doctrine."

      But he was not quite an atheist. In later life, he wrote in his Autobiography, intended only for the consumption of his family:

      "[A] source of conviction in the existence of God ... follows from the extreme difficulty or rather impossibility of conceiving this immense and wonderful universe, including man with his capability of looking far backwards and far into futurity, as the result of blind chance or necessity. When thus reflecting ... I deserve to be called a theist."

      His beliefs wavered constantly, and for this reason he avoided making public statements on his religious beliefs, but reserved his statements to constantly stressing that evolution was compatible with theism.

      In his last years, he wrote in his autobiography:

      "A man who has no assured and ever present belief in the existence of a personal God or of a future existence with retribution and reward, can have for his rule of life ... only to follow those impulses and instincts ... which seem to him the best ones ... I believe that I have acted rightly in steadily following and devoting my life to science."

      Source of all the above:
      Darwin's Diary

    8. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      Good point. I as a creationist I sometimes forget that some denominations of christianity do allow for and even encouage a belief in other theorys of how life began.
      Thanks for keeping me on my toes. :)

    9. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      Well its not xmas it is however Christ mass. Comes from the evening Christ Mass that the catholic church had. Although admitidly they did coopt another religious hoiliday, but that is/was (now sure if it still is) standard practice for the Catholic Church when it went into an area. Anyway that is why is IS without a doubt christmass. Ever seen the bumper sticker "Keep Christ in Christmas"? It's not just talking about the relgious meaning of the season. It has a double meaning of the name to.

    10. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      You don't know my cousin Good point. He claimed the Catholic church said Darwin was wrong till I found a letter from the Pope which said otherwise. My cousin ignored it and said there were other authorities in the Catholic church... Well, to be a nit picker, there are some other authorities in the Catholic Church. But, none who are anywhere near as final as the pope. He is sort of the trump card of the deck.

    11. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but his actions/policies are totaly against all accepted christian doctrin. Anyone can claim christianity.
      BTW: Why does this have anything to do with darwin? My point is that most people think evolution an christianity are opposed to each other, it realy freaks them out to find out that Darwin was a Christian.
      Darwin's theory of evolution also has no relation to the evolution theory that is currently accepted science. It realy very interesting.

    12. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      Oh, thanks, that made me laugth. Good point. English is a strange language. And it's interpretation is always good for a laugh.

    13. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      Thanks, its been 4-5 years since I read it and I was going from memory. Wasent one of his latter ones called something along the lines of 'Voyage of the Beagle'? Or was it just that Beagle was the name of his ship?

    14. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      Hmmm. Interesting. Looks like I need to do some ready about his latter life.
      Thanks for the pointer.
      Do you recomend any specific biographies/book about him?

    15. Re:Christians using Darwin by Soothh · · Score: 0

      Ummm yea, im gona have to go ahead and....disagree with you there.

      On another occasion he wrote, "I never gave up Christianity until I was forty years of age."

      http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aig/darwin.htm l

      But what's it matter, he was a crack pot anyway.

      --
      We have seen that living things are too improbable and too beautifully "designed" to have come into existence by chance.
    16. Re:Christians using Darwin by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      More importantly,

      Christianity, creationism, and the big bang are not mutually exclusive, nor are christianity, evolution, and creationism.

      (That is, just because something evolves and changes over time does not mean that it couldn't have been created 'in the beginning').

    17. Re:Christians using Darwin by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      Christian != Creationist. You can be a Christian without being a creationist....

      I don't get that. Did Jesus evolve from a lessor martyr or something?

    18. Re:Christians using Darwin by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Who are these "most people" you are talking about. Only a subset of Christians believe that the theory of evolution and christianity are incompatible. Most non-christians either do not agree with you or do not care.
      Your statement that Darwins theory of evolution has no relation to current evolution theory is ridiculous. Current evolution theory is based on Darwins theory, we just have many more years of observation and a better understanding of the acutal biological mechanisms involved. We also have better mathematical tools like complexity theory. Just because Darwin expected smoother evolution than current theory posits and that, like all early geneticists, he knew nothing about DNA, only that traits were passed on somehow.

    19. Re:Christians using Darwin by Alphasniper · · Score: 0

      Proof that there is a God and that he has a sense of humor about evolution?
      The Duckbilled Platypus.

    20. Re:Christians using Darwin by ElBeano · · Score: 1

      The 'X' in Xmas is actually the same Greek "Chi" that begins the word "Christ." According to one source, the first recorded appearance of this shorthand "Xmas" (pronounced "KRIS-mus") is 1555.

    21. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      Hmm, now that you mention it I vaguely remember hearing that somewhere.
      Personaly, I still prefer the traditional "Christmas".

    22. Re:Christians using Darwin by dfreed · · Score: 1

      That is, just because something evolves and changes over time does not mean that it couldn't have been created 'in the beginning'
      Logicaly I would grant this is a valid point. I would however contest your statment that the big bang & creationism are not exclusive. I believe they are. As I understand it the big bang theory states that there was nothing. Sudenly BANG! the universe existed and was expanding. Exactly how this occured is usualy somewhat fuzzy when I speak with people who hold this view, and what precisly was the prime mover is never explained. I believe that this makes the big bang theory logicly, and internaly, inconsistant. However with creationism (God put it all here in some form) I find no logical inconsistancy. First I postuate that there is an all powerfull God. Second I say that he created everthing. You can debait that God exists, but if you allow that then the creationism argument is internaly consistant. And logical consistant (remember we concede the existance of God). If you contest the existance of God then we need to reach an understanding on that point prior to debaiting creationism just so that we can have a consistant debait framework. Does this make sense? BTW: When I refer to debait/you here I don't specificy mean you as an individual, I am speaking of the debait on this subject in general.

    23. Re:Christians using Darwin by golo · · Score: 1

      Before there was the evolution theory and creationis it was the debate about the place of the earth in the universe which the church insisting that everything in it turned around the earth. When it was proved not to be right the church had to admit that it was wrong. A person, a Human being had to admit that the previous interpretation was wrong. Could it be that they are wrong on this too? would they admit it if they thought they were wrong?

      Happy Holidays

    24. Re:Christians using Darwin by Rob+Simpson · · Score: 1
    25. Re:Christians using Darwin by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "I can indeed hardly see how anyone ought to wish Christianity to be true; for if so the plain language of the text seems to show that the men who do not believe, and this would include my Father, Brother and almost all of my friends, will be everlasting punished.

      Well, this doesn't say that he didn't think it was true - after all, he didn't state that he himself would be punished.

      All he said that he didn't see how people could wish that Christianity would be true. To me, this implies that he believed - wishing was irrelevant.

    26. Re:Christians using Darwin by GCU+Friendly+Fire · · Score: 1

      Darwin: A life in science White and Gribbin.

    27. Re:Christians using Darwin by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      His beliefs wavered constantly

      In other words, he was human.

      Even Jesus' faith was tested often. Read Mark 14:36

    28. Re:Christians using Darwin by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would however contest your statment that the big bang & creationism are not exclusive. I believe they are.

      The Book of Genesis, when read as a history of the universe as we now understand it (even at the quantum level), and viewed as an allegory rather than a literal chronicle, is a phenomenal exercise in truth.

      It is as easy to see the Signature of God in that book as it is to see it in the perfect structure of an atom, a solar system or a snowflake.

    29. Re:Christians using Darwin by Stinking+Pig · · Score: 1

      Okay, I'm gonna have to bust you for this. Quoting source material is a minor infraction of the Slashdot rules, but quoting it in a way that implies that you've READ IT, that's a major infraction. Remember, it's shoot from the hip, flamethrowers on full blast. Reading is for the weak. Keep it up and you'll have the rest of your karma revoked.

      --
      "Nothing was broken, and it's been fixed." -- Jon Carroll
    30. Re:Christians using Darwin by RedCard · · Score: 1

      Here's a problem in your argument:

      1) Allow that there is an all-powerful God

      2) Allow that He can, and has, created the world as we see it all before us in a single blinding instant.

      3) God can perform this act of creation whenever he wants, and is unrestricted in an way in His performance of it.

      Here's the question...

      4) What evidence can you show me that God did NOT create the world, say, five minutes ago?

      You could say, "well, I know I was here 10 minutes ago, I was here yesterday, etc..." But would you really know? I could argue that God put those memories in your head. You, I, the world, and everything around us was created 5 minutes ago, and there's nothing really wrong, from a devout creationist perspective, with my argument.

      I'm not saying that God doesn't exist, just that something is wrong with creationist arguments in general. Creationists have built yourselves a little logical sandbox completely seperate from the rest of reality, and do your best to defend it.

      On the other hand, it would be correct to say of the big bang that our current theories break down at that point... but that is no guarantee that this will always be so. It is possible that we will know one day

    31. Re:Christians using Darwin by qute · · Score: 1

      The guy wasn't just a cristian, but a creationist.

      "My creationist cousin has one and I get a kick out of him using Darwin."

      That does not mix well with darwin.

      --
      -- Make software not war
  328. Re:No proof required. Just the drive model & S by Animekiksazz · · Score: 1

    Well it's worth a try ^_^ thanks ^_^

  329. This Christmas by MrNixon · · Score: 1

    My girlfriend gave me some homemade chocolates, a bottle of cologne and a Seamonkeys starter kit.

    Wierd collection of gifts - but pretty much perfect for me.

  330. Oh yeah? by xihr · · Score: 1

    I got a pair of transparent playing cards.

  331. Piss off by Snotnose · · Score: 1

    My wife got a toilet seat. No, I didn't buy it. Yes, I installed it and yes, she likes it.

    sigh, it ain't the same when you're kids are f'n adults as well....

  332. I got a hammer by rs79 · · Score: 1

    My 9 year old daugher bought me a hammer. I opened it, thanked her and she said "that's cause you broke mine you bastard, now I can borrow yours".

    --
    Need Mercedes parts ?
  333. Swag! by demozthenes · · Score: 1

    The swagload I walked out with this was so good, I'm considering going into business with my parents...

    I ended up with a Samsung 17" flat-panel monitor, black, to match my customized case, and a matching 2-port KVM switch to connect it to both of my machines, from my 'rents. My aunt knitted my a Slytherin Harry-Potter-style scarf, and my other aunt got me an accurate Doctor Who scarf.

    As for the weird end of the presents, I ended up with a Bruce Springsteen "best of" album and a Linkin Park album from a distant relative; she would've been hard-put to find two bands I dislike more, but it does translate to store credit at the used CD-shop when i get back to Boston. The Victoria's Secret gift certificate from my elderly, conservative aunt threw me off a bit, too. ;)

    --
    You drink too much coffee, I drink too much stout.
  334. My Grandma got by Hardwyred · · Score: 2, Funny

    A bible with the words inscriber "finals are coming, better get to study"

    --
    www.linux-skunkworks.com
    1. Re:My Grandma got by burns210 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      and the odd thing is, there are so-called "christians, who think that going to church and brushing up on biblical trivia has some weight in your heavenly status. Believe in Christianity or don't, but don't do some lame halfass sunday-church-goer BS and live some fatasy in your head that the hours sitting in a pupil will give you karma points with the All Mighty.

      Apologies to those who disagree, don't flame, but feel free to reply(or curse at the monitor).

    2. Re:My Grandma got by JUSTONEMORELATTE · · Score: 1

      and the odd thing is, there are so-called "christians, who think that going to church and brushing up on biblical trivia has some weight in your heavenly status. Believe in Christianity or don't, but don't do some lame halfass sunday-church-goer BS and live some fatasy in your head that the hours sitting in a pupil will give you karma points with the All Mighty.

      The most funny part of your tirade is that Jesus never said the path to heaven was through "being good."
      As for biblical trivia, he was really clear on the point -- knowing the law makes it harder to get right with God, not easier.
      If good deeds were enough to get into heaven, you'd never need a savior. That's the whole point -- you can't buy forgiveness at any price, but it's freely given to anyone who asks.

      I suppose if that's the one "biblical trivia" point that you learn in your one-church-service-of-the-year then it's time well spent.

      --

    3. Re:My Grandma got by burns210 · · Score: 1

      i didn't mean to imply that it was through being good, not church visitation that got you to heaven. Rather, i meant that simply going to church does not give you anything on its own, just like bening "good" gives you nothing in the way of redemtion on its own. However, to actually follow the christian belief, both will happen, you will generally be good "love they enemy" comes to mind, and you will go to church, to some extent.

      I hope that clarifies my point, a bit.

  335. Stove Bolts. by DrMaurer · · Score: 1

    Stove bolts.

    8 boxes of them.

    But, furthermore, these were not new, but obviously from some ancient person's estate sale.

    And I got these from . . . my parents.

    The gifts my mom and step-dad got me and my wife made me feel like they hadn't spent years of our lives together.

    --
    Dan
    1. Re:Stove Bolts. by zrk · · Score: 1

      That's cuz you're secretely Klingon, and they want you to get to Stove-o-cor (I've already ducked and covered....)

  336. Santa toilet paper by CapnCarrot · · Score: 1

    Amongst the usual gifts I got a few gag gifts that were wonderful in their tackiness. I got a gigantic coctail glass with a few bags of stuffed olive shaped candles to float in it. Also, I got a roll of toilet paper with Santas on it. Classy!

  337. Worst Gift Ever by StuckInAFridge · · Score: 1

    I looked at my recently received cash, and then to my course schedule for next semester. Thank you state and national debt, i will now be spending all of my Christmas money on college tuition.

    Horray for me, and a broke new year.

  338. here's a weird one for you by vericgar · · Score: 1

    My parents broke out in a fight over a game of chinese checkers and are now going to file for divorce. All today, wonderful christmas day. hahaha. They've been married over 21 years.

    1. Re:here's a weird one for you by Creepy+Crawler · · Score: 1

      Maybe I'm clueless here, but I dont think you get a divorce over a chinese checkers game fight....

      Just a guess, but it's probably more than that.

      --
    2. Re:here's a weird one for you by vericgar · · Score: 1

      obviously. it's been building up for quite some time and they have been going to counseling. They seemed to be doing better, but apparently not. The chinese checkers was just the last straw....

  339. Office Christmas Pool... by OmniGeek · · Score: 1

    Brush-in beard dye -- nut brown, a color that does not match ANYBODY in the department who has a beard. In fact it doesn't match anyone's hair color at all. Rather comical, I find...

    --

    "My strength is as the strength of ten men, for I am wired to the eyeballs on espresso."
  340. A Dead Bleeding Puppy by thelizman · · Score: 0

    I imagine this to be on snopes by weeks end. An associate of mine liked to tell stories about his well meaning but not-so-bright grandmother. Particularly the time he was twelve and she bought him a puppy. She lives in New Hampshire - he in North Carolina, so she figures she'd ship it. And she did - in a sealed box. Well the puppy died, but that wasn't enough. It was loaded into the unpressurized cabin of a cargo plane and flown down by an unnamed three letter shipping company with brown trucks. Apparently the depressurization caused the necroticizing lung tissues to rupture, and the uncoagulated blood leaked out it's nose and got all over the stuffing. Luckily, the boys parents noticed a "smell" on receiving the package, and saved him from what would arguably be one of the most fucked up christmases ever. For the happy ending (for everyone but the puppy), the parents got him a puppy two days later, and neither he nor the grandmother knew. He didn't find out until he was 17.

    1. Re:A Dead Bleeding Puppy by Nonillion · · Score: 1

      Well that "not-so-bright" grandmother should have been arrested for animal abuse.

      --
      "I bow to no man" - Riddick
  341. I got the most sucky gift possible... by MSBob · · Score: 1
    Yes you read that right. I got the worst possible Xmas gift one can imagine.

    Pink slip.

    Unfortunately I'm not making this up. Yesterday my boss called everyone at home to tell them that the company was no more. That's the shittiest Xmas wishes I ever got.

    --
    Your pizza just the way you ought to have it.
    1. Re:I got the most sucky gift possible... by michaelhood · · Score: 0

      Going from your username, I was trying to think up a good MS-going-under joke here.. I came up dry. My regards, though.. Losing your job is a terrible gift.

  342. This happened to someone else, not to me.. by wmspringer · · Score: 1

    Someone I know got a package (in a white elephant gift exchange) which contained two candy canes and a phone book.

  343. TOO MUCH NOISE! by StuckInAFridge · · Score: 1

    i just got a mini powersupply for christmas because my old powersupply and fans were too noisy? Hmm, too many late night programming sessions i'm assuming?

  344. Christmas gift to myself by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 1
    My christmas gift (or rather, hanukah gift) was what I got while riding in the car with my family to a Christmas dinner party. Apparently, the couple in the car next to us was bored during their roadtrip so the woman passenger decided to give her husband a handjob, and then a blowjob. I watched in amazement as she actually looked up at me a couple times whilst jerking him.

    However, imagine if you will the look on my face when my 12 year old brother, who had seen the woman in the passenger seat prior to their "activities" asked, "where did she go? there was a woman sitting right there! She just disappeared!"

