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Ask Slashdot: Starting From Scratch After a Burglary?
New submitter sc30317 writes "My house got robbed on Friday, and all of our electronics got stolen. Everything. Now, I have to go out and buy all new electronics with the insurance money. We had five TVs (don't ask), three laptops, a Bose Sound dock with iPod, a digital camera, and a desktop stolen. It's looking like I am going to get around $10K from the insurance company to replace everything. What would you do if you had to replace ALL of your technology in your house at once? I'm thinking:
replace TVs; nice Desktop; new speakers; and new, cool stuff I don't know about (suggestions welcome). I already added a DVR security system, so hopefully the new things won't get burgled! Looking for suggestions to utilize my money in order to get the best stuff. Also, no Windows computers allowed in my house."
Buy a mean dog.
Have gnu, will travel.
and less tv's...
They wouldn't have stolen your shit. Just saying...
Whenever I've had to replace any beloved object over the years - a pen, a computer, a bottom-of-the-line mobile phone, a hat - invariably whatever has replaced it seemed like crap for the first month or two. When you get accustomed to the way a particular tool works, then by comparison anything else starts to feel lousy. Look out for this and try to be rational.
>> What would you do if you had to replace ALL of your technology in your house at once?
Go on Craigslist and buy all your old crap back for ten cents on the dollar.
Guns, Traps, security system that calls the police, pit bulls, and a Chihuahua.. 'murica
You should be able to get a top of the line shotgun, as well as a top of the line guard dog and have plenty of money left for obedience, guard school.
Oh and a nice sign that simply says "This dog is merely the first layer of my home defense."
If you need help to decide between two models of laptops* and two models of desktops**, I don't know what kind of help you need.
* MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
** Mac mini or iMac
Get free satoshi (Bitcoin) and Dogecoins
but then you used the world 'utilize'
buy something other than Bose
and uh why are you telling us how much insurance money you got?
...However, I would be worried about how to replace the content that was lost. Going to work on cutting a backup copy this weekend myself.
If they have your desktop then they likely have all of your personal information. I would be rather worried about that portion of the theft and would be curious how one would work to make sure that the information they stole would be useless.
Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
And n'mind what you're wanting to do with it. It's the American Way[tm]!
Buy nothing. Wait for a need; then research what fits it best.
You've been given an opportunity in disguise here.
Do you really want all that stuff that consumes time? Only one way to tell: wait for yourself to need it, then buy it as you determine those needs based on what you actually use.
Get a tube TV, VHS VCR, antiquated DVR -- nobody's going to want to steal that sh!t, PROBLEM SOLVED!
... you get five TVs (don't ask), three laptops, a Bose Sound dock with iPod, a digital camera, and a desktop.
You needed the stuff before, you'll need it again. Beyond that, you are not providing any useful information. Who are you? What are you doing? What are your interests?
I totally fail how this qualifies for "ask slashdot". You're interested in watching TV, so get stuff you can watch TV on. I am also confused your list does not include DVD players/Bluray etc. So your list is not even complete.
I think you want us to do the research for you what current devices are good. Shame on you for being too lazy to research what stuff is recommended at the moment but clutter slashdot with it. And the timothy-script is of course unable to filter this CRAP out.
I would be more worried about my personal information rather than the hardware.
You did full disk encrypt didnt you?
Otherwise I would go and spend that 10k on drink, drugs and women, in other words, buy a life.
5 Vizio 60" tvs - $5k
5 Nexus 10 Tablets with Keyboard Folios - $2.5k
Vacation to the Bahamas - $2.5k
"No Trespassing: What the dogs don't finish, we feed to the pigs."
Have gnu, will travel.
... Take the 10k, go to the garage and put all the electronics back to its old place :)
Why? Then, nobody sane would want them (hahaha) without it.
Don't replace anything right away. Wait until you know what you miss the most. When you miss 'it' the most, note why. Once you have the what and why, start shopping for the best fit, new or old.
B-)
A friend will come and bail you out of jail, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "damn that was fun!"
I wonder if he had auto-logon enabled and the burglar booted up his machine and is posting from his account. Maybe this is just a request from the burglar for additional shit he wants.
Why did you have 5 TV's?
Why is this even on Slashdot, you should ask your google+ social ring or whatever.
if you have amazon prime
1) Go to amazon.com
2) enter search term (for example "TV")
3) sort by popularity
4) take the top search result THAT ISNT A WINDOWS COMPUTER LOLZ
if you don't have amazon prime, replace step 1 with
1) go to newegg.com
Also, no Windows computers allowed in my house.
I know this attitude is rather popular on slashdot, but grow up.
Every operating system has it's uses, Windows included.
So you can afford, maybe two new decent Macs?
Go here, keep adding random stuff until you reach $10k.
Much better than wasting money on TVs.
I am going to get around $10K from the insurance company
What's your insurance company?
Slashdot, fix the reply notifications... You won't get away with it...
Friends don't let friends buy Bose.
The only good thing about Bose is their marketing dept.
You don't need all those things.
Take the insurance money and send it to heifer.org to buy goats to make starving families self-sufficient.
Change passwords on all accounts, change user names if possible. Your identity is probably worth more than all the stuff they stole.
2 TV, a Mac notebook and desktop machine, cheapo speakers, more insurance and sliding Alu grills on the inside of the windows and doors in your home. Add the rest of the electronic goodies as new stuff come out.
Whatever you decide on, don't buy everything all at once. They'll be casing your place again in a few days because they know you'll be replacing everything with nice NEW stuff.
" I already added a DVR security system"
What if that's stolen next time!
Before you replace anything, upgrade your security. The thieves know you like electronics, and they know you'll be replacingit. That's when they hit you again.
BTW, don't rely on stuff like a DVR to record images, because in my experience (several years in-house security. many years ago) the police can't do much with anything it records anyway, and they often simply don't care. If you want to do it anyway, go ahead, just don't expect great things.
These things are pretty cool. Not quite like the "house of the future" predictions from '95, but nice.
http://www.amazon.com/s/field-keywords=sonos
Just don't buy a bunch of expensive stuff right away, and leave visible evidence (boxes at the curb, many visits by UPS/FedEx). A burglar with half a brain that just stole all that might be keeping an eye out to score a haul of brand new stuff now that they know you had a ton of electronics you'll probably be replacing.
Basically, would you hire him again, when it is time to do the next round of upgrades?
sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
Hold off because the burglar knows exactly where a bunch of new tech is going to be showing up in the next couple of weeks.
go down to your local LUG group and see if anyone has offered to sell 2nd hand un*x computers.
If you don't invest in some sort of security system, you are setting yourself up to be robbed again. A common tactic for burglars is to hit a house again a month or so later and steal all the "new" toys people purchased with insurance money.
Apart from the loss of $10k this is just a good upgrade opportunity.
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
"Burgled" is correct in British / International English. Only Americans use the hideous "burglarized".