    --
    Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
  345. Calendar by jaf1230 · · Score: 1

    I got a nice Beach Babes 2004 calendar from a friend out here in Cali (I'm visiting her for a week, I live in NY) Although it's late, I think I will get her some lingerie (I had decided not to, thinking that her boyfriend would kill me, but hey: I'm in NY, he's in California... :-D ) P.S.: She got me the Despair calendar last year from thinkgeek, along with some caffeine :-) I love this girl!

    --
    SIG 666 - Signature stolen by the devil
    1. Re:Calendar by glenstar · · Score: 1

      *You*, my friend, are about to end up in county general.

  346. Re:Blow-up sheep by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    only one.

    It's a useful item for camping: it makes a decent chair (like those pillows with arm rests for watching TV - the legs act as arm rests)
    and it has a place to keep the beer bottle opener.

  347. I Got A Really K3WL Flat Panel Display by DynaSoar · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's bright red and has a silvery kind of screen. It has two knobs. It I turn one of them, a line moves up and down. If I turn the other, a line moves left and right. It also has a comletely variable refresh rate: any time I want to refresh it, I just turn it face down and shake it, and it's all blank again. Now I just need to get me a processor and some mass storage to round out my desktop system. I figure an abacus and a notebook & pencils will do nicely. Maybe some crayons for the graphics.

    In the same package I got a remake of the old 1950's breakfast cereal surprise toy Rising And Diving Submarine, baking powder (NOT soda!) powered.

    My 19 year old daughter understands me quite well.

    --
    "I may be synthetic, but I'm not stupid." -- Bishop 341-B
  348. Re:Not to me directly but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Their skin dries out more easily than white folks does. Probably has extra moisturizer.

  349. paid dinner and cookies by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My fiance was nice enought to give me 11 cookies (apparently she ate one before she gave them to me) and let me know that she'll pay for dinner on one date. (I'm now thinking off all the times I paid for dinner which I didn't give her as a xmas present.)

  350. I got a Porche Jacket.... by cebarro · · Score: 1

    A bunch of baby shit (2 on the way), a really cool sony alarm clock, Need for Speed Underground, pants, A bitchin wallet, a new leather jacket, and the Indiana Jones Trilogy pack.

    I have to call Porsche tomorrow, I keep looking for the keys in the jacket and I can't find em. They probably just forgot, right?

  351. The Flying Circus by mattcsus · · Score: 1

    I also got a Toothbrush, Breathmints and Toothpaste - but this I blame on Costo - when parents want to get a good deal on Toothpaste they have to buy the huge package at Costco that comes with 14 tubes - so what else can they do with it but give it in stockings. My Mom suprised me - normally I get random stuff she finds throughout the year (my mom loves to find deals) - usualy cool stuff, but not the most useful and it ends up usually just making my apartment more cluttered. This year things changed - I didn't ask for it - didn't expect it - but I got 1 present - the complete Monty Python's Flying Circus. I must have been very good this year. Mom is the best. Still waiting to hear from Dad - maybe a phone call this year, but I doubt it.

  352. Chocolate? Cats? by Moose-Alini · · Score: 1

    I got a throe pillow with the words "Id give up chocolate but im no quitter" stitched on it, while I am hardly a chocoholic, and a calender about painting cats

  353. Heh by NanoGator · · Score: 1

    I got a 36" tall Skeleton. Serious. Like the ones you see in doctor's offices. (Hmm.. actually that person does work at a doctor's office..)

    Well I don't care, this thing's going in my cube, and her name's Callista.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  354. a home-made container by kgb23rd · · Score: 2, Interesting

    My 7 y.o. daughter made a container for me. It is a small sample sized plastic coffee can with a, well my guitar pick taped to the top, and a swirly painted construction paper cicle glued to the bottom. She also gave me a digital watch with a bungee cord band.

  355. What else can you expect from an air head? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    EOM - for the lameness filter

  356. you gotta start somewhere by MrChuck · · Score: 1
    Hot Chick: Wow, you're really cute. I'd love to go on a picnic.

    Before:
    You would have to say, "sorry, I have no picnic implements." whereupon she would say, "Oh well, I guess I and my hot twin sister will have to give up our virginity to someone else."

    Now:
    well, I have a picnic basket in my room.
    HC: "That's great. Can I see your room? I'd like to go there because this new bra is really too tight on my breasts and they ache. Would you rub them for me?"

    Which situation would you rather be in? Now you're prepared (well, add a 12 pack of condoms and a bottle of gatorade to replace lost fluids and you're set).

  357. 10W40 by NanoGator · · Score: 1

    My dad got me a case of oil once. He didn't understand why his nickname was 'Hank' for the rest of the holiday.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  358. a thong by romit_icarus · · Score: 1

    White lycra-nylon. That's what a friend of mine got from her aunt... Go figure!

  359. I got slacks by Rhinobird · · Score: 1

    My mom got me camoflage dress slacks.
    I can never wear these to work, and who makes these things anyway?
    My mom is now officially, stylisticlly senile.

    --
    If Mr. Edison had thought smarter he wouldn't sweat as much. --Nikola Tesla
  360. Gadgets and a t-shirt. by mcraw · · Score: 1

    Yay! I got three cool computer gadgets and one shirt:

    • A Rio Nitrus mp3 Player
    • A 802.11g wireless pcmcia card
    • A keychain usb drive
    • A t-shirt that says "Linux" with Tux on it

    Pretty good loot but NONE OF THE GADGETS ARE LINUX COMPATIBLE!

    Parents are crazy aren't they? ;)

    (ps. a quick format got the key drive working, but any tips on the others'd be nice ;) )

    --
    -Miles
    Fuzzy
    1. Re:Gadgets and a t-shirt. by NerveGas · · Score: 1

      Are you sure that USB drive isn't Linux compatible? All of the USB pen drives I've seen run as generic mass storage devices, and hence, are compatible with Linux. Perhaps there are a couple of oddballs out there, but I'm betting that it really will work with Linux.

      --
      Oh, you're not stuck, you're just unable to let go of the onion rings.
    2. Re:Gadgets and a t-shirt. by michaelhood · · Score: 0

      Some info on the pcmcia card's brand/model might help us help you. As far as the shirt goes, sorry.

    3. Re:Gadgets and a t-shirt. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yep, the USB drive should work fine in Linux. I've never encountered a problem with them. Mine have worked fine in Linux, Mac OSes 9 and X and Windows.

    4. Re:Gadgets and a t-shirt. by SharpFang · · Score: 1

      Drive works. The card - well, you have something to hack at least :)
      Now the MP3 player: First try installing it as a generic USB drive (you may have to hack the kernel a little for that, add USB ID entry for it). If it can't be done, you can try running its native upload program through WINE.

      --
      45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
  361. reindeer poop by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Somebody gave me a plastic reindeer that poops brown jelly beans. "The Super Dooper Reindeer Pooper".

    1. Re:reindeer poop by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Is it fuckable at least?

  362. Really weird by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Something is not right: I got a girlfriend for xmas.

  363. Bastard by lostguy · · Score: 1

    Way to go and make me tear up and miss my mom.

  364. They ran out of stock of other sizes. by pr0ntab · · Score: 1

    I had the same problem.

    --
    Fuck Beta. Fuck Dice
  365. reversification by Tablizer · · Score: 1

    Had a dream I walked into the living room. It had one huge wrapped box on a pedistal with a bunch of tiny xmas trees under it.

  366. A Tome on Margaret Thatcher by siferhex · · Score: 2

    My 19 year old younger sister, in addition to a 20GB iPod (lucky devil) and music, was given a 1300 page hardback book on the one and only female former Prime Minister of the UK, by my loving Aunt. Even my dad (my Aunt's brother) was stunned and bemused. =)

    1. Re:A Tome on Margaret Thatcher by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Should've saved you the time and bought you a copy of "Brassed Off."

  367. mmmmmmmm froth! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got an Aerolatte, the original steam-free milk frother! Not quite sure what to do with it, but it definitely counts as unusual.

  368. Fun T-Shirt by MicroBerto · · Score: 1

    I got This T-Shirt... note that i look way cooler in it :)

    --
    Berto
  369. Deoderant? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If someone is giving you deoderant for Christmas then maybe they are trying to tell you something?

  370. Nothing by wackybrit · · Score: 1

    I got nothing, but then I gave nothing either, so I'm not out of pocket! ;-) Haha, no, really, I don't celebrate Christmas, and the whole materialistic circle jerk. Give and receive things all AROUND the year, not just at one predefined time. That way your whole year will be better, instead of having to binge on getting crap in late December.

  371. no presents you insensitive clod! by galacticdruid · · Score: 1

    :-)

    --
    we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively - bill hicks
  372. I got lincoln logs! by Feztaa · · Score: 1

    Top that!

    1. Re:I got lincoln logs! by Canar · · Score: 1

      Okay: I got a lump of coal. :P

  373. Strange Present by illuminatedwax · · Score: 1

    I got Free Willy 2. The DVD.

    That's fucked up.
    --Stephen

    --
    Did you ever notice that *nix doesn't even cover Linux?
  374. You stink! by supabeast! · · Score: 1

    "Personally, I got toothpaste, tic-tacs, deodorant..."

    That's not weird. That's someone's way of telling you that you have bad breath and have body odor. Trust me on this one, even if you don't think you stink and this just seems weird, you really do stink, you need to do something about it, and in civilized circles, this is considered a legitimate way to tell someon that he stinks and avoid confrontation.

  375. I love my wife BUT... by W2IRT · · Score: 1

    A *pillow*

    OK, a really nice fancy chiropractic pillow, but A Freakin' Pillow!

    Partially redeemed by seasons two and three of Babylon 5 on DVD (that I'll never watch since I've seen each ep a zillion times).

    In-laws from the UK got me a bottle of *awesome* Single-Malt (1993 Longrow, Springbank distillery bottling, Campbeltown) however, so I think I'll go sleep myself to drunk now...*HIC*...

    --
    Cheers, Peter, W2IRT
  376. Weirdest thing I got... by penginkun · · Score: 1

    ...was a pack of two-sizes-too-big underwear from my mom. When I asked her why she sent it, she told me that she wanted me to know what clean, white underwear should look like.

    She so crazy!

  377. Worst. Gift. Ever. by peyote · · Score: 1

    I got a divorce from the only woman I have ever loved, my wife of 10 years, and found out that she was having an affair. Merry Christmas indeed.

  378. Bubble wrap by blots · · Score: 3, Funny

    I tore off the wrapping paper and looked for what could be in the center of the empty roll of bubble wrap. She says "I know how you like to pop them."

  379. BJ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Am I the only one who got woken up by a BJ?

  380. From then-girlfriend by ca1v1n · · Score: 1

    Dogbert t-shirt that said "You're next on my list of things to ignore." There was a 12-hour breakup a week later, but after that we lasted a while. It's a good shirt.

    1. Re:From then-girlfriend by ca1v1n · · Score: 1

      Nevermind, my Aunt just topped that. 36-pack of Toilet Paper, figuring that any bachelor pad probably needs it.

  381. Not wierd - but important to me. by coldnight · · Score: 1

    Today I recieved a test...

    Not a fill-in-the-bubble kind of test but a "Are you going to charge down the hillside where that car just went off the road?" test. Yes. I charged down the hill. Yes I sank in the knee deep soaking wet snow. Yes I only had street shoes on. Yes, I was soaked. Yes it made me late for dinner.

    Most importantly, the driver of the car which was upside down in the gully was OK. Perhapps in shock but OK. The EMT's came, lots of lights....

    Helping a stranger is not something everyone gets to do. I did today. I got a great gift.

    1. Re:Not wierd - but important to me. by Backov · · Score: 1

      Kudos to you.

      I went into the ditch on the highway on Christmas day (night).. Lots of people stopped and asked if I was alright.. (I was, car was upright, no damage, just waiting for a tow.)

      It's amazing how helpful people can be, and I'll give you the pat on the back if no other slashdotter will. Good job, I'd buy ya a beer mate.

      --
      In the law there is no overlap between theft and copyright infringement whatsoever.
    2. Re:Not wierd - but important to me. by coldnight · · Score: 1

      Glad you are okay and had people come to see if you needed help. I stopped for two people off the road that night, the jeep that I wrote about and a white pickup off the interstate.

      If you find yourself in Vermont, give a shout, its always interesting to meet other /. people.

      coldnight

  382. Windows by hayriye · · Score: 1

    Windows 98

  383. it should be "brothers-in-law" ... by DrJimbo · · Score: 1

    ... not "brother-in-laws."

    --
    We don't see the world as it is, we see it as we are.
    -- Anais Nin
  384. The best gift of all... by Daniel+Maresca+Jr · · Score: 1

    Nothing! :). I owe $15,000 in loans from college, on top of not having a decent job even when giving out resumes. Also none of the family visited or even sent a card and I don't even have a mom to see or hang out with. Christmas seems to get worse and worse for me. :-/

    --
    The one you fear is fear itself.
  385. Stuff i got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    From my SO I got a dvd burner, now that's love :)

    not too wierd, but really nice :)

    Cheers

  386. "rocks wrapped in paper" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Dude, giving crack to kids is not cool.

  387. It's a Wonderful Knife by thepyre · · Score: 1

    In a packed resteraunt, my father gave me three Cord Grip, 6 inch throwing knives and an 18 inch Jungle Survival Knife. Our waitress was not impressed.

  388. Hair Removal by Trillian_1138 · · Score: 1

    This is probably being posted too late to get noticed, but I'm transgendered and planning to being transitioning sooner than later. My mom (who rules) is paying for some of my hair removal for Chanukah. Definatly my weirdest gift ever.

    -Trillian

  389. $500 pm property tax? by johnty · · Score: 1
    Hi, I'd just like to make sure - 500 a month on taxes alone? and you have to pay that for ever and evermore? Is that because of the particular area you're in?

    excuse my ignorance and thanks for responding...

    --
    I am unique, just like you, and you, and you...
    1. Re:$500 pm property tax? by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      I was being slightly high, because I didn't want to grab the book and do the arithmatic. It's actually 0.0125% of assessed valuation, which of course begins as the price of the property.

      So 428,000 x .0125 = $5,350.

      There's also about $150-$200 in "special assessments" covering things like "extra" police and fire "investments".

      So the actual cost is around $458 a month.

      It might be added that for this sum of money, you get ghastly schools and lousy police. Figure about a half hour for police response time. In wealthy parts of town, the police have been practically replaced by institutions like the Bel Air Patrol, a private police force that basically duplicates functions of the "real" cops.

      I don't think the tax rate is particularly high compared to other areas, but since property is so expensive, tax amounts are very high.

      It's worth emphasizing again that the house I bought is a 1000 square foot "entry level" house. It's in the hills, is well constructed and has central air conditioning, but it's on a tiny 5250 square foot lot. You'd laugh at it pretty much anywhere else in the country.

      Hope that helped.

      D

    2. Re:$500 pm property tax? by albryant · · Score: 1

      That's rather a bargain (considering the house price) compared with Long Island, New York. I have a modest 3-BR ranch (1,000 sq ft) witn attached garage on 1/6 acre (70 x 100 ft). I'm just under an hour by express train from Penn Station in Manhattan. On this house, the taxes are $6,543.90 next year. As they say on a local radio commercial "taxes to choke a rhino!" We also pay a state income tax, as well as state and local sales taxes.

    3. Re:$500 pm property tax? by Just+Some+Guy · · Score: 1
      Just so you know, I have a 6-BR (4,600 sq ft) with two-car garage (but deep enough to park 3 in case of emergency) on 1/2 acre in a small town in Nebraska. My taxes are about $2,500 per year for great schools, decent roads, good water, and nice neighbors.

      Remember, folks, there is life outside the cities. :-)

      --
      Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
    4. Re:$500 pm property tax? by daviddennis · · Score: 1

      There's also something called "winter", where, from what I understand, there's bitter cold and this odd white substance that falls from the sky.

      Since I left New England in 1980, this has been but a rumour for me, and I like it to stay that way :-).

      Of course this means that, unfortunately, the government walks over us because they know that haters of the cold have no place to go save Hawaii or Florida :-(.

      D

    5. Re:$500 pm property tax? by Just+Some+Guy · · Score: 1
      Actually, I've been pleasantly surprised so far. This is the beginning of my third winter here, and I've yet to see more than eight inches of snow, or any that stuck around for more than a few days. Do we get the white stuff? Sure! Is it like the blizzards that slam the northeast (like Christmas '01 when a trip to visit the in-laws in Buffalo, NY turned into a 7-feet-in-three-days exercise in cabin fever)? Not even close.

      Besides, we don't get forest fires mudslides either. :-)

      --
      Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
    6. Re:$500 pm property tax? by NickFitz · · Score: 1
      this odd white substance that falls from the sky

      From birds. It falls from birds.

      --
      Using HTML in email is like putting sound effects on your phone calls. Just say <strong>no</strong>.
  390. Dinner with all the (cold) trimmings by HappyFrog · · Score: 1

    I had my Christmas dinner with my Aunt,Uncle my Cousin and his children. My Aunt insists that Christmas dinner is served with all the imaginable trimmings and vegetables, all cooked to extinction so that you get a teaspoon of each item which in the end amounts to a mountain of mushy mesh.
    This year, however, the mischevious activities of my Cousins two year old son came into play. He is very keen on switches at the moment and managed to turn off my Aunts vaunted hostess trolley an hour before dinner was due to be served meaning that all the delicacies therein were stone cold when dinner came to be served. So we ended up with a huge mountain of mushy cold mess.
    For some of us, however, the hostess trolly incident was the highlight of the day!

  391. Odd Gift by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Last year I got an electric VHS tape-rewinder. I do not own, nor have I ever owned, a VHS tape or VCR. My sister, who gave it to me, said she knew this.

  392. Socks by darkpurpleblob · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now socks are not really that weird, however the quantity was somewhat. I receieved a total of 17 pairs of socks from my parents.

  393. Weirdest present... by dragondm · · Score: 1

    A full case of ramen noodles. From my sister.
    Funny thing is, *I* am the one in my family who can actually cook.

    --
    -- -- The Dragon De Monsyne
  394. Did it talk back? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Your post made me get up from the computer and go talk to the TV with my mom, dad, and sister...

    While this thread is oh so very +1 Insiteful it does raise the question, what did the TV say during the conversation?

  395. Age?? by Amata · · Score: 1

    Nevermind the fact that I'm 34 and don't even play computer games.

    What the hell does age have to do with recieving/playing computer games?

  396. How to get First Post without even trying by nietsch · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    by KalvinB (205500) on 25/12/03 21:19 (#7810485)
    (http://www.icarusindie.com/)

    Wait 30 minutes to see what posts get moderated up and which post is first.

    Look at the content of a highly moderated post farther down on the page and regurgitate it as a reply to a first post.

    It looks like it's an original thought and it's at the top of the page!

    If a post has nothing to do with the parent post, don't moderate it up. Chances are it's redundant from something posted earlier but farther down.

    You should have posted to the real first post (and changed the title so it's not "re:") which is most likely moderated at a -1. Then it looks like you post is the parent post to those who don't browse at that level. Badabing! First Post. Without even trying.

    --
    This space is intentionally staring blankly at you
  397. does it count as weird... by C0vardeAn0nim0 · · Score: 1

    a package containing cleaning lotion, chocolate and condoms ???

    --
    What ? Me, worry ?
  398. wtf? informative? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "Was a christian", is correct. Till the day he died? erm, not exactly. The atheists can't claim him, but neither can christians. He seemed to be agnostic, mostly because of the loss of his daughter.

  399. Subscription by MetaMarty · · Score: 2, Funny

    I got a supscribtion to the ZDnet newsletter! Seriously!

  400. didn't expect it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I didn't expect it but my present was a Irish bible from 1852 and tickets to the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

    Kind of nice actually, even though I am an athiest.

  401. I got a goat by m00nun1t · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Really. My in-laws are disturbingly materialistic at Christmas. I made it clear there was nothing I really wanted, and with some appropriate hints via my wife, instead, they went through a charity organisation (possibly world vision, but don't have the details handy) and bought a goat for a poor family. The goat provides them with fresh milk, and can be bred with other goats to sell the kids (baby goats) for a profit. It helps break the poverty cycle.

    My sister in laws were excitingly comparing their expensive new perfumes, and said "so what did you get?". The answer did put a slight damper on them.

    I don't want to be mister "holier than thou". Sure, there's stuff I'd like. But that's all it is, stuff. It's nothing that's going to have any real impact on my life, not in the same way a goat will to the life of that family. And I don't want to be scrooge either. There's nothing wrong with presents. But let's keep things in perspective here.

    1. Re:I got a goat by Mortgage.ysp · · Score: 2, Informative

      I believe they used this resource: Heifer.org

    2. Re:I got a goat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A mare, I'd understand, but a goat? Boy, you're kinky!

  402. Head-mounted flashlight by murcon · · Score: 1

    I got one of those flashlights that strap to your head. From my mom. She said I could use it camping, fishing, or working on my car. I do none of those things, ever.

    I think my mom's getting a bit old.

  403. Well, I gotta whole lot of DVD's... by ProppaT · · Score: 1

    ...all in widescreen. Please God, tell me why such a thing exists....

    --
    Wise men say, "Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."
    1. Re:Well, I gotta whole lot of DVD's... by eberry · · Score: 1

      Because when I am watching a movie on my projector I want to feel that I am at the movies and not watching a big TV.

      Widescreen forever!

      --
      Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Lois, this isn't my Batman glass. - Peter
    2. Re:Well, I gotta whole lot of DVD's... by ProppaT · · Score: 1

      yikes, umm...I ruined that one. I meant all in fullscreen. Yeah, got 4 dvd's all in fullscreen. HORRIBLE! So, I spend $2000 on a HD widescreen to watch fullscreen movies???

      --
      Wise men say, "Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."
  404. Most motorcycles need a louder horn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Most motorcycles need a louder horn... but you'd need a 2nd engine to drive it! Maybe use one cylinder as a compressor?

  405. a cell phone bill by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    1 months bill for 1674.94

  406. do you ask for what you want? by gimpboy · · Score: 1

    sure i know it takes the surprise out of it, but i think you will be much happier in the long run. my dad asked me point blank what i wanted for christmas. i thought about it for a couple days and i told him that i wanted a neuros. he was actually happy to get me something that i wanted, and i'm pleased with what he got me. sure there was little surprise in this present, but i dont really mind.

    --
    -- john
  407. Norsk! by h4rm0ny · · Score: 1

    I got the Nemi Christmas special!!!!! JA!!! Hmmm, guess you need to be Norwegian.

    --

    Aide-toi, le Ciel t'aidera - Jeanne D'Arc.
    1. Re:Norsk! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's nothing. Lise M. sent me a nude-drawing of Nemi, signed.

  408. A Mattel Aquarius by elliotCarte · · Score: 2, Interesting

    A few days ago, slashdot had a discussion about people's first computers. My first computer was mentioned and there was even a link to see it. Somehow seeing the picture made me miss the little fella, so I called my parents up and asked them if they might still have it in a box or drawer somewhere. My father said "No, sorry, I haven't seen that thing for years". I wasn't surprised... until on x-mas day when I went to my parents' house for dinner and found that my dad went up in his attic and found that old thing. I couldn't wait to plug it in and hook it up to an old TV to see if it still worked, and it did! The nostalgia almost brought a tear to my eye. This was the machine that I wrote my very first program on. I was 9 years old and am now 30. The only sad part of the story is that the first thing it displays when turned on is "Microsoft Corporation Copyright 1982". I didn't remember that... I must have subconsciously blocked it out of my memories. I wish I could find the book and/or other documents that came with it though. Anyway, my father also found an old TI99/4a with 2 games: football and some math learning 'game' or is it spelling, I dunno. The TI99/4a isn't that significant to me, but I'm sure it would be to someone who had one as their first computer and can no longer find it (one). So in the spirit of the holidays, I'm willing to send it to the first slashdoter that would get a kick out of seeing / using a TI99/4a again and emails me with a request for it. You'll have to pay for the shipping though. Cheers and Happy Holidays!

    --
    If you can't just be yourself, then be more like me, ok?
  409. Weird Presents by Captain+Ed · · Score: 0

    My wife gave me 3 sets of Senior Citizen Skivvies. Yellow in the fly area, Brown streaks in the seat. Handy.

  410. Japanese USB coffee cup warmer by Kennu · · Score: 1

    My friend who works in Japan got me a genuine Hot Cubby (tm) Coffee Cup Warmer, which is powered through a USB connector. No drivers required!

    Only problem, since all the instructions are in Japanese, I'm afraid to plug it in anywhere...

    (Also included were some weird japanese foods, no idea what their labels say either. I hope it's not sushi.)

  411. man, those are some nice gifts by Savatte · · Score: 1

    Those are some classy gifts you gave your relatives. Can I be in your family? I'll even get you something lame like your relatives got you.

  412. ah, the fashion-consciencious version of by Savatte · · Score: 1

    a pot to piss in and a window to throw it out of

  413. RUNAWAY by sir+lox+elroy · · Score: 1

    RUNAWAY Very fast!!!!!!!!!!!

    --
    Kosh: "Understanding is a 3 edged sword, your side, their side, the Truth."
  414. Rolled out, felt, magnetic dartboard...for my dad. by cbovasso · · Score: 1

    My aunt this year gave my father the gift of a magnetic, felt dartboard that rolls up. Ive known my father my entire life and I hvae never heard him mention even the slightest interest in darts. I kept thinking back to that Wayne's world scene: "Honestly, what am I going to do with a gun rack?"

    --
    I ask for a car and I get a computer. How's about that for being born under a bad .sig?
  415. bizarre gift for daughter.. by zytheran · · Score: 2, Funny

    When my daughter was 3 3/4 my mum gave her the usual scary bag of xmas goodies. Contents included 4 tubes of superglue this time around..

  416. Congratulations!!! by wolf- · · Score: 1

    Congratulations to you and your wife.

    Debt free borders on the stress free. While others fret about making their payments each month, you two can sit and enjoy each other.

    Merry Christmas.

    --
    ----- LoboSoft specializes in Digital Language Lab
  417. anti house buying arguments by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The Economist had a nice article, a few weeks ago, concerning the issues with house prices that are unjustifiably rising, and what may very well be an unobservable frenzy of house buying, that could lead to a real estate bubble popping (which they believe is very likely.)

    There is therefore some justification to say that buying a house may not be so "smart" after all.

    Frankly, the house pricing bubble scares the shit out of me.

  418. Chocolate Flavored Lip Balm by Abjifyicious · · Score: 1
    Dude, that stuff is scary.

    But kinda cool in a really bizarre sorta way...

    And it tastes good...

    I wonder if it's possible to get high on lip balm...

  419. Is it secret...? by handorf · · Score: 1

    My sister got a pair of seals (first and last initial), sealing wax and an envelope with a ring inside sealed with her first initial.

    Is it safe?

    --
    -- IANAEG - I am not an elder god.
  420. Gift to put you to work by abcxyz · · Score: 1

    My neighbor / frind gave me four 6-inch square pieces of drywall in a festive grocery store bag. Now I'll have to patch holes in the downstairs bedroom that came from a busted water faucet search episode!

  421. For the weather by Fjord · · Score: 2, Funny

    My weird gift this Christmas was an ice scrapper.

    I like in Florida.

    But I love my parents, all the same.

    --
    -no broken link
  422. Someone's trying to tell you something by wcrowe · · Score: 1

    Toothpaste, tic-tacs, and deodorant? Someone is trying to send you a message pal. Do people often ask you to stand down-wind of them?

    --
    Proverbs 21:19
  423. Crappy Presents by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Does Herpies count? J/K ;-)

  424. Strangeness by aliensporebomb · · Score: 1

    Okay, I've gotten a lot of strange gifts in my
    time but this year had a few that were strange:

    A friend gave me a brick of 30 cdr discs with mini
    jewel cases (despite the fact that he already knew
    I had at least 250 on hand at any given time).

    Another friend gave me a Brak t-shirt from the
    Adult Swim block on cartoon network. But the
    weird thing about it is a t-shirt promoting the
    "Learnmore High School Lowly Worms". I'm dating
    myself but haven't gone to high school since 1981
    so it's sort of odd.

    My bro-in-law gave me garbage pail kids candy. I
    didn't know they still made it - last time I saw
    that was back in the 80s sometime.

    He also gave me a CD, a DVD of a band I like, the
    latest Onion book and a big gift certificate for a
    cycling catalog I peruse so that was cool.

    This year my wife and I got in a car accident
    about ten days before christmas so we did not
    really get gifts for each other - we're hoping
    to do that the first week of January. That's weird.

  425. his and her computer desks by DeprecatedFeature · · Score: 1

    are what my spousal unit and i got each other. if you use some of those personal hygiene products, you might get laid, too!

    --
    maybe one day i'll be smart enough to come up with a cool sig, too.
  426. red swingline stapler by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got a red swingline stapler like the kind Milton has in Office Space, but not the "replica" model (747) being sold on thinkgeek which is not actually the corect model, except that it is red. The real model is a 646 or something and unfortunately its not red red, but more of a wine red.

    Speaking of weird gifts, a kid I know bought this other indian (hindu, vegetarian) kid a cube of raw red meat. Upon recieving that package, the indian kid uttered a gasp and dropped it to the floor. Talk about offensive!

    1. Re:red swingline stapler by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yeah, how dare he drop a perfectly good cube of red meat like that!

  427. Puppies! by CVD1979 · · Score: 1

    Although I wouldn't call it "mayhem", it was quite a surprise when our dog started giving birth to her puppies on Christmas night! We did expect those till today, actually. It made Christmas even more magical, for me.

    Wanna take a look? Go see my dad's homepage. Don't mind the Dutch, just click the links :)

    --
    "Want some rye? 'Course you do!" - Return to Zork
  428. Speakin from experience by FunkyELF · · Score: 1

    ...with helium, not blow-up dolls mind you...There is no way that it would float. I work in a grocery store and spend a great deal of time blowing up balloons making sure each register has three balloons at all times to give out to kids. I have tried making all sorts of things float with helium and the only thing I was able to get to float that wasn't a balloon was a small thin plastic bag (our normal size ones didn't work). Also I once blew up a bunch of inflatable decorations like snow men and such for the hollidays. I didn't feel like putting my mouth on something that a customer might buy, so I used the helium tank. Did not float. Didn't even feel any lighter than normal.

    1. Re:Speakin from experience by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, cuz them heliums moleacuels are teeny little critters. They excapes outta the bag like it tweren't nothing there. Gotdam!

  429. Perhaps, by WindBourne · · Score: 1

    it was a lump of coal?

    --
    I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
    1. Re:Perhaps, by Creepy · · Score: 1

      I gave a lump of coal (it even came in a can saying "You've been very bad this year") as a gift to my brother-in-law's dad. He always plays practical jokes on my wife, so it was our turn to get him back :)

  430. Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Loundry · · Score: 0, Troll

    If you are a non-Christian who wishes that Christians would keep their beliefs and practices to themselves (or may go a step further and may wish that Christians abandon their beliefs), then I beg of you to not make fun of Christians.

    Christians, like all religious people, thrive on persecution. If someone is attacking them, then they feel that they are being "persecuted because they are right". Mocking them puts them on the defensive and makes them resistant to your message no matter what your message may be.

    Instead of making fun of Christians, I implore you to, instead, attack their stupid, superstitious beliefs. Sympathize with them and appeal to their sense of reason. Ask difficult and probing questions. Build bridges, not walls.

    --
    I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    1. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by dfreed · · Score: 1

      As a Christina I must tell you that my first though it:
      Bravo! I alway am open to a bit of reasonable debate. I even enjoy it. Anyone who truely believes in their faith must be willing to learn about it and grow, usualy the best way to do that is to debait it with others.
      Thats why on debait teams you have to argue both sides of the argument.
      It's refreshing to meet another open mind.

      Mery Christmas, and Happy New Year

    2. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by __aafutm5472 · · Score: 1

      Instead of making fun of Christians, I implore you to, instead, attack their stupid, superstitious beliefs.

      I believe you just made fun of us, hence negating you're entire post. Nice work.

      Besides, if the founding fathers of the USA weren't Christians, nobody here would get Christmas day off to spend with their families.

      Further, I don't need to defend my religion or the Bible. If it needed me to defend it, it wouldn't still be such a driving force in a large part of the planets population. Rather, I can let the Bible speak for itself. Got a "probing question"? Read for yourself.

    3. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Loundry · · Score: 0, Troll

      I believe you just made fun of us, hence negating you're entire post. Nice work.

      Nice opinion. You're suffering from the, "You must respect my beliefs to respect me" problem. Furthermore, I got another reply from a Christian who did not feel like my post was making fun of Christians.

      Besides, if the founding fathers of the USA weren't Christians, nobody here would get Christmas day off to spend with their families.

      Thomas Jefferson ripped out every page of his Bible that referred to Jesus's divinity. He didn't think the pages he ripped out belonged in the Bible. The founding fathers were not as Christian as you want them to be.

      Further, I don't need to defend my religion or the Bible.

      Yes, you do, you condescending, smug Christian. You claim that your superstition is ultimate truth for all humanity. If you're going to make *that* arrogant of a claim, then you better be well-prepared to defend it!

      If it needed me to defend it, it wouldn't still be such a driving force in a large part of the planets population.

      This is an ad numeram argument. Following this flawed logic, I can claim that since non-Christians are in the majority, their philosophy is better.

      Rather, I can let the Bible speak for itself. Got a "probing question"? Read for yourself.

      I have read the Bible exhaustively. I probably know scripture better than you do. It is because I know scripture so well that I choose to reject it as the superstitious work of humans.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    4. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by __aafutm5472 · · Score: 1

      Well, you are intitled to your own opinion. I'll ignore the defensive tone of your post. My main objection, in case you're wondering, was the attempt to change current Christians over to non-Chirstians, which is not a very good goal for ones self. I mean, how rude is that? I'm not trying to switch you over, so why do the same to me?

      At any rate, you're probably right -- you do know scripture better than I do. I've only been at this for about 4 years, and don't pretend to know all, or even have formulated my own opinions on most subjects found in the Bible.