Buy what you need and keep the change. Only you can tell what you need.
The question is did you have off-site backups?
I suggest a dictionary.
Or perhaps you should get one? http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burgle
Forget about buying anything new until you move! There is no facial recognition on your cameras. If you don't specifically know the guy it's just going to happen again anyways. Police don't know these people usually and they usually rob you at night anyways. Try iding that guy at night.
Move to a safer (gated perhaps) neighborhood, get the HW out of the balance remaining
WARNING: Smartphones have side effects--most of them undocumented.
First get yourself a windows media center and a windows home server.
Buy an xbox (media extender) for each TV.
When you buy a new laptop or PC make sure it comes with windows 8 and sports a windows 8 logo sticker. Metro FTW!!!1!
Had this happen last year. Came home late at night on Christmas 2011 to a broken basement window and saw that all my electronics had been stolen - TV, laptop, desktop, game system, etc. While it was certainly pretty frustrating (especially dealing with the police (hint: don't expect much) and insurance company), eventually I realized that it was actually a good opportunity to rebuild my tech collection from scratch.
In other words, think about what devices you didn't use much, and how to replace that functionality with other things you have. For me, this was:
- an early 40" LCD ($1200 circa 2007). It was 1080p, but it was a monster to move anywhere and too small to make watching HD content worthwhile when sitting across the room. Still, it worked fine - I wasn't going to go buy another one. I also don't watch much TV to begin with, so it went days without being turned on. So, I replaced it with an Epson HD projector ($800). Sure, the lamp life is less, but I don't use it more than a few hours/week anyway.
- a Blu-ray player (bought in 2008 for $160) replaced with a PS3 ($200 on eBay).
- an Apple time capsule ($300) replaced with FreeNAS (in virtual sandbox) on desktop computer (free, since I was replacing the desktop anyway).
What do you expect from a lame, dumbass AC? Even if it weren't in a dictionnary, it's what all the kids say.
At least they didn't sell him an encyclopedia set
To be fair, I'm American and I use the word burgled as buglarized is such a hideous word. I have no idea how long it's going to take to convert the rest of the country though.
Big dog and an AR-15.
Buy less junk to steal. Spend your money on 'experiences'. Travel, art, fun, whatever...
Get e-machines stickers and change all your brand stickers. No one will ever steal your junk again.
Get crappy brand stickers for your TV's to like VAIVo etc.
If you have insurance money, I would say get less but nicer things.
For me I would be happy with the following.
A nice 42" TV LED
A good Stereo System with iPod dock.
connected to a Surround Sound and nice speakers.
A good quality Wi-Fi
A nice fast Laptop
A new Phone that doubles as an iPod
Save the rest of the money for retirement, or to upgrade in 4 or 5 years.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
I agree with 'buy what you need, when you need it' but also shop wisely. TVs, for example, often go on sale. And then there's sites like Woot or even the Apple Refurb store (I presume Dell, HP, etc have similar sources for factory refurb.) (Most of my computers have come from Apple Refurbs. Those have the same 1 year factory warranty that the original products do, and I use the money saved on a laptop to buy the 2 year AppleCare extended warranty.)
Just a few ideas...
Insurance companys are hard to deal with without documentation. Best Practice is to take pictures of everything of value in your house including jewelry. For electronics also take pictures of Product & Serial Numbers so they don't argue with you about value as much.
Also, check out the video/cam security type systems you can install yourself. Some of them now IM/text/email/call you when the alarm is set and someone opens a door or window. Maybe cheaper than paying some service.
Lastly, you can put a tracer device inside one of your electronic component cases which allows you to use GPS to track where it is.
Come on people... is this really a slashdot worthy article? Who really give a shit about this guys sob story. It is a waste of all our time.
Just pull up to your nearest Best Buy and get what they have in stock. Can't go wrong there. Just make sure to buy all Monster Cables and buy the extended warranty.
Realize you had a lot of crap you don't need and use the $10k to pay off debts instead. (Maybe buy a cheap laptop.)
That is hard to achieve on its own, replacing the rest of the stuff under that limit would be tricky for sure.
That said, I would highly recommend you use at least some of that money to setup a file backup system that runs in a less-obvious place in your house. Get a small desktop PC with a wireless NIC, install your favorite *nix on it, and set it up in a closet or something. Then you can at least retain the important stuff if all your hardware is stolen in the future.
Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
Find a good neighbor or a big and strong iron safe. Buy a good video recorder system and install it there. Route the wires so that the recorder itself is difficult to find. Then buy everything you want.
I still have my tv, but i only use it 10% of the time. I kind of want to get rid of my desktop and just go with a laptop only. The only thing I use for entertainment is my Kindle.
Ironically, I'm in the entertainment industry (tv/film). Books and museum outings are the only things that keeps my creative juices flowing. If I'm brain-dead at the end of the day, I enjoy cooking and spend the time with my significant other. Seriously, I'm done with watching tv.
> a desktop stolen
They stole the top of a desk? And like left the rest of the desk? What was so special about the top of a desk that they'd go to the effort (a) to steal it and (b) take only it and not the rest of the desk?
Get a list of the things that you are missing or would like to add to your collection. Focus first on prevention security. Security doors, additional locks for sliders, more secure windows, etc. Focus second on after-the-fact security, e.g. cameras. Cameras shouldn't be too difficult to set up. Because you're a no-Windows house I'm going to assume you're a pure Linux house, so setting up a home-grown security cam system shouldn't be insanely difficult for you (on the other hand if you're an Apple house, then just pay some security company a monthly fee and have an alarm system installed. Also get a dog. They're trendy).
As far as the TVs, computers, and other electronics go, replace them as you grow to miss them. Get 1 TV and 1 desktop, and see how that works out for you. If you need more, add to your collection. It's a good opportunity to downsize if you had more than you use. On the other hand, if you actively use all of them, there's nothing wrong with replacing all of them.
Don't rush to replace yet. It is quite common for thieves to keep an eye on a house they burgled and wait for empty consumer goods boxes to be dumped outside then do the place a second time. So first thing you do is analyse how they got in, get advise from your local crime prevention officer and make your place more secure.
Then once you replace your stuff, you have a much higher chance of keeping it.
Use the $10k to help you go live someplace safer.
So he tells us everything he owns. Ok. He tells us he doesn't want Windows. Ok. He throws around a potential budget. Ok.
Uhhhh... we no absolutly nothing about his home situation. The submitter has made one of the worst mistakes in the buying of technology; he hasn't considered the user's/users' needs. No thought given to the human factor at all. At least he hasn't told us. I'm guessing since he said "us" that there are at least two people living here. He doesn't want us to ask about the TVs. Why? Are there five people in this home who watch TV independently of each other? What are the ages of the people using the technology? What do they do with it?
These questions that he's left open for us makes it impossible to understand the situation. Anyone who doesn't consider the human element when buying technology are going to make wrong decisions.
i was going to suggest buying a netbook with windows XP or windows 7, but you don't want one. Not sure how i would survive without Windows XP or 7. I guess you can build your own computer and run Linux on it for $200 excluding a monitor. instead of replacing all of you TVs and electronics at once, buy them one buy one. Save money. Or use money in a savings account to buy a tv or a small stereo boombox with a tape deck. do they still make tape decks any more? lol
Make sure it's a well-editorized dictionary. Sometimes there are mistakes in the submitterations, which make it hard to readerize.
"They were pure niggers." – Noam Chomsky
And only use the TV for movies.
Why only 5 TVs ?
Isn't robbing taking something by force at gunpoint (or other means of force) from one or more persons whereas intruding a location to take property away is burglarizing.
I never get if someone is actually robbed with danger to bodily harm or burglarized in absence without immediate danger to bodily harm.
Since you say they took EVERYTHING and you're cleaned out... you might as well start with a clean slate.
Others have already suggested: wait to see what you need, decide if the "need" is big enough, and if so then consider buying it.
For example:
- That rack stereo system... how often did you use it? Did you just turn it on because it was there? Maybe consider just using your computer or a small shelf system.
- Do you really need that Rice machine? I'd wait until you decide that "I want rice" often enough to consider replacing it.
- What about that juicer? Were you using it, or was it mostly sitting there because you got it as a gift.
- etc
The list of obvious daily stuff is pretty easy... for me it would be clothes, TV, Computer, Refrigerator (I doubt they took that), toaster, etc. Then I'd play it by ear after that.
But to each their own.
Won't stop anything from getting stolen. At best you'll be able to help the police identify the thieves. Worst case - it gets stolen too
How to install a wireless security system:
Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used work boots, a really big pair. Put them outside your front door on top of a copy of Guns and Ammo magazine. Put a dog dish beside it, a really big dish. Leave a note on your front door that says something like "Bubba, Big Mike and I have gone to get more ammunition - back in 1/2 an hr. Don't disturb the pit bulls. They've just been wormed and they are a little edgy."
My heart goes out to you. My house took a lightning hit many years ago and I lost 3 TVs, 4 VCRs (it was a long time ago), 1 CD player, one combo CD/LaserDisc player (like I said, a long time ago), all our phones, several appliances, and even the house intercom.
My advice is to shop carefully and don't expect to replace everything. Generally, I'd say get the best-suited, most versatile core components of a system that you can eventually grow back to the same level of usefulness and convenience you once had.
Avoid the temptation to get something cheap to fill every slot that's been emptied. If you do, you get all your functionality back immediately but you'll ultimately be unhappy with the quality of your purchases.
It's really hard to advise, when you have a don't-ask condition.
That aside, I'd recommend you avoid or delay things for as long as possible. You know, the best time to buy electronics is "never" because something new (e.g. Haswell, 4TB drives for today's 3TB price, etc) is always around the corner, to make you feel like a fool a few months later. So only get things you really think you need right away, and the more you put off, the better. You might decide you only need two TVs, for examp-- but, ok, ok, sorry, I won't ask about that! ;-)
As for me. If I had money to burn and now was really the time to replace anything I could.. then I'd hire a contractor to somehow magically run some copper (no, it's not easy in this house), so that I wouldn't ever have to use wifi for any inter-room links. Goddamn I hate wifi. The walls are solid and the under-house "crawl" space (as if anyone could actually get on their hands and knees) is so thoroughly infested with black widows that I would never send anyone down there, much less go there myself. Fuck that. Ok. ok, an exterminator and then a contractor.
As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
"Burgled" is correct in British / International English. Only Americans use the hideous "burglarized".
I thought American English was the only important version for International use....
Shotgun, samsung chromebooks running linux, some kind of centralized NAS/Backup/Mail server and TV's
For the future, consider inventorying, photographing, and valuating as many possessions -- no matter how seemingly negligible. Then ensure that your insurance policy actually covers the cost of replacing as much as possible at full retail value.
There are apps, applications, and web apps which enable you to realistically valuate your possessions, to ensure that your insurance company is giving you a fair amount for theft.
You're free! Don't put your chains back on!
Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
Well, it just follows the pattern. Burglars don't burgle, they burglarize. Murderers don't murder, they murderize. Etc.
Yes go for sale items and bank the rest.
Buy a gun, it worked for Oscar Pistorius.
Actually American English in key respects is the most divergent in spelling, and you will find that most other countries where English is dominant (ie. Canada, the UK, Australia) or very common (India) tend towards British spelling. I notice this is changing in Canada where the "u" in words like "colour" and "neighbour" is being dropped.
The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
I live perfectly well without TV. Netflix provides ample entertainment on a nice large flat-screen or a projector. You will save time and energy (it'll be quiet). AppleTV is useful. I have a laptop (a top-of-the line Macbook Pro with SSD etc etc), but no desktop (not even at work). That way I don't have to synchronize data, and I have everything with me. If you need another iMac at home depends on your family, I guess. An iPad or a cheaper Android tablet are useful for reading the news during breakfast, etc etc. Someone here suggested to simply wait and see what you miss the most. That is a wise suggestion.
Buy "disposable" stuff. Technology breaks, gets obsolete, gets lost, gets stolen, ect.
Example: A few years ago, I bought a $2500 42" TV. It broke after 3 years, so I replaced it with a $1000 55". I didn't miss much, because both TVs are just basic HDMI without a lot of features.
Likewise, with your computers, make sure that they are capable of using some kind of magic cloud backup so that you can quickly get your stuff back. Dropbox runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
No, I will not work for your startup
We had five TVs
Sounds like they did you a favor.
A year ago I would have disagreed. But I've seen too much in the meantime.
Why do you think this is happening?
I really admire this statement. It's always true. Whenever we run away, that's like saying "Attaboy! Go ahead! Go wild!" to the criminals.
An anti-burglar alarm. Burglars often strike twice.
"burgled" is what a rump rider does to you.
Nobody will bother trying to break into a house like that, as long as you have a good alarm, and also all windows alarmed so that they go off if any are broken.
Before buying new items I would suggest making a list, and going to pawn stores in your area informing them if anyone comes in with the items on your list to call the police and you.
Get ready to be robbed again. A lot of burglars wait a few weeks and because they know you will replace your stuff, hit you a second time.
Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
Put 40% of the money into the bank/investments/retirement. Spend 40% on amazing international trips and vacations. 20% on replacing the minimum of physical things y'all really need. Lighten your load and enjoy life.
My recommendation:
Replace your computers as needed, but try to live 90 days without a television . (i.e. use a laptop/ipad to watch videos as needed but not having a "big tv" in common spaces. Maybe even get a projectors and hook it up to a tuner for special "viewing nights")
The reason: walk into a typical american living room/family room, and the TV is the biggest feature of the space. It physically dominates. Especially if it's playing.