      And as for the founding fathers, they were Christian enough to see that Christmas was of great importance. Also, they didn't allow businesses to be open on Sundays. That's more Christian than quite a few people. Just because Jefferson didn't believe the entire Bible doesn't mean that the majority of the founding fathers weren't Christian.

      Yes, you do, you condescending, smug Christian. You claim that your superstition is ultimate truth for all humanity. If you're going to make *that* arrogant of a claim, then you better be well-prepared to defend it!

      And you claim that your lack of religion (or belief in an alternate) is the ultimate truth for all humanity as well. I believe you probably have many arguments to back it up, but does that make you less smug or arrogant? No. Yes, it's true -- not believing in one God is a religion in and of itself. Several, in fact. Society seems to think that if you don't subscribe to an organized religion (and it's not that organized, trust me), then you aren't religious. Fact is, you are, just in a different way.

      But we can debate this until the second coming (or, if you prefer, until the cows come home), and it will only solve to agrovate each other. So, for now, let us agree to disagree.

    5. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Loundry · · Score: 0, Troll

      My main objection, in case you're wondering, was the attempt to change current Christians over to non-Chirstians, which is not a very good goal for ones self. I mean, how rude is that? I'm not trying to switch you over, so why do the same to me?

      It isn't rude at all. Christians present a threat to me and my family on many different levels. Religion is divisive and immoral. For people to abandon superstition for reason is a good thing.

      At any rate, you're probably right -- you do know scripture better than I do.

      Did you know that slavery is supported in both the OT and in the NT?

      And as for the founding fathers, they were Christian enough to see that Christmas was of great importance.

      Non sequitur. You argued that the founding fathers were Christians. Many of them were not.

      Also, they didn't allow businesses to be open on Sundays. That's more Christian than quite a few people.

      The Sabbath is Saturday, not Sunday. There is nothing in scripture that states that the Sabbath was or should be moved to Sunday.

      Just because Jefferson didn't believe the entire Bible doesn't mean that the majority of the founding fathers weren't Christian.

      It isn't that Jefferson didn't believe the entire Bible, but rather that he completely denied the divinity of Jesus. Thank you for admitting that not all of the founding fathers weren't Christians. You've fallen back on the weaker, "The majority of the founding fathers were Christian". Perhaps you haven't read about how James Madison decried what he called the "Tyrrany of the Majority". Perhaps you haven't noticed that Jesus is never mentioned in the Constitution. If this truly were a Christian nation, then why doesn't Christ appear in our founding document?

      And you claim that your lack of religion (or belief in an alternate) is the ultimate truth for all humanity as well.

      Where, specifically, did I claim this? I don't trumpet "Truth" the way Christians do. Reason and reality are my guiding principles, not "truth".

      Yes, it's true -- not believing in one God is a religion in and of itself. Several, in fact.

      There are several atheistic religions, such as Bhuddism and Leftism. I do not follow any religion (which implies superstition). I, like all people, follow a philosophy. Yours is grounded in superstition. Mine is grounded in reason.

      Society seems to think that if you don't subscribe to an organized religion (and it's not that organized, trust me), then you aren't religious. Fact is, you are, just in a different way.

      It depends. I, for one, am not superstitious and am thus not religious.

      But we can debate this until the second coming (or, if you prefer, until the cows come home), and it will only solve to agrovate each other. So, for now, let us agree to disagree.

      Give me a chance to make some headway. Do you mind if I ask you some more questions about your faith?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    6. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by DunbarTheInept · · Score: 1


      Instead of making fun of Christians, I implore you to, instead, attack their stupid, superstitious beliefs.

      If you have a lot invested in your beliefs, then it's totally impossible for someone to attack your beliefs without it also feeling like an attack on your person. If I think X is true, and you say that X is a stupid thing to believe, then you have just called me stupid, in an indirect fashion. Does this mean I think people should refrain from having that kind of debate? No. Far from it. It just means I think people shouldn't fool themselves into thinking it's possible to have a "toned down" version of that debate in which you attack the argument and not the person. Sometimes the two are inexorably intertwined such that attacking one results in attacking the other.

      What you should avoid is arguments where you attack the person *INSTEAD OF* the argument. That's a classic fallacy. But if you end up attacking the person as a *SIDE EFFECT* of attacking the argument, that is still a valid argument and shouldn't be disallowed.

      --

      Don't label something "offtopic" unless you know the topic well enough to tell what's on topic.

    7. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by DunbarTheInept · · Score: 0, Troll


      I mean, how rude is that? I'm not trying to switch you over, so why do the same to me?

      Every time you claim the bible is correct, you are also claiming people should make that switchover, since that's a major portion of the message contained therein. It is not logically possible to say the bible is truth and not also be saying people should become Christians. The two go together.

      --

      Don't label something "offtopic" unless you know the topic well enough to tell what's on topic.

    8. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by tickleboy2 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Christians present a threat to me and my family on many different levels. Religion is divisive and immoral. For people to abandon superstition for reason is a good thing.

      Why does Christianity present a threat to you? The basis for Christianity is love. Is love a threat to you? And how is Christianity immoral? Give me one of the ten commandments that proclaims immorality.

      Where, specifically, did I claim this? I don't trumpet "Truth" the way Christians do. Reason and reality are my guiding principles, not "truth".

      I'm sorry but your previous posts have me believing otherwise. You seem quite defensive and aggresive with your own beliefs (which is fine). However stating that you don't "trumpet" your beliefs appears incorrect at this point.

      Non sequitur. You argued that the founding fathers were Christians. Many of them were not.

      You have given one example. Can I inquire as to how this became many?

      Did you know that slavery is supported in both the OT and in the NT?

      Could you provide the bible verses that you are referring to?

      --
      The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you. - Tom Bradley
    9. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Gee. Suppose you could add another reference to "superstition?" Maybe we can make a song out of it.

      superstition n.

      1. An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.


      Hmm. Nope.

      1. A belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance. A fearful or abject state of mind resulting from such ignorance or irrationality. Idolatry.

      Doesn't resemble anything Christian that I know of. There's nothing irrational about Christianity. It's really rather simple, actually.

      The life of Jesus of Nazareth is a matter of historical record, backed up by thousands of written texts produced during a time when the written word was one of the most expensive and precious things in existence.

      The Bible is widely regarded as a work of literature and a chronicle of history in addition to being divinely inspired. To dismiss it in its entirety as "superstition" is absurd.

    10. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Where, specifically, did I claim this? I don't trumpet "Truth" the way Christians do. Reason and reality are my guiding principles, not "truth".

      You claim to be guided by reason, yet disparage the existence of truth. Your responses are replete with references to various logical axioms. How can you rely on logic if there is no such thing as truth?

    11. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Why does Christianity present a threat to you?

      1. I am a gay man. The people who are most opposed to any kind of decent life for me are evangelical Christians who base their opposition in their Christian faith.

      2. I am a gay adoptive parent. The people who are most opposed to my family are evangelical Chrsitains who base their opposition in their Christian faith.

      3. I am a capitalist. Christians are opposed to any form of capitalism that they deem "immoral" (drugs, prostitution) even when there is nothing immoral about it.

      4. Reason is the only way to knowledge. Christians oppose this, falsely claiming that faith and feelings lead to knowledge.

      5. Christians are in massive support of the murderous, ineffective, and ridiculous War on Some Drugs.

      6. Christians are in massive support of sending billions of dollars to Israel.

      7. Christians are in massive support of using the force of government to teach their superstitions.

      I can go on and on. Are you convinced that I see Christianity as a threat?

      However stating that you don't "trumpet" your beliefs appears incorrect at this point.

      I never claimed that I don't trumpet my beliefs. I claimed that I don't trumpet "truth" the way that the Christians do.

      You have given one example. Can I inquire as to how this became many?

      It never became many, it has always been many. Check this out.

      Could you provide the bible verses that you are referring to?

      Of course:

      "then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same." Deut 15:17

      "If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property" Ex 21:20-21

      "I [the Lord] will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, a nation far away" Joel 3:8

      "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men" Eph 6:5-7

      "All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered" 1 Tim. 6:1

      "Slaves, obey your earthy masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord" Col. 3:22

      "Slaves, submit yourselves to your master with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also those who are harsh....Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" 1 Peter 2:18,21

      Did you also know that God demanded the slaughter of infants and children, including tearing up pregnant women?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    12. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Loundry · · Score: 1

      You claim to be guided by reason, yet disparage the existence of truth.

      I did not disparage or deny the existance of truth. I stated that I don't trumpet "truth" the way the Christians do.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    13. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Loundry · · Score: 1, Interesting

      There's nothing irrational about Christianity.

      The beliefs in souls, heaven, hell, God, Satan, demons, angels, walking on water, talking donkeys, flaming swords, flaming and flying chariots, transfirguarions, resurrections, ascencions, demon-possessions, etc, etc, etc are all superstitious, irrational beliefs. There is no evidence to support any of them.

      Oh, there is the Bible, you say! I have made a hobby of rational analysis of scripture. I know scripture better than most Christians. Would you like to discuss it with me?

      The life of Jesus of Nazareth is a matter of historical record, backed up by thousands of written texts

      You have been listening to your preacher too much. Outside of scripture, there are very few references to the life of this "Jesus" character. Most Christians are well-trained enough to spit out "Josephus" and "Tacitus" here, but few have actually read their words which actually mention a "Jesus". There is no way that there are "thousands" of written texts, unless you are actually referring to the thousands of contradictory manuscripts from which the Bible was compiled and then choosing to impose Jesus on the Old Testament.

      The Bible is widely regarded as a work of literature and a chronicle of history in addition to being divinely inspired.

      Ad numeram.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    14. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by DunbarTheInept · · Score: 1

      To the moderator: So now pointing out the truth makes me a troll? Sometimes being honest and being insulting are the same thing.

      --

      Don't label something "offtopic" unless you know the topic well enough to tell what's on topic.

    15. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by __aafutm5472 · · Score: 1

      Every time you claim the bible is correct, you are also claiming people should make that switchover, since that's a major portion of the message contained therein. It is not logically possible to say the bible is truth and not also be saying people should become Christians. The two go together.

      Oh, I agree. The difference is I'm not sitting here, putting down his views and beliefs, telling him to switch to Christianity right this very instant. I mean, I'd like for him to believe, but I'm not going to beat the message into him until such time. I believe that God will make him see the way, especially since I've been praying for him.

    16. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Thank you for your post... I genuinely mean that. It was very inspiring and thought-provoking.

    17. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by ivan256 · · Score: 1

      I was raised as a Catholic Christian and attended Catholic schools. I would like to think that I have little bias dispite this, but I figure I should throw that out there as a disclaimer, not that you can derive from it anything at all about my beliefs... That being said, I'd like to address a few of your points:

      If it needed me to defend it, it wouldn't still be such a driving force in a large part of the planets population.

      One of my teachers in (catholic) high school told my class a story that stands out amongst the most important things I learned in the 720 days I spent wasting away in that archaic building. The story goes roughly as follows (please forgive me, Mr. Carney, if I don't get it exactly right):

      A newlywed couple returns from their honeymoon to begin spending the rest of their lives together. (This was a catholic school, remember... Obviously they hadn't spent an entire day together before this :) On their first night together the wife decides to prepare a roast for dinner. The still swooning newlywed husband watches her prepare the meal. As she prepares to place the roast in the pan, she cuts the ends off the meat and throws them away. This perplexes the husband, and he asks her why she did this. She explains to him that she learned to cook from her mother, and that's what her mother taught her to do. The next time the couple visits the wife's mother, they ask her why she cuts the ends off her roasts, and she tells a similar story about seeing her mother do it, and thus always doing it herself. The same tale is also told by the grand-mother. When the couple finally asks the (now quite elderly) great-grandmother why she used to cut the ends off her roasts, she smiles and explains that it is because she had a small pan.

      The moral of the story of course is to never underestimate the power of blind tradition. It should be obvious how this relates to your point, but I'll spell it out. Christianity being a driving force after many generations is not nescicarily particularly remarkable, and could be easily and believably explained by pure tradition. You shouldn't base your faith purely on what those before you did because to do so isn't to truly believe. Your belief must stand on it's own merits. For this reason also, it is a horrible way to try to win converts.

      Rather, I can let the Bible speak for itself. Got a "probing question"? Read for yourself.

      The bible cannot speak for itself, rather it must be interpreted. It is illogical to be a litteralist given all of the contradictions in the text if taken literally. The Bible is a work of literature that needs to be interpreted as do all written accounts, historical or otherwise. (To call it such says nothing about the fictionality or lack thereof... Check the definition of literature in Websters 1913 or your favorite edition of the OED)

      Dispite the numbers that may claim membership of a particular faith, it is still a personal thing. Nothing can speak to your faith for you, you must do it yourself. You may not feel the need to defend your faith, but you need to *be able* to defend your faith. If you can't defend it then you can't count yourself as a believer, but merely a follower.

    18. Re:Do NOT make fun of Christians! by __aafutm5472 · · Score: 1

      Excellent story, thanks. You raise some good points, and re-reading my original post, I can see how easily one can infer that I am merely a follower of a learned faith. Let me clarify that a bit.

      I came to Christ about 4 years ago. Despite my parents being Methodist in their upbringing, they didn't convey that to their children very well. We never went to church. There was no prayer before dinner. There was no installation of many of the basic morals that are associated with religion. That said, 3 of the 4 children now consider themselves religious to some degree, as do my parents. Go figure.

      I first got truly and actually excited about Christ and church in general when attending services for the first time with my now in-laws. It was totally unlike anything I had previously associated with religion. It motivated me to know Christ more, to learn on my own. I'd been to church before, but it never grabbed me like that time, and every time since then. Perhaps I wasn't ready.

      In short, I didn't have anything to base my beliefs on, except what is "commonly" known about Christianity. I like to think I take others views and interpritations of the Bible into account, and draw my own conclusions, but at this point I see myself as more of an impressionable child than an accomplished Christian.

      Can I defend my faith? Perhaps. Would I find the right words to convey my beliefs and bring up good points? Certainly not. I try to let other people read and draw their own conclusions from the Bible because, as you say, it's a very personal thing.

      But it suddenly occurs to me that this is way off topic for a geek forum. Or is it?

  431. When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

    I remember once she bought us a badminton set for the family to play together. I thought it was gay.

    I guess you could have written, "I thought it was lame", or, "I thought it was stupid". I guess you didn't have to because the word "gay", to you, embodies everything in the world that is lame, stupid, pathetic, boring, shitty, and bad.

    My son has two dads. He has a gay family. Is his family lame, stupid, pathetic, boring, shitty, and bad which is what you imply every time you toss out the word "gay" like it's some repulsive chunk of garbage?

    It's nigh time for you to find a different god damned adjective. Your childish and rude behavior is not excusable.

    --
    I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    1. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I thought the word made perfect sense. That's exactly what a kid would say, which added immeasurably to the post.

      Why don't you just lighten the fuck up?

    2. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow. Nice over-reaction. I guess you should write some hateful letter to Bravo for that show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy since it's full of gay stereotypes like fashion sense, frilly things, and gay jokes. Hell, maybe those guys even like to play badminton too.

      I saw nothing hateful against homosexuals in that post. But touche for re-enforcing the stereotype that gay men are oversensitive jerks.

    3. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by tr0p · · Score: 1
      My son has two dads.

      OMFG ROFL!@#$

      --

      My only regret... is that I have... bonitis..

    4. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      I thought the word made perfect sense. That's exactly what a kid would say,

      I agree. It's exactly what a thoughtless, stupid, cruel kid would say.

      which added immeasurably to the post.

      Added what, exactly?

      Why don't you just lighten the fuck up?

      Because I must defend my family. What will my son think when he hears some stupid teenager say, "That is so gay!" Will he think, "That guy thinks gay means bad"? That *is* exactly what is implied, right?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    5. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Wow. Nice over-reaction.

      Wow. Nice opinion.

      I guess you should write some hateful letter to Bravo for that show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy since it's full of gay stereotypes like fashion sense, frilly things, and gay jokes. Hell, maybe those guys even like to play badminton too.

      Except that we aren't talking about gay stereotypes, are we? We're talking about the way stupid, punk, teenage kids use the word "gay" as a synonym for "all things negative".

      I saw nothing hateful against homosexuals in that post.

      It's easy not to be insulted when you're not the one being attacked, isn't it?

      But touche for re-enforcing the stereotype that gay men are oversensitive jerks.

      Usually the word "jerk" applies to the one calling another person "oversensitive". Just how sensitive should I be, and why should you be the authority on it?

      I am a parent who is trying to protect his child from what I see as childish cruelty that will, one day, be something I have to explain to my son. I have to tell him why some people choose to use the label that desribes his family as a direct synonym for "shitty". Do you fault me for this?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    6. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      OMFG ROFL!@#$

      Laughter is the first refuge of those who have nothing intelligent to say.

      I'm guessing that your response to this will be something as stupid as, "whatever, dude".