Physical Availability of the television tempts us humans to turn it on, sit in front/lounge,etc.
Without omnipresence, you may find spaces more friendly for conversation, reading, game-playing, i.e. "real living"...
Try to reclaim your space for a few months and see how it works.
Context/Disclaimer:
In our family we have one TV in the parents bedroom (i.e. ours): not in the living room, not in the family room. Our small children aren't tempted/condition to watch TV all the time
YMMV. Just suggestin'
Besides everybody else saying what to security equipment(dogs, guns, CTVs, etc) & how you are a snob for not wanting Windows or some other OS, how about some real suggestions.
I'd first start with the non-PC related tech. TVs, cameras, game systems, etc. Those usually have a fixed cost involved, and there usually isn't too many ways you can cheap out on them without getting screwed buying crap. Figure up what you want & how you want it arranged in your house, then go from there.
Next I'd look at your PC related tech & networking equipment. What do you want to do with your PCs & how do you want to integrate them into your entertainment setup?
Personally, I have a media server and then a media system hooked up to each of my TVs for media sharing. I run MythTV for my DVR needs. Since MythTV is WAY easier to setup on a Linux system, that fits nicely with your no Windows rule. But others don't like Myth or are unable to utilize its DVR service and there are better media sharing services out there, so use what works best. Then I have Samba shares setup for out of Myth media additions & viewing. One of the shares is monitored by my torrent service, so I can drop torrent files there from any PC & have it automatically add them. My total media PC equipment costs are only about $1500 - $2000.
In continental Europe it seems to be moving towards some kind of hybrid, with Americanisms more common than they used to be. I assume this is because all the kids who learn English as a 2nd language are influenced by the internet and U.S.-produced television/movies/games.
10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
Well... if you're not going to use Apple based computers... prepare for a un-necessary 200% markup. With the money you spend on a Mac you'll get 2x the PC a Mac will ever be. So, if you're trying to use your money wisely... you've already blown that out of the window.
Might I suggest that YOU get one? Burgled is a valid word.
Some other words do fit the pattern. Antagonists don't antagon, they antagonize. Capitalists don't capital, they capitalize. But, communists could either commune or communize, with somewhat different meaning.
10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
No TVs. I don't have any and I' fine, thanks.
Invest in TV over Internet. Roku is excellent. Between Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, you have everything you need plus a database "Can I stream it?" app for ios or tv.com to look it up. Don't forget Vudu disc to digital allowing your DVDs to be stored in the cloud if it's in their database. --Sam
That is all.
Get a reasonable new workstation - figure that you ought to be use it for at least 5-6 years (you said, no Windows; Linux, of course, well, they *just* dropped support for 386's , a better graphics card, if you game.
Get what fits your house, and you like. You probably don't need the 80" tv, honest; for a lot less, you can get a projector for your computer.
Right: get a *removable* drive to back up everything; do a regular backup, and put the drive somewhere else. I'd suspect that theives wouldn't grab a lone drive, even if they found it - it's not as easily marketable.
How did they get in? Were the windows and doors locked? Do you post what you're doing, and when you're out on Facebook?
Some folks have mentioned a dog: many years ago, I read an article in a paper that found, after interviewing guys in the stir for burglery and theft, that a security system deterred about 20% of them... but a dog, of *any* size, deterred 60%.
Firearms: yep, the thieves will enjoy picking them up, since THE FOLKS WERE OUT.!. And, of course, not one of the gun nuts I noticed in the comments said anything about a gun safe.
mark
New Gadgets Recommended by snoopyau
* Buy One Main TV
* Four Computer LCD's with HDMI , connect them to an Digital Set top box each (You can now use them as monitor or tv's)
* Buy 1 Netbook with or install Linux
* Buy 1 Android Tablet
* Buy 3 Standard x86 computers, to move them around easy. use bluetooth keyboard and mouse and use mITX Cases eg
BitFenix PRODIGY-RD Mini-ITX case.
* Buy/build file server intel based computer with hardware raid6 card and 6 4TB HDDS. Create media centre NAS BOX, run linux off it
* Also I would buy as many cameras as you can afford, outside, inside, kitchen , doorways.
* Also take advantage and buy a few UPS steams with power spike protection
* Try to avoid buying Home Retail Branded PCs and Apple hardware
I've been there myself and the number 1 advice I can give is "don't rush".
Getting a big chunk of money to replace is really great but be a bit more tactical. You can live without all of it for a little while so bone up on whats current and upgrade cycles and spend wisely. Also as someone wisely mentioned above - re-evaluate if you *really* need everything back like for like!
Personally if it was me, if it's cash and not receipted value I'd replace most kit with nearly new via ebay / gumtree / whatever and save the leftover money for a rainy day. It's a recession after all and chunks of cash are hard to come by! Also, being harsh but logical - lots of people hit hard by the recession sell off expensive kit cheap when they need the money desperately. It sucks for them big time but for you it could be a boon.
This is slashdot. Recommend buying a Boston Dynamics Big Dog.
This might lead to the expansion of the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine to include Slashdot users in addition to children.
Set your phasers on "funky"!
I stopped reading comments after a while. Nothing but suggestions on security, windows jokes, and shotguns. I probably missed some good comments but let me add my own.
Personally, the first thing I would do is pick the "ecosystem" you want to play in. You a Google, Apple, MS person? For all the convergence devices, this is important to decide right away. I'm personally an Apple guy and like how all the devices sync up and it works for me...but the price is I bought in and know the limitations (For example, If I want Amazon prime on my Apple TV, I'm out of luck).
One of the nice thing is you can start standardizing on a brand for TV's and other audio/visual electronics. Most of the brands have some sort of link (proprietary?) that allows their TVs, receivers, players to work together fairly well without using universal remotes. Unfortunately, I bought most of my gear over time and many brands and only a few things are happy working together :(
Sorry that I can just suggest "the" brand to go with. I've had a robbery before and it sucks to have to rebuild. My own funny little story: I had a robbery in 1991 that told me that albums were going to die at the hands of CDs. The thief took my receiver, tape deck, 6 CD player and the heavy speakers....but left the turn table.
I love the sound of distortion in the morning -- webcommando
Guns... lots of guns.
...seriously. You are more likely to be burgled again as they know that you will be replacing the stuff that they have just taken!
UK Cop
When the enterprising burglar's not a-burgling
When the cutthroat isn't occupied in crime
He loves to hear the little brook a-gurgling
And listen to the merry village chime
"He's lost in a 'floyd hole"
Burgled just sounds too cute, like something a baby does when she's happy. "Oh did my wittle sweetums burgle a house? Yes he did!"
When I was in graduate school about 30+ years ago, I came home to my apartment only to find it ransacked, my stereo missing and my roommate's camera equipment gone. I called the cops. "I've been robbed", I said. "Were you there at the same time as the person taking your stuff?", they asked. "No", I replied. "Oh, you haven't been robbed, you've merely been burglarized. That's different. Not nearly as serious." Darn. The police came over and looked around for a few minutes and then left. I never heard from them or my stereo again.