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    7. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Or perhaps you could look at the contextual clues and gather the intent of the word. With so many people out there actively trying to promote hatred why go after someone that was obviously not intending to promote anti-gay sentiments? Honestly I've seen people take a "nice" word with "nice" connotations and say it eyes aflame, bitterly, and dripping with malice, and I can also remember a fellow in college that would call me 'little cracker girl' and he wasn't referring to saltines. But I'd take the later any day because he said it playfully, with no harm intended, and I took it as an act of respect. Kind of a "I respect you enough to know you are wise enough to derive my intent, and have enough of a sense of humor not to sue me".

      Not to mention that words can change/have multiple meanings. It's not as if homosexuals have dibs on the word 'gay'.

      For someone that seems to be promoting tolerance and understanding, you sure seem to be lacking in your own medicine.

    8. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wouldn't calling the badminton set "lame" be a slight to our differently-abled friends? And calling something "stupid" implies that those of lesser intelligence than ourselves are necessarily bad or worthless. We just cannot win.

    9. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by weave · · Score: 1
      Except that we aren't talking about gay stereotypes, are we? We're talking about the way stupid, punk, teenage kids use the word "gay" as a synonym for "all things negative".

      Whose the one being all hateful now? You could have just mentioned calmly your concern about my poor choice of words and I would have apologized, instead of foaming at the mouth at making yourself look silly.

      It's pretty tough at times trying to ensure whatever you write doesn't offend some group. I didn't use the word gay in any manner that was intended to be offensive. When I was a kid I just thought prancing around batting a butterfly ball was effeminate, that's all. It just wasn't my scene.

      In my other post where I quoted Butters little speech I left out the part where he said "I'd rather be a crying pussy rather than a faggy goth kid" because I didn't want to offend anyone. I honestly didn't mean to be offensive.

      Jumping to conclusions and reaching as far as you did is not right either. Assuming I'm some homophobe is wrong. You want your kid to think every straight person out there hates gays? He's going to be quite a paranoid kid, ashamed of his parents.

      Here's a clue stick for you. Go to google groups and do a search for author Weaverling (er, that's me) in the group soc.motss.

      I guess Christmas is over, so we might as well go back to the usual slashdot trolling and flame wars! :-)

    10. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's nigh time for you to find a different god damned adjective. Your childish and rude behavior is not excusable.
      --
      The "HIV==AIDS" hypothesis is the biggest medical fraud in human history. http://www.virusmyth.net/

      So, it's bad to use a common idiom that isn't offensive to anyone except those wanting to be offended, but it's OK to spread a lie that could kill someone (HIV doesn't cause AIDS? WTF!)? Not a single person noticed the OP's slang usage of "gay" until you made a big deal about it, and even then it's hardly the end of the world. Some teen who finds the site you link to, reads and believes it, and follows up by doing some risky stuff could very well die.

      You, sir, have a seriously fucked set of priorities.

    11. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Whose the one being all hateful now? You could have just mentioned calmly your concern about my poor choice of words and I would have apologized, instead of foaming at the mouth at making yourself look silly.

      This is all your opinion, not fact. Look, here's mine: I was not hateful, I was not foaming at the mouth, and I did not look silly.

      It's pretty tough at times trying to ensure whatever you write doesn't offend some group. I didn't use the word gay in any manner that was intended to be offensive. When I was a kid I just thought prancing around batting a butterfly ball was effeminate, that's all. It just wasn't my scene.

      What I am against is the ultra-common use among teeange punk kids of the word "gay" as a synonym for "all things negative". You have not denied that this is the way things are. I think it's terrible and I don't intend to let people get away with using "gay" in this way without getting into a dialog with me about why it is harmful. In fact, you're in a dialog with me now, so I seem to be making good on my intentions.

      In my other post where I quoted Butters little speech I left out the part where he said "I'd rather be a crying pussy rather than a faggy goth kid" because I didn't want to offend anyone. I honestly didn't mean to be offensive.

      I thought Butters said, "...some gay goth kid", and, by the way, I thought that was funny. What I don't find funny is the way the word "gay" is so massively used as a synonym for "bad in the worst way". I know you didn't intend to offend anyone. You are merely following a cultural norm. I am guessing you are either in high school or in college. Gay kids in high school and college are more often than not deeply in the closet to avoid rejection and abuse from their peers. You have met many more gay people than you realize. Unlike other disenfranchised groups of people, we can hide in plain sight.

      Jumping to conclusions and reaching as far as you did is not right either. Assuming I'm some homophobe is wrong. You want your kid to think every straight person out there hates gays? He's going to be quite a paranoid kid, ashamed of his parents.

      You can't accuse me of jumping to conclusions and reaching and then do exactly the same thing. No, I don't want my child to think every straight person out there hates gays. That's one of the reasons I wish kids' language would change, since my son will plainly see other kids using "gay" (a word that describes his family) as a equivalent term for "shitty". Keeping my child from feeling ashamed of his family is a big issue for me. Don't think I make light of it for one microsecond.

      Here's a clue stick for you. Go to google groups and do a search for author Weaverling (er, that's me) in the group soc.motss.

      I don't have time for that. If you have something to say, just say it.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    12. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Or perhaps you could look at the contextual clues and gather the intent of the word.

      The intent was "shitty" and the word "gay" was used. This is the way it's always used. Play Everquest of DaOC for one day and you'll see how many people throw out "this is gayness!" and "dude, u r gay". It is used to mean the worst of the bad.

      With so many people out there actively trying to promote hatred why go after someone that was obviously not intending to promote anti-gay sentiments?

      What do you think I should tell my son when he asks me why someone called something "gay" when they meant "bad"? Do you think he will be as accepting as you are with the, "Oh, he didn't mean anything negative by it" excuse? Do you think my son will want to tell his potential friends that he has a gay family?

      I can also remember a fellow in college that would call me 'little cracker girl' and he wasn't referring to saltines. But I'd take the later any day because he said it playfully, with no harm intended, and I took it as an act of respect. Kind of a "I respect you enough to know you are wise enough to derive my intent, and have enough of a sense of humor not to sue me".

      You are describing the use of derisive names in a playful manner, and that is not what I am against. I am against the use of the word "gay" as a synonym for "the worst of the worst".

      Not to mention that words can change/have multiple meanings. It's not as if homosexuals have dibs on the word 'gay'.

      We both know what the word means when it is used.

      For someone that seems to be promoting tolerance and understanding, you sure seem to be lacking in your own medicine.

      I don't promote tolerance or understanding (for the sake of tolerance and understanding). I don't tolerate child rape, and I don't understand Christianity (as it cannot be understood without sacrificing reason and reality). What I am against is the common use of the word "gay" as a synonym for "shitty". To me, my family suffers if I don't stand against it, and protecting my family will always win over anyone else's petty feelings.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    13. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Wouldn't calling the badminton set "lame" be a slight to our differently-abled friends?

      No.

      And calling something "stupid" implies that those of lesser intelligence than ourselves are necessarily bad or worthless.

      I disagree.

      We just cannot win.

      And just who is "we"?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    14. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      So, it's bad to use a common idiom that isn't offensive to anyone except those wanting to be offended,

      This is "blame-the-victim" mentality. "You're offended because you want to be!"

      but it's OK to spread a lie that could kill someone (HIV doesn't cause AIDS? WTF!)?

      No one has shown that HIV exists. None of the HIV tests actually test for the presense of HIV. The HIV/AIDS Priests originally stated that HIV causes AIDS by killing T-cells, but now they say that HIV does *not* kill T-cells. All of the AIDS drugs are toxic, and their side effects match the very symptoms of AIDS. WTF indeed!

      Not a single person noticed the OP's slang usage of "gay" until you made a big deal about it,

      I know. it's so easy to not be offended when you're not the one being targetted, isn't it?

      and even then it's hardly the end of the world.

      It's a threat to my family and that's bad enough for me.

      Some teen who finds the site you link to, reads and believes it, and follows up by doing some risky stuff could very well die.

      Really? Are you sure? How do you account for what the HIV/AIDS Priests call "long-term non-progressors"? Furthermore, how do you know that all of the "AIDS victims" did not actually die of AZT poisioning?

      You, sir, have a seriously fucked set of priorities.

      I could say the same thing about you, but how would that help? You can be smug and condescending all you want, but the facts will show that you are the one in the wrong.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    15. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      So, in summary, screw the scientific method.

      I took the step of summarizing your entire argument. Basically, you're offended that all knowledgeable medical and research personnel know that engaging in stupid behavior can kill you, so you're looking for any way to dignify your choice of actions.

      Guess what, murderer - that doesn't make HIV any less deadly. It only makes ignorant folk feel immortal.

      I can believe that an overdose of drugs won't kill me, and I can make websites to convince other people, but blowing a gram of meth will still stop my heart whether I believe it or not.

      I chose the word "murderer" deliberately. You and your neo-fascist PC ilk are foisting a death sentence on those gullible enough to buy into your non-scientific "feel good" crap. Every kid who visits that site and walks away believing that it's OK to go back to retro-partying in bathhouses won't give him a deadly disease is a kid that you have killed. No matter how offended you are, you're spreading dangerous lies and have infected blood on your hands.

      Sleep well, asshole. I hope your kid is smart enough to listen to the scientific and medical community and reject your lies when he's old enough to escape your brainwashing. Until then, I hope he's at least smart enough to use a condom.

    16. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


      Yeah, and remember when bad all of the sudden bad meant good? Or that the word "present" has multiple meanings? Oh man, is that ever gonna be hard to explain to the kid.... Oh wait, no, kids are smart and although you may not be able to differentiate between meanings I'll bet your son can. Now lets get back to the idea that we must stop using the word gay in that way because what will you tell your poor boy when the kids start using its slang meaning. Think of this, do the parents of tubby Timmy go on a rampage to stop the usage of the word fat because it might make things hard for their child? As far as I can see they have more of a reason to be upset, seeing as the intent to harm is more evident. So to answer your question as to what do you tell your child, you tell him this: Sometimes when people use the word present it means moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now (thanks dictionary.com) and sometimes it means Being at hand or in attendance. The same could be true for the word gay. One definition has little to do with the other, and because a word has multiple uses it doesn't mean that one usage belittles or undermines the other.

      Maybe you'll be surprised and your son will teach you a thing or two some day: "Dad, don't get your panties in a twist, he wasn't referring to HOMOSEXUALS, he was just upset that there were no presents present. Believe me, if this is the most of your worries about raising a child I think you must lead a more blessed life than the rest of us.

    17. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by be-fan · · Score: 1

      Really? Are you sure? How do you account for what the HIV/AIDS Priests call "long-term non-progressors"?
      ---------
      Because the virus doesn't necessarily work the same way in each person? There are significant biological differences between people, and a minority of the population may have differences that make them less susceptible to the effects of the virus.

      Furthermore, how do you know that all of the "AIDS victims" did not actually die of AZT poisioning?
      ------------
      Because there are millions of people in Africa that are dying of AIDS even though they don't have access to the AZT drug?

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    18. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Because the virus doesn't necessarily work the same way in each person? There are significant biological differences between people, and a minority of the population may have differences that make them less susceptible to the effects of the virus.

      Which biological differences would make some people less susceptible to the alleged virus?

      Because there are millions of people in Africa that are dying of AIDS even though they don't have access to the AZT drug?

      1. I was talking about US AIDS cases. How do you know that all of the "AIDS victims" in the USA did not die of AZT poisioning?

      2. The "millions of people" dying of AIDS in Africa were *estimated* to have AIDS, not tested. How do you know that they are not dying of malnutrition?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    19. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by weave · · Score: 1
      I thought Butters said, "...some gay goth kid", and, by the way, I thought that was funny.

      I replayed it to transcribe it, and he definitely says faggy goth kid. But the fact you thought it was funny clinches it for me. It's OK to poke fun at others, like goths, as long as it's not your group.

    20. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Since your post and the previous one were both AC, I will assume that I am responding to the same person I was responding to before.

      Yeah, and remember when bad all of the sudden bad meant good? Or that the word "present" has multiple meanings?

      Argument by analogy, twice.

      Oh wait, no, kids are smart and although you may not be able to differentiate between meanings I'll bet your son can.

      I'm sure he will be able to differentiate between different meanings of words, but that's not the issue. He will see that people use "gay" to mean "bad". Why was "gay" chosen to mean this and its use tolerated if not for the fact that homosexuality has traditionally been seen as something evil and repugnant (for really stupid, superstitious reasons)?

      Now lets get back to the idea that we must stop using the word gay in that way because what will you tell your poor boy when the kids start using its slang meaning.

      No, you must stop using the word "gay" in that way because it is hurtful. The example with my son was merely one example. Tell me, what do you think it's like growing up gay?

      Think of this, do the parents of tubby Timmy go on a rampage to stop the usage of the word fat because it might make things hard for their child?

      Argument by analogy.

      So to answer your question as to what do you tell your child, you tell him this: Sometimes when people use the word present it means moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future;

      Argument by analogy. Answer my question: do you think my son will be willing to share with his peers that his family is gay after he sees his friends decry everything negative as "gay"? How do you suppose his friends will respond to that?

      Maybe you'll be surprised and your son will teach you a thing or two some day: "Dad, don't get your panties in a twist, he wasn't referring to HOMOSEXUALS, he was just upset that there were no presents present.

      Maybe that could happen. Or, alternatively, something worse could happen. Consider the case in Louisiana where a boy was punished by his school's administration because he dared tell another student that he has "two mommies". You don't seem to realize that my family is at the forefront of controversy for no good reason, and I must protect my family. I know that you feel like, "Well, it's not happening to me, so what the fuck do I care?"

      Believe me, if this is the most of your worries about raising a child I think you must lead a more blessed life than the rest of us.

      Making sure that my son is safe is at the forefront of my concerns. Educating others about the hurtful and stupid things they say that happen to make (and have made) my life worse for no good reason is part of that concern.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    21. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by tr0p · · Score: 1
      yea dude, the answer to your question is right there. When you explain to your kid what peopel mean when they say "thats gay" tell them they mean "thats shitty" which is a slang reference to shit's real meaning: dookie. So really its slang based on the improper use of another slang term that really means YOU LIKE THE POOP. Go cry.

      Nothing against gay people, I work with some gay people I would call friends every day, but they earn the respect just like everyone else by being cool. Good luck with the kid. I believe you can do just as good of a job raising your kid as a traditional mother/father, as long as you don't try to over-protect and shelter your kid. People might try to give him a hard time, but he'll be stronger and wiser for it.

      --

      My only regret... is that I have... bonitis..

    22. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You repeating "Argument by analogy" over and over again does not mean you have triumphed over my points, it just means you can cut an paste, or dont care that you sound like a broken record, and one skirting around the issue at that.

      Remember when gay meant happy? Why did you have to go and make it mean homosexual? Same argument you are making. Boo-hoo, so someone took a word and gave it a new definition, gays themselves are guilty of that.

      I think your argument lacks logic. And I will answer your question. Yes I believe your son will be able to tell his friends about his family. I believe he will be able to diferentiate between meanings and infer intent. Im sure it wouldnt be too uncommon for his friends to say something along the lines of "Oh yeah, sorry man, you know Im not refering to homosexuals when I use the word gay". And along those same lines I dont immagine kids being kept awake at night saying "MOOOOOMMY I CANT SLEEP!! Why oh WHY did they use the word present to mean gifts AND to show things to people, I JUST CANT FATHOM IT".

      As to your defence that someone did something overtly stupid in a school board, here's some news: It happens all the time, and not always to gays. Remember the girl that was suspended for wearing her religious head scarf? Or the boy for kissing a fellow kindergardner? Because stupid people do stupid things everywhere does not mean that everyone is out to get you.

      Rather pompous of you to assume that I have no concern for anything not directly affecting my life. I think you're creating more of a potential conflict crusading like you are on the subject. Whats the point in setting up the child to believe every time someone uses the word, no matter the intent it is a viscious brutal thing. Would it make more sence to let him know that multiple meanings are common and if it was obviously not inteded as a negative statement towards homosexuals then not to take it as one. In my book intent triumps anyday. Seems like you are looking for battles to pick when there are none.

      What if your child turns out ugly and the kids tease him, what if his feet are too big or he buys the uncool type of pokemon cards? Will you throw a fit then too over word usage, or perhaps teach him something more important instead: That while people can be cruel and say stupid things at times as long as you're informed and comfortable with yourself the little petty insults lose their meaning.

      I'd say that if your son was really embarassed to tell his friends about his 'gay' family it would be more due to your lack of teaching him about respect and love than people using the word with a different meaning.

      And as a side note, a gay friend of mine has been reading your posts, his comment: God, that guy's logic is so GAY! *rolls eyes*

    23. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by bar-agent · · Score: 1

      Interestingly, while "gay" might mean "bad", "bad" can means "good", and "lame" does not often mean "limping".

      It's all in the context. Words mean different things at different times, and your son should already realize this. There is no One True Definition.

      "Gay" can mean "happy", or "homosexual", or "bad". This does not imply that to be happy is to be homosexual, or that to be homosexual is to be bad.

      --
      i'd hit it so hard, if you pulled me out you'd be the king of britain [bash.org]
    24. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Which biological differences would make some people less susceptible to the alleged virus?