Absolutely do not buy anything of real value for at least 2 months. Burglars frequently try to double-dip and snatch all your nice new stuff about a month after their first visit.
:(
When you do buy new stuff don't put the empty boxes out - the bar-stewards will be waiting to see those too
Optional 1: If system is *working* surf the internet for about 15 minutes with the AV turned Off. Place system near entrance point for break in (window, door).
Optional 2: Add "call home" tracking software, and/or make sure you can remote connect to it.
Optional 3: Get system with Cam... make sure you can remote access cam. (Might consider disabling the LED "cam on" light)
Probably varies from person to person. FWIW I am American. Born in DC in the 80s. I've always said burgled.
...and don't bury yourself into useless stuff. Donate the money and exercise.
Hasn't it occurred to you that the owner could TAKE HIS GUN WITH HIM WHEN HE LEAVES THE HOUSE?
Duh.
Well, that brightened my day. No matter how much my wife may harass me for my tastes in music, only on a site branded as "News for Nerds" can I not be the least bit surprised to see lyrics from Gilbert and Sullivan.
Take it to the limit, everybody to the limit, come on, everybody fhqwhgads.
This reminds me that I have to move my NAS to a place out of sight. The attic comes to mind, need to run CAT6 up there.
The laptops/tables are quite light on personal data, the NAS on the other hand isn't.
Load New Commander (Y/N)?
Someone physically robs your house at least you still have your media collection.
Your home (replacement) PC should be a home built whitebox with the guts of your choice and NO case cover (bare chassis) IMHO no burglar would be interested and you could pass a vinyl coated bicycle cable through the framework of the chassis with a padlock.
I killed da wabbit -Elmer Fudd
a better door with a good lock and secure windows ... and don't buy anything you don't need (like the 5 TVs you had ;))
I hope the burglars don't read Slashdot, because now they know you're getting all new stuff...
So you are saying they shouldn't be called burglers? Burglarists?
You're angry because he posted words that remind you of what you're actually afraid of. Normally, you stay in denial about it. But he interrupted that happy state by reminding you that, beyond the denial, there still exists the thing(s) you fear.
Why not confront the fear instead? Either the fear is bogus, or it's legitimate and you can start working on whatever causes it. But don't go into denial. That just makes you weak, and prone to sudden outbursts of anger like the above.
Comment removed based on user account deletion
The examples you give are words derived from Latin ("antagonist" via Latin from Greek) and use the Latin-based "-ize" for deriving a verb from a noun.
"Burglar" -> "Burglarize" is a misapplication of that derivation to a word of non-Latin origin.
1)return your alarm system
2)keep the sticker on your door from the alarm company
3)put a big pair of mens boots, and a dog bowl that says "killer" out front
You don't need to have an expensive alarm system, you just need to make people THINK you do
Indeed, in your case hiring an exterminator might make more sense than hiring a security guard.
"What would you do if you had to replace ALL of your technology in your house at once?"
I would replace NONE of it. Technology sucks ass.
Depends on what you mean by divergent, as in some sense, there are aspects of older English language present in American English that got changed in British English, and other aspects that went the other way. So depending on what you look at, it isn't necessarily that American English changed and split off of British English while the latter remained unchanged.
Just keeping track of the history of spelling variations like color vs. colour is a mess. Originally Latin derived words were -or, then some French words brought in -our, then some people tried changing some of the Latin words to -our, then there was a return to -or. Then, when the US split off it mostly came down to Webster's dictionary versus Johnson's dictionary setting the standard for later times, with the former preferring the Latin spelling, and the latter preferring the French spelling.
I seem to be hearing a lot more of these stories lately. Why is crime skyrocketing?
As someone who designs security systems for a living, I just wanted to make sure that you know the "DVR security system" you bought (probably Night Owl or some other cheap brand) is likely ONLY good for deterrence. Don't expect to be able to identify anybody with that footage beyond "Wearing a black or dark grey (or purple/green if your system is REALLY cheap) hoodie and jeans."
Are you in the US? Listen to your Vice President and "buy a shotgun, buy a shotgun." Seriously, though... I would advise you take your time instead of going on a shopping spree, take your time buying.
Yeah, because we don't say col-oor or neighb-oor. Or col-hour or neighb-hour.
Peter predicted that you would "deliberately forget" creation 2000 years ago...
In continental Europe it seems to be moving towards some kind of hybrid, with Americanisms more common than they used to be. I assume this is because all the kids who learn English as a 2nd language are influenced by the internet and U.S.-produced television/movies/games.
All the better.
Peter predicted that you would "deliberately forget" creation 2000 years ago...
and possibly save your and your family's lives
Burglar Bomb.
That is all. (it's hooked into your alarm system, and releases tear gas)
For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...
Also, on your purchase list I would add
a) Get an alarm (based on the above. Doesn't have to be fancy, but visible and load is good)
b) Depending on the method of breakin, window-bars for ground-level windows
c) Change your passwords and bank logins if saved on the computers, etc. Those are worth more than the electronics themselves sometimes.
See, I don't necessarily agree. Every time I spend much money on something like a vacation trip, I wind up really frustrated and stressed for months after the fact,realizing that all that money is gone with nothing to show for it except some photos.
The best experiences I've had often cost very little (as in a little bit of money for gas to drive there, possibly). The country is full of cool and interesting things to see that don't have admission charges, and I'd also say I've had some of the best times of my life just hanging out with some good friends at one of our houses.
At least when you buy electronics or computer gear you enjoy, you've spent your money on something tangible, that you can make use of again and again, and eventually even resell and get a little bit of your initial investment back.
I sure wouldn't want to avoid owning items I'd enjoy and use, just because of fear that someone might come along and steal them.
until you have installed proper security. Remotely monitored, sound detection (glass breaking etc), motion detection and all windows and doors are wired as well. Outside motion detection with security camera's is helpful as well. I live a mile from the police station. I left my house for 15 minutes and came back. Someone broke through the front door. Police were there with guns drawn before I got home. Nothing was taken, but they didn't catch him.
What would you do if you had to replace ALL of your technology in your house at once?
What do you mean "have" to? Is someone holding a gun to your head?
Do you want to move forward, or backwards?
Find something better to spend the money on.
It has been shown time and time again that video surveillance does not prevent crime. You need to get a monitored alarm system. Recording video does no good if nobody is going to see it until after your stuff is gone, and the thieves will likely take the DVR with them. With a monitored alarm a break-in is much less likely since there is a much greater chance of getting caught in the act by the police.
It seems like almost all dogs can get really protective when they feel the need, even when you wouldn't think so.
We had a really doofy standard poodle. She was an idiot, even on the demeaning scale of dog intelligence. If dogs rode buses, she'd ride the short one. The most loving dog you ever saw. Just wanted to be petted and cuddled and lay on your lap (despite being 90 pounds, she thought she was a lap dog) all day, every day. The least fearsome beast I'd ever met.