      Presumably the same biological differences that make some people less susceptible to, say, the flu, Bubonic plague, or any of the other plagues that have decimated some populations while leaving others mostly intact.

      I know your counter will be "ad hominem! by analogy! straw man!", but that's still the truth.

      You know, I'd think you were Tim Rue, except I'm pretty sure he's not a faggot.

    25. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      my son will plainly see other kids using "gay" (a word that describes his family)

      I think the phrase you're looking for is "a den of faggots". "Gay" is Jack Tripper's fake alter-ego on Three's Company.

      as a equivalent term for "shitty"

      Well, noone will even describe your "family" as "pussy", except when wondering which of you is the receiver.

    26. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by be-fan · · Score: 1

      Which biological differences would make some people less susceptible to the alleged virus?
      >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
      For example, mutated ccR5 protiens on the surface of cells protects against AIDS because it prevents the virus from recognizing and infecting the cell. Other reasons will surely be found after research. Since the phenomena of some people being more resistant to disease is so common (indeed, a very close relative of HIV, SIV, can only infect primates even though their DNA is extremely similar to that of humans), the existence of long term non-progressors is very weak evidence. If you could prove why AIDS should be different from other viruses, in that it was not susceptible to genetic differences (more like a gun-shot to the head than the flu), then you'd have a more compelling argument.

      I was talking about US AIDS cases. How do you know that all of the "AIDS victims" in the USA did not die of AZT poisioning?
      >>>>>>>>>>>
      Because people were dying of AIDS in the early 1980's, a decade before the introduction of AZT and other anti-AIDS drugs?

      The "millions of people" dying of AIDS in Africa were *estimated* to have AIDS, not tested. How do you know that they are not dying of malnutrition?
      >>>>>>>>>>>
      Because studies do actually test people. I'll cite two studies from South Africa, which you can find here.In the first study, of 16,743 sexually active women at 396 locations, 24.5% were find to be infected. In the second study, of 8428 people in the general population, 11.4% were found to be infected. Moreover, my dad works in public health, and has done many projects in Africa. From what he's told me, AIDS is definately a real problem there, and many people are dying from it, without ever getting expensive drug treatments.

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    27. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Glad you checked back, just letting you know I'll never think twice about using the word gay.

    28. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      You repeating "Argument by analogy" over and over again does not mean you have triumphed over my points, it just means you can cut an paste, or dont care that you sound like a broken record, and one skirting around the issue at that.

      If you are arguing by analogy, then it means your points are invalid. Analogies are necessarily flawed, and I reject them all. No amount of griping on your part will make me accept your choice to invalidly argue by analogy.

      Remember when gay meant happy? Why did you have to go and make it mean homosexual? Same argument you are making. Boo-hoo, so someone took a word and gave it a new definition, gays themselves are guilty of that.

      No one can be blamed for making "gay" mean whatever people currently use it to mean. I can't see how I am making the argument that you are attributing to me. I repeat: I oppose the wanton use of the word "gay" to mean "shitty". You have never denied that the word is used this way. Your argument is one of "get over it!"

      I think your argument lacks logic.

      My argument may very well lack logic. I am human, after all. So why don't you engage your brain and point out where my logic fails? Claiming is so much easier than proving, isn't it?

      Yes I believe your son will be able to tell his friends about his family. I believe he will be able to diferentiate between meanings and infer intent.

      It is you, not I, who keeps bringing up "intent" and "words mean different things". To me, this is about how my son will think his peers view gay people. I think most teenagers have an extremely negative view of gay people, and this is why most teenagers use the word "gay" as a perjorative.

      "MOOOOOMMY I CANT SLEEP!! Why oh WHY did they use the word present to mean gifts AND to show things to people,

      Except that we aren't talking about "present", we're talking about "gay". You're arguing by analogy again.

      Remember the girl that was suspended for wearing her religious head scarf? Or the boy for kissing a fellow kindergardner?

      Argument by analogy.

      Because stupid people do stupid things everywhere does not mean that everyone is out to get you.

      This is not about people doing stupid things, nor do I believe that everyone is out to get me (ad hominem). A State Supreme Court Justice of Alamaba issued a ruling stating that gay people are evil and inherently unfit to raise children. He received massive support for his statements among evangelical Christians. Gay adoption is at the forefront of controversy.

      Rather pompous of you to assume that I have no concern for anything not directly affecting my life.

      I made no such claim.

      I think you're creating more of a potential conflict crusading like you are on the subject.

      Crusading? I thought I was posting to slashdot.

      Whats the point in setting up the child to believe every time someone uses the word, no matter the intent it is a viscious brutal thing.

      What makes you think this is my intent?

      Would it make more sence to let him know that multiple meanings are common and if it was obviously not inteded as a negative statement towards homosexuals then not to take it as one.

      I thought you argued that he would figure this out on his own.

      In my book intent triumps anyday. Seems like you are looking for battles to pick when there are none.

      How am I supposed to know that a person's intent is good? Even when a person may be called on using the word "gay" in it's perjorative meaning, they can always claim that they "didn't mean anything negative by it" in order to save face. Except that, in your book, I shouldn't call anyone on it, right? I should just assume that no one harbors any ill will toward gay people and let them throw the word "gay" around with its well-understood meaning of "the ultimate in shittiness".

      You continue to argue, "You s

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    29. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      I replayed it to transcribe it, and he definitely says faggy goth kid.

      My bad.

      But the fact you thought it was funny clinches it for me. It's OK to poke fun at others, like goths, as long as it's not your group.

      I never claimed that it was not OK to make fun of gay people. I make fun of gay people, and I am a gay person. I repeat: I am opposed to the use of the word "gay" as a synonym for "all things shitty".

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    30. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      yea dude, the answer to your question is right there. When you explain to your kid what peopel mean when they say "thats gay" tell them they mean "thats shitty" which is a slang reference to shit's real meaning: dookie.

      Q: Why did he call that "gay"?
      A: What he means is, "That's shitty."
      Q: Does "gay" mean "shitty"?
      A: Well, no, not really.
      Q: Then why did he use the word "gay"?

      Really, now, tell me why "gay" has become such a common-use term for "shitty"? How did that happen?

      I believe you can do just as good of a job raising your kid as a traditional mother/father, as long as you don't try to over-protect and shelter your kid.

      Parenting advice from non-parents is worthless. When you become a parent you will understand this.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    31. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      For example, mutated ccR5 protiens on the surface of cells protects against AIDS because it prevents the virus from recognizing and infecting the cell.

      1. What is a mutated ccR5 protein? Mutated in which way?

      2. Which cells are you referring to? The HIV/AIDS Priests have recently revised their position to claim that HIV does NOT kill T-cells.

      Is this is the best you can do with "biological differences"? I'm not impressed. Keep in mind that I do not believe that HIV exists. I'm entertaining your assumption because I think your claim will eventually fail.

      Since the phenomena of some people being more resistant to disease is so common, the existence of long term non-progressors is very weak evidence.

      I disagree. The HIV/AIDS Priests have claimed that HIV will necessarily lead to AIDS. Are you countering that position? If some people are resistant to HIV, what, specifically, accounts for this resistance?

      If you could prove why AIDS should be different from other viruses, in that it was not susceptible to genetic differences (more like a gun-shot to the head than the flu), then you'd have a more compelling argument.

      I don't require a compelling argument. My position is skepticism, not believe. My position is, "I do not believe that HIV exists, nor do I believe that this alleged virus causes AIDS." HIV=AIDS is your position, and I am taking you to task on it.

      Because people were dying of AIDS in the early 1980's, a decade before the introduction of AZT and other anti-AIDS drugs?

      AZT was introduced in 1987, less than "a decade" before people were dying of AIDS. I see that you have not countered my claims that AZT does not prolong life and has side effects that match the symptoms of AIDS. Do you agree with these claims?

      Furthermore, for those sufferers of AIDS before the introduction of AZT, how do you know that their symptoms of AIDS were not caused by AIDS cofactors? John Gallo originally denied the existence of AIDS cofactors but later revised his position.

      Because studies do actually test people.

      It matters not. You know as well as I that all of the millions of AIDS cases in Africa were not tested. If they were not tested, then how do we know that they have HIV?

      In the first study, of 16,743 sexually active women at 396 locations, 24.5% were find to be infected. In the second study, of 8428 people in the general population, 11.4% were found to be infected.

      Do you then conclude that those samples apply to the entire population? Furthermore, what tests were used to test the population? You know as well as I do that no "AIDS test" tests for the presence of the alleged virus.

      Moreover, my dad works in public health, and has done many projects in Africa. From what he's told me, AIDS is definately a real problem there, and many people are dying from it, without ever getting expensive drug treatments.

      Why is African AIDS so different from North American AIDS? Over there, it's a largely heterosexual problem. Over here, it has stayed almost completely confined to its original risk groups (promiscuous gay males and IV drug users). The HIV/AIDS Priests' explanation is something like this: "We can't expect those niggers over there in Africa not to fuck everything in sight." Will your explanation be less racist than theirs is?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    32. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by weave · · Score: 1
      I repeat: I am opposed to the use of the word "gay" as a synonym for "all things shitty".

      And I repeat, my original use of the term was to mean effeminate. You are the one who applied the "all things shitty" meaning to it. When I requested you search for my posts on soc.motss (members of the same sex), it was just to try to lend some credibility to a statement that I'm not some homophobe or hate gay people, which I thought might carry a bit more weight than some cliche claim like "I'm gay too" or "I have a gay friend, so I'm cool." And I know plenty of gay folk that use the term gay to mean effeminate, and it's not considered an insult either.

      You're on a losing crusade here. First off, language is fluent and changes over time, including insults. Look at how the acceptable term for describing those of African descent in the U.S. has changed over time. First it was Negroid, then Colored person, then Black, then African American, and now I'm hearing "Person of Color."

      But I believe you have bigger things to worry about regarding your son. Kids in school are cruel and will pick on anything that is different about someone, and everyone is different in some way. If he dresses different, has a different build, tallness, length of hair, etc. Hell, they may even pick on him if they learn his families' web page is hosted on Geocities! :)

      Trust me, soon as his schoolmates find out he has two Dads, "gay" is going to be the least offensive term thrown out. Your efforts will be better served teaching him that this is coming and how best to deal with it. You can't protect him from the harshness and cruel reality of this world.

    33. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > My son has two dads.

      Well, *this* is gay, IMHO...

    34. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      And I repeat, my original use of the term was to mean effeminate.

      That would have to be something you would explain later, as most kids understand "gay" to mean "the worst of the bad". You're trying to turn your use of the word into something harmless when you know as well as I that most any kid who hears the use of that word in the context that you used it in would have understood "completely undesirable", "odious", "worthy of being ridiculed", and all the other horrible things that "gay" connotes to teenagers today.

      You are the one who applied the "all things shitty" meaning to it.

      Incorrect. You know as well as I that many teenagers use "gay" to mean "the worst of the bad". It's the ultimate insult. I'm only stating the way that youth of today use the word.

      When I requested you search for my posts on soc.motss (members of the same sex), it was just to try to lend some credibility to a statement that I'm not some homophobe or hate gay people,

      I don't believe you're a homophobe or hate gay people, and I don't believe I made any accusations toward you. I am opposed to the use of the word "gay" to mean "negative, bad, stupid, pathetic" and everything that you and I know that teenagers use it to mean. Use used the word exactly as they would, and I called you on it.

      And I know plenty of gay folk that use the term gay to mean effeminate, and it's not considered an insult either.

      Actually, the gay folk I know who use that word use it to mean, "stereotypically gay". It's a different use of the word and is not intended to be negative.

      You're on a losing crusade here.

      I'm not on a crusade. I'm engaging in discussions on slashdot.

      First off, language is fluent and changes over time,

      Stop trying to change the subject.

      But I believe you have bigger things to worry about regarding your son.

      Excuse you, but what made you think that you needed to tell me this? Protecting my son from the fag-bashing slander which is so hideously prevalent in schools today is my number one priority. If you went to an American high school, then you know as well as I do that "faggot" is the absolute worst thing one could be or be labeled as. Gays are perceived as the lowest of the low and the most worthy of torment and abuse. It is because of this that the word "gay" has become synonymous with "bad".

      Your efforts will be better served teaching him that this is coming and how best to deal with it.

      Parenting advice from non-parents is worthless. When you become a parent you will understand this.

      You can't protect him from the harshness and cruel reality of this world.

      You're partially right and partially wrong. I can protect him from some of the harshness and cruelty of this world, but not all of it. In order to preserve my child's health, safety, and childhood, I have to make wise choices about where we live and with whom he interacts.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    35. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by weave · · Score: 1
      I'm not on a crusade. I'm engaging in discussions on slashdot.

      I'm of the opinion that if you hadn't started right off in an accusatory attack, your message would have been better received. As I stated many posts ago, I would have apologized for my poor choice of words if you calmly pointed it out. When you begin a debate with an attack, all sides tend to get defensive. Now you may disagree with that, but that is how it affected me.

      Excuse you, but what made you think that you needed to tell me this?

      Again, I was stating an opinion. No need to get all defensive.

      Protecting my son from the fag-bashing slander which is so hideously prevalent in schools today is my number one priority. Gays are perceived as the lowest of the low and the most worthy of torment and abuse.

      Is your son gay? Odds are, he's going to be straight, you know. I would hope he's allowed to pick his own orientation, just as anyone should be able to without parental interference and pressure.

      Parenting advice from non-parents is worthless. When you become a parent you will understand this.

      And how do you know I'm not a parent? And what makes you an expert at it? There's no prior qualifications or training needed to be a parent.

    36. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by be-fan · · Score: 1

      1. What is a mutated ccR5 protein? Mutated in which way?
      >>>>>>>>>>
      You can learn about ccR5 at this website.

      Is this is the best you can do with "biological differences"?
      >>>>>>>>>>>
      I'm no biological expert, and I'm hazarding a guess that neither are you. I'm simply giving one example of a number of factors that could be involved.

      Keep in mind that I do not believe that HIV exists. I'm entertaining your assumption because I think your claim will eventually fail.
      >>>>>>>>>>>
      That's not a very open-minded way to enter an argument. If you're convinced that you are right, and nothing can sway that convication, than this discussion is pointless.

      I don't require a compelling argument. My position is skepticism, not believe. My position is, "I do not believe that HIV exists, nor do I believe that this alleged virus causes AIDS."
      >>>>>>>>>>>
      The skeptical position does not require any less proof than any other. AIDS researchers may not have proof that HIV causes AIDS, but they have strong evidence of corrolation. The onus is upon you to counter that evidence and offer your own on why AIDS should be different from other diseases in that its effects would not vary among people with different genetic makeups.

      AZT was introduced in 1987, less than "a decade" before people were dying of AIDS. I see that you have not countered my claims that AZT does not prolong life and has side effects that match the symptoms of AIDS. Do you agree with these claims?
      >>>>>>>>>>>
      That was not your original claim. You asked how I know that all the American "victims" of AIDS really did not die of AZT-poisoning. My response was that people were dying of AIDS long before AZT was introduced. Thus, AZT-poisoning could not be responsible for at least most of the AIDS deaths throughout the 1980's (AZT was not in common use until the early 1990's). Also, you fail to note that the mortality rate as a result of AIDS drugs has been *decreasing* with *increases* in the use of those drugs. If the drugs were the problem, the mortality rate should be increasing as more people are medicated.

      Furthermore, for those sufferers of AIDS before the introduction of AZT, how do you know that their symptoms of AIDS were not caused by AIDS cofactors? John Gallo originally denied the existence of AIDS cofactors but later revised his position.
      >>>>>>>>>
      I'm not denying (nor accepting) that claim. You said nothing about cofactors in the post to which I originally responded. You asked how I know that AIDS "victims" did not die of AZT-poisoning.

      It matters not. You know as well as I that all of the millions of AIDS cases in Africa were not tested. If they were not tested, then how do we know that they have HIV?
      >>>>>>>>>>
      I don't see how it "matters not." AIDS cases in Africa *were* tested. Not all of them, because that would be stupid. A representative sample was tested and the results were extrapolated to the general population.

      Do you then conclude that those samples apply to the entire population?
      >>>>>>>>>>
      Yes! That's generally how studies work. Unless you can give evidence that the sample size was insufficient (a surprisingly small sample can be surprisingly accurate)

      Why is African AIDS so different from North American AIDS? Over there, it's a largely heterosexual problem. Over here, it has stayed almost completely confined to its original risk groups (promiscuous gay males and IV drug users). The HIV/AIDS Priests' explanation is something like this: "We can't expect those niggers over there in Africa not to fuck everything in sight." Will your explanation be less racist than theirs is?
      >>>>>>>>>>>>
      First, you're wrong about AIDS

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    37. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      I'm of the opinion that if you hadn't started right off in an accusatory attack, your message would have been better received. As I stated many posts ago, I would have apologized for my poor choice of words if you calmly pointed it out. When you begin a debate with an attack, all sides tend to get defensive. Now you may disagree with that, but that is how it affected me.