Then one day I'm taking the dogs on a walk. A friend of mine is biking by and decides to try and scare me, so he yells as he rides by. The poodle goes in to attach mode. Fangs bared, loud, menacing barks, back down on her legs ready to lunge. She then recognized him and turned in tot eh friendly teddy bear she usually is.
I never thought she had it in her, but she was ready to kill.
I had a similar situation happen to me and honestly it was awesome because it got rid of all the old crap lying around the house. Do yourself a favor and go buy only what you need (1-2 nice TV's, a nice computer, and a sound dock). then put the cash in the bank for a rainy day. Treat it like you just sold all your crap and the buyer was the insurance company :). There is no way you can watch 5 TV's at once anyway LOL
"Burgled" sounds like something you do with mouthwash.
In cases like antagonist, capitalist, and communist, the root word is a noun, not a verb.
According to vocabulary.com, antagonize is from Greek and shares the same root as agony. Agony is a noun, so antagonists are people who cause agony. Like wise, the root of capitalist is capital. In this context, capital is money invested for profit. So a capitalist is a person who invests money for profit. In the word communist, the root is the noun commune, as in " a group living situation where people share everything" (also from vocabulary.com). The other definition of commune, as in the phrase "commune with nature" is not related to communism or communist.
"Burgle", on the other hand, is a verb. "Burglar" is one who burgles. Technically, "to burglarize" is to make someone a burglar.
I'd take this an opportunity to experiment "minimalistic living". Try to live "gadget free" for some days. Check google for minimalist living. Who knows.
Just curious as to why you thought a DVR would prevent you from getting robbed. Sure, it could be a deterrant, but if someone breaks in to steal your stuff, all the DVR is going to do is give you footage of your stuff being stolen. A proper monitored alarm may be a better solution as it'll actually sound an alarm and contact you and/or the police so someone can be notified and respond.
While it seems really pedantic, it makes all the difference to police and lawyers. A robbery is a theft that also involves an element of assault (you were physically threatened or physically harmed in the course of the theft). Burglary is just a theft that involves breaking into a home or a car. A person who is robbed is usually much more traumatized than a person who is burglarized, and sentencing reflects that. Assault can carry penalties as stiff as lesser murder charges or manslaughter.
Today's Sesame Street was brought to you by the number e.
Damn those burglarists.
Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
When I was in graduate school about 30+ years ago, I came home to my apartment only to find it ransacked, my stereo missing and my roommate's camera equipment gone. I called the cops. "I've been robbed", I said. "Were you there at the same time as the person taking your stuff?", they asked. "No", I replied. "Oh, you haven't been robbed, you've merely been burglarized. That's different. Not nearly as serious." Darn. The police came over and looked around for a few minutes and then left. I never heard from them or my stereo again.
You made the mistake of not being related to a police officer. The blue wall means that you're just another asshole. Er, civilian.
Sorry about your stuff.
I suggest a dictionary.
Didn't you read the summary? They took EVERYTHING.
More Twoson than Cupertino
Not all of the figures are in.
While this suggests a declining crime rate, those are figures from 2008-2009.
Violent crime is in fact experiencing an upturn, the biggest since 1993.
Regardless of whether it's going up or not, you can see the burglary/robbery rates are relatively high.
get a new big monitor and mouse like object (thumb ball for me !)
a few memory sticks and then buy a laptop and desktop from your friends discard pile
And a printer ( hp deskjet all in one? or laser)
upgrade the hard drive and memory from ebay/newegg
Load GNU/Linux and open source software and make the commitment to stay free !
All hail RMS !
Get a wood stove and some books..... then possibly a soul.
So, why do you want a computer for?
To be fair, I'm American and I use the word burgled as buglarized is such a hideous word. I have no idea how long it's going to take to convert the rest of the country though.
Probably as long as it is taking to convert inches to centimeters.
Since when is "public safety" the root password to the Constitution?
I converted a long while ago. It's the dog's bollocks! Seriously, it did sound funny the first time I'd heard it but I'm used to it now, in fact I prefer burgled over burglarized, which sounds too much to me like bowdlerized.
Look back up at my post, now look back down, you're on the Internet. Now look back up. I'm a signature.
No Apple a good follow up.
Where did you get the h from?
signature is pants
No no, antagoners antagle. Capitaners capitgle.
signature is pants
Or an appartment in higher floors. From 5++.
It's a perfectly cromulent word.
signature is pants
No.
cameras are good for nothing, and alarms are only good to scare them off. I was robbed in November, and cops were absolutely useless. 40 minutes to arrive, an hours worth of fingerprinting (no usables). My mb pro had the tracking feature, and when i showed the cop the location of my laptop (renamed to the thiefs name and in an apartment complex) she just shrugged and said there was nothing she could do. Even had I had an alarm at the time, it would take 30 mins for the cops to bother showing up, they have 45 seconds before it even triggers, another 3 or 4 minutes to acsertain a false alarm or not, and easily 20 minutes for cops to arrive. A typical smash and grab lasts 3 minutes or less. In, grab electronics, guns, anything not bolted down of value and out. Even if I'd had a camera system - with the competency of the police in my county - it still wouldn't matter.
A dog may or may not help. Smart thiefs would wrap it in a blanket and throw it in a closet, if not kill out outright. Then you lost electronics and a beloved family member.
you want them to fall down the stairs by themselves, they tripped officer.
by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
And yet even American spellings leave anachronisms in. You don't say "knight" the way you spell it, that pronunciation was lost in the transition between Middle and Early Modern English.
The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
Burglarize is common in All of English speaking North America as well as India, so that puts you brits in the distinct minority.
Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
I would bolt down valuable computers. I did to my picture server.
I always have to laugh at the assertion that the US should go metric. Apart from scientific measurements, the metric system provides far less benefit than most people suggest.
I've lived in the US and China and honestly, it makes very little practical difference whether you use imperial measures or metric ones in day to day life. You don't generally translate a km into m and you don't generally translate mi into ft. In fact, I can't recall the last time I did that which wasn't a contrived exercise to make the metric system look good. If you've got a distance of miles, it's unlikely that you need the precision that can be had from using feet. Likewise, if you're giving feet, it's unlikely that changing that into miles is going to be very helpful. And on the rare occasions where you need to, you can use a calculator.
Which is moot as you generally don't really care about how far things are in terms of distance, you're generally more interested in how far things are in terms of time, and converting mph to hours and kmph to hours is a wash, neither is better than the other one is.
With temperature, you have a sense of the temperature when you're comfortable and you compare it with the current temperature. The end points make very little difference in terms of ease of use.
When all is said and done, apart from contrived examples that one never encounters in the real world, the metric system has no benefit for normal everyday life. There, I said it. And certainly not enough to justify throwing out an entire country's infrastructure or replace it.
Last year I convinced my wife and daughter to drop DirecTV. I switched to usenet (sickbeard/couch potato/sabnzbd), but I could have changed to Netflix or Hulu or both instead. I've had all our movies on a central server (unraid, btw) for a few years.
Here's the thing: we don't watch programming on TV much anymore. The TV in the bedroom - almost never, in the kitchen - wife still watches the morning news, no tv in the living room (really), tv in the playroom - on the weekends mostly. By using Plex and tablets, 90+% of what we watch can be streamed directly to personal devices. Yes, I have AppleTV pucks so I can throw tablet/phone content to the TVs, but I'm just as likely to put The Daily Show on the tablet via Plex and prop it up against the wall/fridge instead.
I'd probably go down to a single, big TV in the "TV watching room" (wherever that is for you). A single big server - a single box with a cheap monitor and disc space to spare (8TB isn't a bad starting point, which means 3 - 4TB drives in an unraid/sw raid setup). A workstation area to plug in a laptop with an obscenely large screen (30" if you're getting a laptop which can drive it). Convertables or tablets for everyone. So $1500 TV, $1200 server, $1600 monitor/docking station stuff, $1200 good laptop, $800x n tablets/convertables for everyone else. If you really need a dedicated camera, get one - good ones are $300 (dpreview). A charging station is nice to have, but I would go with a bluetooth wireless sound system if it's really something you use. The audio coming out of portable devices is crap, there's no sense in spending a large wad on good speakers for them (or, in the case of Bose, a large wad on cheap speakers and good marketing).
The extra money? Well, maybe a security system...if it would have actually helped (it may not have). Otherwise it's a great time to investigate cloud backup options, or revel in your forethought if you had a really good off-site backup system.
Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
Your first purchase should probably be some type of security system
I hear ya!
Now, get a Rottweiler.
why buy tv's? get everyone a notebook and teach them how to use torrent
get a library card and use it. Cheap, easy and not worth stealing.
If you need dog, get this one
http://terrapines.com/images past litters/2007 litters images/taro/Taro 18 months 2.jpg
Due to the high cost of ammunition no warning shots will be fired
You want a security system that is visible from the outside, so it acts as a deterrent...
And you want it to not just store the video locally, but upload it or store it to a disk stored in a locked and bolted to a wall safe etc. It's no good having video of the crime if the thief has stolen your only copy of the video.
http://spamdecoy.net - free throwaway anonymous email - avoid spam!
The thieves know that you buy expensive electronics, and that you will have a house full of brand new stuff soon. They quite often will rob a house a second time about 3-4 months after they robed it the first time because of this. Make sure your ready this time.
Buy an iMac w/28" screen, then hire a tech consultant to tidy up all your stolen ID/personal information.
Dude, its time to move. I don't care what you have to do. Get a 2nd job. Work weekends. Eat Ramen for a month. Whatever the fuck it is, you have to move.
8 times means you are a well known and well visited target. The word is out on you and you no longer know who your enemies are.
In addition, it's a common misconception that you 'don't need to aim a shotgun much'. At home defense ranges, you're generally looking at less than 10 yards. In most cases that's not enough time for the shot cup to separate from the pellets, resulting in the person you shoot essentially being hit with a giant glaser safety round. As it hasn't spread, you still need to aim.
Also, 20 gauge is pretty light on the list of common shotgun calibers, 5.56 is probably going to be a better stopper, depending on ranges, loading, and hit location.
PLUS, 5.56 is actually 'pretty safe' when misses are going to go through walls. Just like the shotgun, they'll go through a couple layers of drywall just fine, but they're so light that it destabilizes them, making it unlikely they'll make it through the NEXT set of drywall. IE it's dangerous to the person 'hiding' on the other side of the wall, but the next house over should be okay.
Studies have shown that 5.56 is actually stopped by drywall faster than 9mm -.45 caliber handgun rounds, and a slug out of a shotgun is suprisingly penetrative. 0-1 ought buck is slowed to a stop by 3-4 separated panels of drywall.
I don't read AC A human right
My grandfather used to keep Boston Terriers - one day he had a burglar running from the cops try to cut through his back yard.
Half grown male comes out to play(doggie door). He kicks the puppy, never saw the other male and female. They take him down and the male grabs him by the throat. The female grabs one of his legs. The recovered puppy comes over and grabs the other leg.
Crook got to sit there with three dogs on him for over 2 hours because animal control was busy elsewhere and grandpa wasn't home. Cops didn't dare go in the yard(how many dogs does grandpa have?), didn't dare try to shoot them(bostons aren't that big, they'd probably hit the crook), etc...
Grandpa finally gets home, enters the yard with the cops, shoos the dogs off and collects them into the house. 6 months later the crook tries to sue grandpa for 'injuries', saying he had vicious dogs. The case was thrown out of court when it was shown that despite being held like that for that long, none of the dogs so much as broke the skin.
Personal story: More Boston Terriers, but my parents while I lived with them. We needed some furnace work done, told the contractor where to locate the key. He goes in and goes to get to work. Cindy had just had puppies was in the downstairs bedroom with them just across from the furnace room. She growled at him from under the bed. He saw the pups and closed the door. Mugsy brought his toys down in the hope of playing with him. But one of my uncles once scared us kids pretty good, and from then on both the dogs had a vendetta against him. If he turned his back or moved funny, they'd go after him.
I don't read AC A human right
He borrowed it from Cool Whip and Whil Wheaton
Wow. The loss of the equipment wouldn't bother me that much, it's the loss of data that would devastate me. Hopefully you backed up to the cloud? I don't like the idea of using the cloud, but it would be useful in this situation.
See, I don't necessarily agree. Every time I spend much money on something like a vacation trip, I wind up really frustrated and stressed for months after the fact,realizing that all that money is gone with nothing to show for it except some photos.
If that's all that you end up with after a vacation, then you're not doing it right...
Most of my vacations are adventures. My trips are to places that I have never been before. I don't mind checking out the tourist spots, but I usually like to explore off the beaten track, experience new cultures, and find out what or who is just around the corner. I learn and grow with each trip/adventure, which is worth more to me than the money spent.
I agree that you can have great adventures in your home country, city, etc. People often don't see what they have right under their noses.
A pair of "Ultra" book should run you less than $2,000 all told. I'm sitting here typing on a Sony Vaio Ultra Book that cost me $700 last year, and except for the low res screen (hey, pay for what you get) I've got no complaints. I can play DOTA 2 at medium settings, smooth as butter while something simultaneously streams to a nearby PS3. These things are sleek, high performance, and well worth the money. If you're a big gamer you could get one with a dedicated Nvidia mobile card and not even bother with the desktop.