      Well-put! You must understand that growing up gay isn't easy. I was on the lowest rung of the ladder, hiding, hoping that no one would find out. If I did, then I was doomed to an existance of pain and abuse. I could see just as well as anyone that "faggot" was the ultimate insult. It was this environment of fag-bashing that I believe led to the word "gay" being a perjorative among teenagers today. Now I have heard the word "gay" used only about 45 million times as a negative slur. When I read what you wrote, I snapped.

      Is your son gay? Odds are, he's going to be straight, you know.

      My guess is that I am the first gay parent you've ever met. I believe that you think you are sharing insightful and helpful things with me regarding my child and my being a gay parent. What you don't realize is your nuggets of wisdom are very old news to me. I've thought about these things many times. I didn't enter into the decision to be parent lightly.

      That said, no shit my son is probably going to be straight. In fact, I hope that he is straight! I wouldn't want him to have to grow up gay. It's a very hard life, even with parents like me and my partner.

      And how do you know I'm not a parent?

      From the way that you talk. You come off like every other non-parent does. Who knows? I could be wrong, but that would surprise me.

      And what makes you an expert at it? There's no prior qualifications or training needed to be a parent.

      I never claimed to be an expert on parenting. I can't be an expert on it becuase no one can agree on what proper parenting is. Becoming a parent is like walking through a portal to another world from which there is no return. Everything changes, and those people from the "old world" who offer their well-intentioned and horribly-ignorant advice come off as annoying every single time. You will understand this when you become a parent.

      By the way, of all of the people who responded to my original complaint, I think you are the most interesting.

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    38. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      You can learn about ccR5 at this website.

      I started reading the web page and read this:

      "Certain strains of HIV target macrophages rather than T cells,"

      Excuse me, but I thought the HIV/AIDS Priests have claimed that AIDS does *not* kill T-cells. Is this web site based on old information?

      The skeptical position does not require any less proof than any other. AIDS researchers may not have proof that HIV causes AIDS, but they have strong evidence of corrolation. The onus is upon you to counter that evidence and offer your own on why AIDS should be different from other diseases in that its effects would not vary among people with different genetic makeups.

      The burden of proof lies on he who alleges. You allege that HIV exists and that it causes AIDS. I don't believe that, and I am asking probing questions.

      I am surprised to see you admit that there is no proof that HIV causes AIDS. Will you also admit that there is no proof for the existance of HIV as well? I'm wondering how far your candor will take you.

      That's not a very open-minded way to enter an argument. If you're convinced that you are right, and nothing can sway that convication, than this discussion is pointless.

      On the contrary, since I do not believe that HIV exists, entertaing your assumption is being very open-minded. I could, after all, have cut you off and asked you to show me that HIV exists. Come to think of it, why don't you do that now? Furthermore, it's not that I'm convinced that I'm right, but that I am not convinced that you are right. The difference is subtle and crucial.

      You asked how I know that all the American "victims" of AIDS really did not die of AZT-poisoning. My response was that people were dying of AIDS long before AZT was introduced.

      I will concede this point. How do you know that those people who died of AIDS *after* AZT was being used did not die of AZT poisioning? You still have not denied my claims that AZT is poison and has side effects that match the symptoms of AIDS.

      Also, you fail to note that the mortality rate as a result of AIDS drugs has been *decreasing* with *increases* in the use of those drugs.

      Which drugs? AZT? Protease inhibitors? Be specific.

      I'm not denying (nor accepting) that claim. You said nothing about cofactors in the post to which I originally responded. You asked how I know that AIDS "victims" did not die of AZT-poisoning.

      I won't let you hide behind that. Answer me: how do you know that AIDS sufferers' symptoms of AIDS were not caused by AIDS cofactors?

      AIDS cases in Africa *were* tested. Not all of them, because that would be stupid. A representative sample was tested and the results were extrapolated to the general population.

      Really? Is this the sole manner in which the number of AIDS cases in Africa were estimated, or were other methods also used?

      Yes! That's generally how studies work.

      I don't believe it. It seems logically flawed.

      As of 1995, the percentage of AIDS cases transmitted through heterosexual contact was well over 20%.

      Cite your source. You know as well as I that AIDS has remained almost completely confined to its original risk groups despite the claims that this was an "epidemic". If this is truly an epidemic, then wouldn't we be seeing much greater numbers of AIDS cases? Furthermore, why does KS occur almost exclusively among gay men?

      Condom use in Africa is much, much lower than condom use in the United States.

      And how did you measure this?

      African culture is far less repressive about human sexuality than many others around the world.

      You mean, "African cultures". Plural. It's convenient for your dogma to treat it as one culture, but it's not very honest.

      Compare that to 0.61% for the US, and >25% for some African countries.

      And how did you arrive at the 25% figure for Africa? You guessed!

      Why is that so? Because Islamic culture is *extremely* repressive about sexuality!

      That's one reason. Perhaps there are other reasons, too. What might they be?

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    39. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by weave · · Score: 1
      My guess is that I am the first gay parent you've ever met.

      Actually, not true. I lived with a girl for several years in the 80s and 90s. She had a brother who was gay. She also had a sister who was a mess and got pregnant and was in no shape to raise a child. So her brother and his mate adopted the boy. I was very happy for the child at the time. This was in the late 80s.

      Fortunately, they all lived in an area (Rehoboth Beach Delaware) that has a very high concentration of gays, and had a large support group there. Unfortunately, her brother eventually died from complications from AIDS. His mate I guess couldn't handle the child, so he eventually got adopted again, this time by a lesbian couple they knew.

      The girl and I didn't work out (sigh), so I lost touch and have no idea how the child turned out. I hope he's doing well.

      btw, I read some of your profile. My father travels to the Ukraine every year, and he's going back again this April or May. I believe he stops in Kiev. I know it's a big country, but if there's anyone you want him to look up, or something small like a certain type of candy to bring back, let me know! I can drop it in the mail to you for the kid, that is, if he remembers the place at all and misses things about it. (I doubt there's an amazon.ua that delivers from there!)

      To wrap up this long winded discussion, I'll promise to be more careful with how I use the word gay, if you can believe I wasn't thinking fag-bashing or intending anything derogatory when I wrote it. How's that?! :)

    40. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Loundry · · Score: 1

      I greatly appreciate your offer to bring my son back something from Ukraine, that's very generous of you! To be honest, we have no ties back to the country of his birth. I was rather disgusted by Ukrainian culture (anti-black, anti-handicapped, if-you're-not-perfect-you're-scum), and I'm glad that my son won't have any part of it. He came to the USA when he was 15 months old and has no memories of his life in the orphanage.

      I continued with this discussion with you and the many others who responded to my original complaint partially to see if this was an argument that I could win. If you were to read through some of the responses that I wrote to others who responded to me (how boring would that be?), you'll see my argument meander and mature.

      I have noticed that people get *really* touchy when you ask them to change their language. I remember feeling exactly like this back in my Christian days when a black preacher led a group of us in a workshop claiming that saying things such as, "It was a dark day" and "he was the black sheep of the family" were racist against blacks. It didn't go over well with me.

      At the same time, I do honestly believe that the reason that "gay" has become a perjorative among teenagers is because of the fact that youth of today live in a culture where gay-bashing is very common and normal. People claim that young people are more open to homosexuality, but I think that they're referring to young adults. The world of teenagers, particularly teenage males, is stridently gay-hating.

      So I'm very pleased and surprised to see you offer up to be more careful how you use the word "gay". Honestly, I wasn't expecting anyone to be receptive to my message. We are slowly moving to a point where stupid things such as race and sexuality cease to be issues in our society. I credit you with helping make that happen. :)

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    41. Re:When will these fag-bashing slurs stop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I disagree.

      Naturally. At least one of those two words does not apply to you, so you have no reason to be histrionic about them.

  432. 34 gamer? by ayahner · · Score: 1

    Gotta love all the gamers who feel slighted by the age reference. Geeks.

  433. I'm not ungrateful or anything, but... by atheken · · Score: 1

    150 sheet spiral notebook... Need I say more?

  434. cat theme desk lamp accessories by smchris · · Score: 1

    A couple years ago my mother gave me a poured acrylic faux-ceramic desk lamp with a couch base covered in kittens with a kitten pattern lamp shade and three faux ceramic kittens to hang from the top of the shade.

    This year we got two sets of three hanging kittens to accessorize the theme among our other lamp shades.

    Does that count?

  435. Has everyone forgot about "Formated Capacity"? by spanel33 · · Score: 1

    Even if they figured HD size on 1024kbits, which i believe most still do, The usable "formated capacity" will be alot less then the advertised space.

  436. Re:Not to me directly but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If that's true, it seems like an evolutionary mistake.

    In every other aspect, the negro's skin is adapted to a sunny, hot and dry environment.

  437. A toilet seat... by kitzilla · · Score: 1

    ...with a marvelously crafted lucite Union Jack for a lid. From my mom. I'll feel like Austin Powers every time nature calls.

    --
    This is my post. There are many others like it. If you don't like what you read here, go try one of the others.
  438. Better yet, do the homework yourself by daviddennis · · Score: 1

    Go to open houses and talk to realtors.

    Find the MLS web site in your area, or realtor.com if there isn't one, and study it religiously. (The only thing worse than realtor.com is no site at all, but often that's what you have to deal with :-( ).

    Visit the homes that look interesting on the MLS. See what they look like. Get an idea of where you'd like to live.

    That's what I did, for a long time, and that's why I'm confident now that I'm making a good decision in buying the house.

    D

  439. I got by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    A golf putting game to play while sitting on the throne. Beats reading!

  440. All I got.. by gibbonboy · · Score: 1

    My Dell Precision M60 came to me at work on Christmas Eve. I didn't expect it to arrive until Jan. 5th. Since I had to work yesterday and today, I've gotten a chance to play around with this seriously kick-ass laptop. Thank you, [Santa, Boss, Dell, and UPS]!

    --
    "Never pet a burning dog."
  441. A kleenex dispenser by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Which looks like an Easter Island statue, you pull the tissues out the nose.

  442. Not wierd, but cool... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    I just got a lifetime subscription to 2600 Magazine which was pretty cool. Something that I wanted, but wouldn't buy for myself.

    ...

    Weird part. My wife bought it for me!

    Man, I married a good woman!

  443. Christmas in Russia by rwrife · · Score: 0, Troll

    I wonder what kinds of gifts they give/get in Russia?

  444. I got... umm... body lotion...? by Trolling4Dollars · · Score: 1

    I got some Liz Claiborne body lotion for men. Me!? I don't wear any kind of cologne or aftershave, so WHY would I want body lotion? Oh well... I didn't say anything other than thank you since it came from my mom. But that HAS to be THE weirdest gift I've ever gotten. If I WAS going to wear any kind of cologne it would be something much more fashionable anyway... like Calvin Klein's Eternity for men. That, has a more pleasing, less "manly" fragrance. (I ain't gay, but Brut would be totally out of place on me)

  445. And our real cue is... by Presence1 · · Score: 1

    ... that perhaps you just discovered the origins of your conversational frustration, and that the only thing to do dedicate yourself to improving it so that your (future) kids never feel the same way.

    (from one who is still working on it and who has friends who succeeded)

    Good Luck

  446. Farkism! by 5n3ak3rp1mp · · Score: 1

    LOL at Farkism used on Slashdot. LOL at only one person getting it.

    Hey, I have an excuse for all of my websurfing, I'm currently unemployed...

    1. Re:Farkism! by spruce · · Score: 1

      Could you explain the hot cocoa box sampler joke to to me? I see it all the time on Fark but I've only been there for a few months, and I missed that one. Always been curious.

    2. Re:Farkism! by John+Jorsett · · Score: 1
      Could you explain the hot cocoa box sampler joke to to me? I see it all the time on Fark but I've only been there for a few months, and I missed that one. Always been curious.

      It started December 20 on a thread titled 'Who else got a crappy almost insulting Holiday bonus (if any at all) from their employer and if so, what was it? Link goes to google search for "crappy gift"'. Link here. The first post was about a guy who made the cmpany $14k and got a crappy hot cocoa sampler box. Scroll down a bit and you'll see people start riffing on that theme.

    3. Re:Farkism! by 5n3ak3rp1mp · · Score: 1

      I don't know if this is where it started at Fark, but reading through the following thread by searching for all instances of "cocoa" will surely give you a laugh (and explain the reference adequately)

      http://forums.fark.com/cgi/fark/comments.pl?IDLi nk =763896

  447. My Smart Mom by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My Mom fully knew she wouldn't be up to the task of buying me geek gifts...so she gave me a check for $100 instead...with which I quickly made the 120GB hdd purchase myself!

  448. job-themed gifts by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    My parents got me a librarian action figure doll for Christmas, complete with shushing action! (Yes, I'm a librarian.)

    A nice touch is the Notable Events in Library History timeline on the back of the package. 1989: The film "UHF" featured a scene where Conan the Librarian slices a borrower in half because he returned a book late.

  449. minus one boring by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    you heard the lady

  450. My haul by LooseChanj · · Score: 1

    And I was more than surprised to get *anything*...:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ll?ViewItem&item =2368214905&category=45509 lamp and a can of http://www.pam4you.com/pages/products/baking/index .jsp Pam

    --
    Mix the failings of Usenet with the shortcomings of the World Wide Web and the result is slashdot.
  451. my wife's family gave me... by mushroom+blue · · Score: 1

    Pez.

    I have about 30 relatives on my wife's side of the family. apparently they all swear that they didn't talk to each other about what they were getting me, but each one bought me a different Pez Dispenser.

    I'm now the owner of a small Pez collection.

  452. Strange Shaped Bottles by redwolfoz · · Score: 1

    I scored a weird looking bottle from my sister, who still has no concept that the wishlist I keep sending might be of stuff I actually want.

    It's shaped like a Ken doll torso, complete with little glass mound and filled with blue vodka. While I'm all for dismembered glassware, the contents look way too much like shampoo. So instead of the amusing gift she was aiming for, she hit cheap and tacky looking instead.

    --
    and the werewolves came...
    and they ate him...
    and they drank his beer...
  453. Cannabis Seeds - From God Knows Who. by slicenglide · · Score: 1

    They went well with the 1000 watt grow light. I don't even know why the hell my friends got me these. Just goes to show. Never joke about how you could grow pot in your apartment and no one would ever know...

    --
    John Walsh once found me while looking for some other kid. He was not amused.
  454. Countering one of the most flawed arugments ever by Loundry · · Score: 1

    I took the step of summarizing your entire argument.

    I believe in the scientific method. HIV/AIDS has much more to do with ego and money than it does with science. Did you know that AIDS funding has twice as much money per sufferer than does cancer, even though the number of cancer fatalities dwarfs the number of AIDS fatalities?

    Basically, you're offended that all knowledgeable medical and research personnel know that engaging in stupid behavior can kill you

    Ad verecundiam. Furthermore, it's not just "stupid behavior" but blood transfusions and in virto which can pass the alleged HIV. You need to get your dogma straight.

    so you're looking for any way to dignify your choice of actions.

    Ad hominem.

    Guess what, murderer

    Ad hominem.

    that doesn't make HIV any less deadly. It only makes ignorant folk feel immortal.

    You are assuming the point in dispute. I do not think that HIV exists.

    I can believe that an overdose of drugs won't kill me, and I can make websites to convince other people, but blowing a gram of meth will still stop my heart whether I believe it or not.

    Non sequitur.

    I chose the word "murderer" deliberately. You and your neo-fascist PC ilk are foisting a death sentence on those gullible enough to buy into your non-scientific "feel good" crap.

    Strangely enough, I hate political correctness. Why did you group me with them (and give me yet another ad hominem)?

    Every kid who visits that site and walks away believing that it's OK to go back to retro-partying in bathhouses won't give him a deadly disease is a kid that you have killed.

    I'm willing to take that chance, and I am certainly not alone. No one believes any more that AZT prolonged life, and its life-destroying properties were well-documented decades before AIDS hit the scene. I don't believe in many AIDS deaths, but I believe that many people were killed due to AZT poisoning.

    Your efforts to intimidate me will fail.

    Sleep well, asshole. I hope your kid is smart enough to listen to the scientific and medical community and reject your lies when he's old enough to escape your brainwashing.

    There is definately brainwashing involved, and it's certainly not coming from me. My position is skepticism, and HIV/AIDS is a religion. You are treating me just like the Catholic church treated its heretics: with hatred.

    --
    I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
  455. Excellent! by Loundry · · Score: 1

    I agree with everything you have written, and it was well-put. Welcome to my friend list. :)

    I think I put poorly what I was trying to argue. I was arguing against mocking Christians for being Christians. I was arguing for attacking their beliefs ... in a probing and questioning way. Christianity, like all superstitions, will succumb under rational criticism. Whether or not the Christian in quesiton will also succumb ot reason is another matter altogheter.

    And they don't call 'em "personal beliefs" for nothing. People will get very combative when you start discussing their beliefs in a critical way. It's an indirect way of saying, "What does it make you if you choose to believe this stupid thing?"

    Again, well put!

    --
    I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    1. Re:Excellent! by tickleboy2 · · Score: 1

      People will get very combative when you start discussing their beliefs in a critical way. It's an indirect way of saying, "What does it make you if you choose to believe this stupid thing?"

      Of course people get defensive. If I came up to you and said, "Why did you wear that shirt? That was a stupid decision." you are likely to get defensive about it. Why don't you ask, "What makes you belief that?" instead?

      Why do I belief in this "stupid thing"? Well when you and I die... if I'm wrong... I've lost nothing. If I'm right.... well then I fear for your soul.

      --
      The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you. - Tom Bradley
    2. Re:Excellent! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And if we're both wrong? You think Mithras (or insert any one of the thousands of gods man has worshiped over the past) might be pissed at you for worshiping a false god?

    3. Re:Excellent! by tickleboy2 · · Score: 1

      You make a good point. But the reason I believe in Christianity over any other religion is because of the life of Jesus Christ. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." No other teacher ever claimed to bring God to us.

      --
      The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you. - Tom Bradley
    4. Re:Excellent! by Loundry · · Score: 1

      Why don't you ask, "What makes you belief that?" instead?

      That would certainly suit you better, wouldn't it? In any case, I've already heard every reason for why a person believes in (whatever flavor of) Christianity. The single real reason is because they have abandoned reason.

      Why do I belief in this "stupid thing"? Well when you and I die... if I'm wrong... I've lost nothing. If I'm right.... well then I fear for your soul.

      Argument by force (in the form of Pascal's Wager).

      --
      I don't make the rules. I just make fun of them.
    5. Re:Excellent! by DunbarTheInept · · Score: 1


      Well when you and I die... if I'm wrong... I've lost nothing. If I'm right.... well then I fear for your soul.

      If you want to be convincing, you'll have to do better than Pascal's Wager.

      --

      Don't label something "offtopic" unless you know the topic well enough to tell what's on topic.

    6. Re:Excellent! by tickleboy2 · · Score: 1

      That would certainly suit you better, wouldn't it? In any case, I've already heard every reason for why a person believes in (whatever flavor of) Christianity. The single real reason is because they have abandoned reason.

      It is not a matter of it suiting me. It is a matter of understanding. A quote by Gandi sums it up very well...

      Three-fourths of the miseries and misunderstandings in the world will disappear if we step into the shoes of out adversaries and understand their standpoint.

      I could also use your argument against you as you have failed to answer why you feel so threatened by Christanity, who were the "many" founding fathers that were non-Christians, and which bible verses support slavery.

      Regardless, I feel badly that you feel the way you do about Christianity. I hope you find peace and happiness whatever path you choose.

      --
      The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you. - Tom Bradley
  456. Sorry.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    hope you have a smooth transition to your next job.

  457. speaking of money and work by kardar · · Score: 1

    For Christmas, this year, my cold went away; I could get back to work sooner than I expected, which was what I wanted anyway because I am working on a really cool project. It sucks to be sick so you can't concentrate even when there is something important, and not entirely uninteresting, to do to move yourself forward in the world.

    This is a first time thing for me, as I was actually feeling pretty awful right around 1PM on the 24th, but by 8PM, I didn't need the cold medications anymore, and on the 25th I woke up feeling pretty good.

    Problem is, I don't know who to thank, and even if I did, there would be a problem with the address.

  458. Ok, so maybe this thread is played out.. by toganet · · Score: 1

    But for posterity's sake, I have to sake the weirdest gift I received this year was the briefcase full of knives my parents gave me.

    Not sure how to take that one.

  459. Abuse? by thelizman · · Score: 1

    The puppy was killed, not abused. Are you always an uncouth bastard, or do you have good days?

  460. My Mother-in-Law gave me my wife's teeth by KenMaier · · Score: 1

    The weirdest gift I received this year was from my mother-in-law. She gave me two of my wife's baby teeth and said she was "passing them along". Creepy. I don't even want to touch them.

  461. While you're at it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why can't you also teach him that the right word to use is "impressionable"?

    Oh, right, cause he might really have meant "influential"....

  462. MOD PARENT UP!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hilariouos! I haven't laughed so hard in years.

  463. Muslims are worse by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    First they will ask them to reason with them - because they are a religion of reasons.

    Reason with them, and you will find that they are not willing to respond to your questions, or they will define things differently.

    Attack their superstitious beliefs, and they kill you.

    Make fun of their antics, and they will kill you, too.

    Sympathize with them, and they will think you have finally seen the truth (Allah be praised).

    A truly, truly remarkable people.

  464. Great! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    We need people like you to combat Islam, because frankly speaking, we secularists are sick and tired of "reason"ing with them.

    Please frequent the forums discussing Islamic debates and engage in serious debate on our behalf. That will buy me some time to go to the loo.

  465. I got a filling... by quinkin · · Score: 1
    I got a filling...

    Not exactly a jolly christmas, but I was happy to get a dentist appointment two days before christmas.

    Q.

    --
    Insert Signature Here
  466. Random assortment by ThePeoplesElbow · · Score: 1

    Aside from hordes of babbages/best buy gift certificates (yay I'm a dork and nobody knows what to buy me), I got these two items from the same person: 16' bull whip Classy looking citizen watch (solar powered) I guess so I'll always know when it's ass whipping time???

  467. clothes... by inruins · · Score: 1

    meant for a 15 year old teenybopper. i'm 21 (and not a teenybopper but that goes without saying.) my family don't know me at all.

  468. Read "The Hand Sculpted House" ! by jonskerr · · Score: 1

    Why work at a job you hate, pay a bunch of taxes, then spend the rest on a 30 year mortgage so a for-profit bank can get rich off a house only designed to last 50 years? You can build your own cob cottage for cheap, and it's much more fire and earthquake resistant, and WAY more beautiful than these suburban clone-boxes.

    --
    O~ Him that studies revenge keeps his own wounds green. -- Francis Bacon
  469. actual title by the_Upsetter · · Score: 1
    actually the full title was...

    On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life

    check here
  470. He. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Very nice.

    But keeping in mind that a 10 out of 10 working girl charges you around 500 or 600 bucks an hour (nice girls that are not first class charge far less, some very nice ones charge that for one days company) I think I will stick to the natural models, thanks.

  471. Same here: chess, dad. by jotaeleemeese · · Score: 1

    My dad used to play chess, he would challenge me frequently.

    For several years he won hands down, then I began to win a few games, and afterwards I used to win all the games. In spite of that my dad kept issuing the challenges which I avoided like the pest because I found embarrasing to keep winning with little effort.

    Once my dad was gone I realized how badly I missed those games and I learned a final lesson from the old man: the chess was not about the games, but about relaxing together enjoying something both of us liked.

    To this day I play regularly and have become an avid collector of chess sets....

    --
    IANAL but write like a drunk one.
  472. Sig by doublebackslash · · Score: 1

    I like the sig. I LIKE the sig. Right up there w/ "RUPERT". =). Need one like that of my own.

    --
    md5sum /boot/vmlinuz
    d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e /boot/vmlinuz
  473. Survey SAYS! by tommck · · Score: 1
    Oh wait... That's Richard _Dawson_

    Sorry...

    --
    ---- It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again. It does this whenever it's told.
  474. Easy fix by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Do what I do.

    List what you want, including all necessary details, maybe a pic or two, and even places where it can be bought, for each item. Heck, you can even include little chatty articles about how to sound like a pro when buying one, and similar-sounding items that are or are not suitable.

    Then put up a web page with all the items on, and give the URL out.

    I started out just with a book list - title, author and ISBN. Books were a great starter idea, as they cover the whole price spectrum, and even if something's not in stock at the local megachain, with an ISBN they can order one in, so 99% of my want-list was accessible to anyone who can pick up a phone and call a bookstore.

    For those family members who aren't web users but who have finally grasped email, a quick cut-n-paste from the current page works just as well.

    This year, I got items from my list, and I loved 'em.

    On an unrelated, if geeky, note, I generated my inital list of wanted books by indexing my current library, generating a list of authors, using that to create a combined bibliography for said authors, then subtracted any titles I either already owned or did not want.

    Further extensions to the list could easily be done by running the pruned booklist through Amazon or some other site that generates "if you liked that, you might like this" lists, and harvesting the author names. Generate the new bibliographies. Lather, rinse, repeat.

    Now, who's got a perl or shell script to do all this, as well as generating the web pages?

  475. Unless your uncle prints them for a living... by diggitzz · · Score: 1

    ... in which case you get a stupid promo shirt from some lame festival that happened 5-7 months ago, in another state, which you didn't attend, and probably never will.

    This year I got yet another "Poteet Strawberry Festival" shirt and a "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" shirt, and my brother got a "Texas Folklive Festival" shirt (which I already had -- birthday).

    It's too bad he lost the official Fiesta deal, at least those shirts would sell on eBay.

    --
    -=[You cannot consistently judge this statement to be true.]=-
  476. SAM by IlliniRockstar · · Score: 1

    My sister got a SAM, a Synthetic Automated Moggy. It's a cat that looks pretty real and breathes and purrs, but runs on batteries. Pretty weird. . .

  477. I really hate to say it by themusicgod1 · · Score: 1

    but mr inoshiro has a good point.*cringe*
    with rent, the amount you owe is dependant upon how long you live*, and is just as nasty if not worse than debt that has been acknowledged elsewhere.
    except that in some cases it is much worse, because if you do not keep up in your payments you find yourself without shelter, and if you are lucky enough to live anywhere similar to here(saskatchewan), you freeze to death...
    debt on the other hand, just grows more and more unmanigable.
    take for example my old apartment. at 280$ per month, 12 months a year, for 100 years of renting would have meant roughly 336,000$ of debt, which must be paid off in the installments that the rentor wishes, or higher...

    and by the way, it takes more than debt to enslave someone.
    if you really wanted to do that, you would need to take a hold of something else that they need in their life, for example, the small 10X10 room that keeps them from freezing to death when they aren't allowed to be at work(see above),
    OR alternatively to take hold of their wage or job security, so that they must do your bidding otherwise be eternally enslaved in another way.
    if anything, however, rent is MORE debt than any other debt you may be able to imagine, because unlike other debt, that you can try to overlook, there is an automatic, expected result of not paying your rent. freezing to death or loss of livingspace.

    on the other hand, all of this is really just different heads of the same beast---the stuff that people without mountains of cash can be persuaded to do horrible and terrifying things with. fuck capitalistic tyrrany!

    *how long you live under rule of this rentor





    and to keep from being moderated offtopic too many times,... i am visiting my parents in saskatoon [from regina, saskatchewan, canada]. i took a shower the day i got back, but when i got out i noticed my pants were all missing!!! it seems my parents dont appreciate the grunge-GNU/Hippie-not_quite_homeless look i have inherited lately...so they turned most of my clothes to rags.

    so i got socks,pants,and underwear to replace my other clothes upon return. So as a christmas\birthday present, i got to have my parents dress me for two weeks :\

    --
    GENERATION 26: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation.
  478. mortgage insurance by themusicgod1 · · Score: 1

    you are right, and costs do add up...but besides property taxes...how much of this simply has to be paid? i havn't paid a cent in insurance nor likely will i ever. no one NEEDS lots of electricity or telephone (although heat may be needed some places...mabye). hell i think it may even be possible to live without running water. mabye... and is property tax really equal to rent? wouldn't that mean rent would have to be raised to compensate?

    --
    GENERATION 26: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation.
  479. A brick by Politas · · Score: 1

    Yes, an actual housebrick. A plain tan-coloured brick. Nicely wrapped up, though. I still have it, and it's one of the coolest and most memorable presents I ever got, because it came from someone who didn't have much money, but wanted to buy me a present anyway.

    Sometimes, it really is the thought that counts.

    --

    Politas

  480. Gifts by yooman · · Score: 1

    I got pajamas and robe from mom and that big nice plastic and metal toolbox from walymart.

    I also got the flu.

  481. Chainmail armor... by orbit0r · · Score: 1

    My cousin got a full-body suit of chainmail armor, I put it on and it's heavy as shit. Probably protect you from the neighbor's dildos though... :)

  482. Borrow your own 401k by Bitmanhome · · Score: 1

    Look into the loan terms of your 401k .. usually you get to keep the interest you pay. It might be worth shifting more of your mortgage to your own 401k.

    --
    Not that this wasn't entirely predictable.
  483. And the present was.... by billstewart · · Score: 1

    ... your sister letting you off the hook? :-)

    --

    Bill Stewart
    New Fast-Compression-only CPR http://preview.tinyurl.com/dy575ks
    1. Re:And the present was.... by Chuqmystr · · Score: 1

      Hmmmm, hard to say. Watching the big glass walls of the Goodyear tire shop near 1k yards away vibrating was fun but also having sis shoe away the other two cop cars and their angy ocupants was nice too. Anyway, it was a truly fun day. Evil abounded. Even my then badassed cop little sister had to crack a smile. Afterall, she did grow up with a geekster. She was into blowing things up, wiring wierd things together rebuilding old Chevy and Ford engines and whatnot and I sent her off with good enough geek training that I've only gotten emails from her that stated she fixed Mom's windoze quandry ;-) We were fortunate to have an airforce geek dad who was handy with many electronic tools, a computer and a few wrenches whilst we grew. I think we did well. Too bad she moved away to OR, I miss her. And no, I've never taken advantage of nepetism beyond that day. But boy, a big box of Mexican fireworks, her influence and tonight would be a good time ;-)

  484. Re:My iCompany by http · · Score: 1

    i wonder which hard drive company this moderator works for?
    either that or maybe someone got a bit too much coke for christmas.

    --
    If opportunity came disguised as temptation, one knock would be enough.
    3^2 * 67^1 * 977^1
  485. Excuse me by Pan+T.+Hose · · Score: 1

    good lord, it was most likely a joke. Throw it away and laugh, then maybe think about modifying the behavior that prompted that to be sent to you.

    Excuse me if I had taken offense, it was a terrible day. You know, the whole institute laughing and all of those people concluding that "such a gift is perfect for an arse-hole, Sir. Oh, I didn't mean you, Sir!" Right... Didn't mean my arse! As if it wasn't bad enough, in most of European languages there's a vulgar idiom to say something in the lines of "I don't give a damn about [something]" but literally means "I have [something] in my arse." So, I went to the caffee machine and other people there started to look at me with those stupid smiles and one of them said that they were just talking about "arse plugs" and they all think that there's nothing to be embarassed about and such a toy can be great for anal muscles especially for someone who spend most of the day sitting, to which I shouted this idiom "I have it in my arse!" with the obvious intetnion to finally end this whole farce, but instead of shutting up he instantly looked at my buttocks with straight face and said: "Really?! I would have never noticed, Sir!" resulting in one moron spitting coffee all over the place, other one choking with a donut, another idiot falling off the chair and all of them laughing like there were no tomorrow. I shouted something like "I am sick of that dildo, vulgar jokes, and your perverted sense of humour as a whole!" someone said "You didn't have to call him arse-hole, Sir!" and they all started laughing all over again, even harder this time. I was totally pissed off and I shouted "'As s whole', not 'arse-hole', you sick perverted deviant!" and now they all keep saying "as a whole" in such a fast way that it sounds more like "arse-hole" and in sentences where both phrases would fit perfectly well to strengthen this miserably foolish pun, and almost unnoticeably smile looking at me every time they do that. So you see what a stupid bunch of perverts with poor taste and equally childish and unintelligent sense of humour I have to work with. I really hate them all.

    Try to have fun instead of being an ass. :P

    Please don't tell me to try to have fun because I am apparently the only one here who doesn't have fun at all. Instead, everyone has fun at my expense. I can only hope that I will get some respect back after they pay me some six digit value for moral damages plus cover my lawyer expenses and psychiatric treatment. Meanwhile please don't tell me about "being an ass" because now my coworkers add "no pun intended" even after pronouncing "S" in "IMS" for God's sake... I am really sick of it. By the way, Happy New Year.

    --
    Sincerely,
    Pan Tarhei Hosé, PhD.
    "Homo sum et cogito ergo odi profanum vulgus et libido."
    1. Re:Excuse me by suckass · · Score: 1

      Where do you work? I'd like to send you a present :-D

      --
      blah, blah, blah
  486. What is your point? by Pan+T.+Hose · · Score: 1

    I am very interested in your relationship to your parents. Please tell me about your education. How did your parents react to especially masturbation or illustrations of nude women?

    I know what are you trying to achieve. You seem to imply that I am a pornography-addicted onanist because of supposed lack of proper education received from my parents. You are suggesting that I am a sick deviant today who tries to hide that shameful fact behind the facade of hypocrisy. I have to disappoint you, though. When my parents found pornographic materials in my room (when I was six years old I had yet no idea that pornography and masturbation is so wrong) I was punished appropriately and thanks to that very punishment which successfully persuaded me to never humiliate myself that way ever again, I am a perfectly normal person instead of a sick pervert today. What was your point again?

    --
    Sincerely,
    Pan Tarhei Hosé, PhD.
    "Homo sum et cogito ergo odi profanum vulgus et libido."
  487. sigh by Elpacoloco · · Score: 1

    You are exactly the kind of person that I gave the CDs to.