As for a camera, since you just mentioned it offhand I'm guessing you're not big into photography. So it really depends on what you want. If you're up to spending $500-$600 you can get a Sony RX100, a perfectly pocketable camera that will get you photos equal of a somewhat older professional DSLR. It's that sharp. If you're not that into it, then honestly modern high end smartphones are getting good at this stuff. An iPhone 5 or something similar (go to engadget for reviews) will net you "good enough" photos. Or, alternatively, if you wanted to start photography as a hobby you could pick up a Panasonic GH2 or Sony NEX mirrorless camera, which will give you all the manual control, features, and often image quality of a DSLR without the cost.
As for a TV, honestly it's so competitive you just select your size and price range and look over a few reviews. Companies are at razor thin margins for HDTV's so one or two (or whatever) excellent ones can be had for a good price all around.
Hmmm... speakers are speakers. Bose are overpriced so get something else for half the cost that's just as good. But otherwise I think that about covers it. Like I said, don't bother with a desktop unless you REALLY want one. I've got mine sitting, disassembled since I moved for 2 months now. Haven't used it thanks to my cool laptop, though that may change if I end up getting Crysis 3. Which is why I suggested a dedicated Nvidia card.
You could always stream stuff to your tv's and ditch a cable/satellite service entirely. A Roku is extremely user friendly, and between Netflix and Hulu Plus you'd have a good selection. Even better if you've certain proclivities visa vis copyright. A fast internet connection can do wonders, and PS3 media server makes it supremely easy to stream things to a 360 or PS3, or any DLNA device so far as I know. Not to mention most new laptops have HDMI out on them.
Anyway, that's all I can think of. Good luck!
Shouldn't that be murdererize?
Why would you replace the TV? Be glad that it was stolen.
Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
dog bites an intruder in all 50 states
Wow, that dog and his owner must get around, not to mention having the most horrible luck.
Still, google for "state law dog bit intruder"
Washington - Dog owners in Washington are responsible for keeping their dogs in an enclosed area. If someone enters the enclosed area during a burglary or while committing some other crime, they could be responsible for any dog attack that takes place on the property. (I blame the wishy-washy wording on it being a lawyer advice website.).
Generic for many states - In most states, dog owners aren't liable to trespassers who are injured by a dog. But the rules are convoluted and vary significantly from state to state.
Same basic rules, different site - Common law holds a person who owns what he knows to be a 'dangerous dog' liable regardless of a person's status, but most common law states are 'reluctant' to find liability on behalf of a trespasser/criminal.
You must not have been searching very effectively if you spent "2 hours" searching, I found these sights in less time than it took to compose this post.
I don't read AC A human right
If they picked your pocket, did you get "pickled"?
By a wooden shack in the forest, wear a hoodie, write cryptic letters to local, state and federal government, learn how to make pipe bombs and wait.
Task Mangler
At least that way if it happens again, you'll likely know who the culprits are. (Also don't skimp too much on the cameras, having pixel-face as the ID to go on probably isn't good enough.) There has got to be at least one reasonable solution in regards to this that's affordable. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it yet.
As in when Moe Howard says, "I'll moiderize ya, ya imbecile." Or is it Curly who says, moiderize?" I forget.
"No fear. No envy. No meanness." Liam Clancy
This is a little related....I want to turn on disk encryption on my HTPC (mac mini) but don't want a password to be required to bring it back from screensaver. Lion requires a screensaver password if encryption is on. Is there a screensaver I can get that won't require a password even if disk encryption is on? My thinking is that if someone is going to rob me, they're going to take it (unplug it) and fiddle with it later, not on the spot. Cutting the power would leave the drive encrypted, but not requiring a password would avoid the mini interfering with me using it easily in the meantime.
WARNING!
The thieves come back after a week or two to get all your new stuff you bought with the insurance money!!!
"Every time I spend much money on something like a vacation trip, I wind up really frustrated and stressed for months after the fact,realizing that all that money is gone with nothing to show for it except some photos."
Sorry, but you have only yourself to blame for this. You either didn't plan it right, or were with the wrong crowd, etc. Memories of the time spent the right way with the right person/people are much more valuable than any electronic gadget. Do you think you'll be reminiscing about that big TV or laptop on your death bed?
Rather than buying a new TV, consider doing what I did: find a nice large LCD monitor, take off the plastic, and take it to a picture-framers. Then get it framed in the style you like. I now have an antique gilded-frame that plays DVDs :-)
Also, get a NAS unit in your basement, then make sure all your computing hardware is dead silent. It's so nice that way!
I have never heard anyone American use the term "burgled", except my sister--and she wanders around calling everything bloody, putting things in her car's boot, and buying petrol.
It got so hard farming bitcoins I had to find somehting else. I learned CFLs save $40 over the life of the bulb. Got a room with 300 in there now. Quit my job!
Get a really good security system, and expect to get broken into again real soon... the thieves know you now have nice shiny brand new stuff to steal.
No they are wevil wobbers.
I should use this sig to advertise my book ISBN-13 : 978-1501515132.
Could I suggest you invest in a double security setup? One that is visible, is possibly noisy and easy to detect - and which you plan to lose - and another one comprised of covert, cabled pinhole cameras at just below eye height which transmit their data to a server account (FTP tends to be well supported).
This ensures that the next visit (which is almost guaranteed) will be the one that gets them caught, because they will focus on your visible alarm - totally missing the second circuit (also because it doesn't emit anything using cables). You can augment it with IR light, but make sure it's not near the cameras.
I always add an element of deception in coverage - and it changes with every design.
Insert
Yeah, because we don't say col-oor or neighb-oor. Or col-hour or neighb-hour.
Well how do you pronounce them? Come to think of it th-oogh, it's time to go off and earn some d-oogh.
As someone who was in your situation years ago, I highly recommend spending at least a couple thousand of that money simply making your house an impenetrable fortress. Guns and dogs only do any good AFTER the burglar is IN your home. The idea is to simply make it impossible to get in without a chain-saw.
Steal doors. Reinforced door-jam with extra long dead-bolt. Bars on the windows or windows that have reinforced locks, reinforced glass, and the "grilles" between the panes are steel instead of wood or plastic. Extra long screws to screw in the hinges (both on the door and jam sides). Break resistant sliding glass doors and front storm doors (throw away and never use the screen). Be sure and beef up EVERY entry to your house, not just the one they broke through in the first place.
I guarantee you that the people who robbed you are watching your house and waiting for you to buy all new stuff. It is worth lots more to them. If they see you putting in all that extra security, they will not try to break in again.
This thread is the airing of violent revenge fantasies to sooth the stress and anxiety of a desperate state of inadequacy and powerlessness. All you have is negligent? Right fucking insane, the whole lot of them. Except for the G*P who was clearly making a too early jab at trigger happy para-athletes.
Now back to fantasy land.
Would it sound too gay if I said I wanted to shoot them in the face?
That is true, but as much as it pains me to say it as a prescriptivist (damn those corpus linguists!), common use sometimes eclipses prescription.
Example: Octopus. The dictionary plural is 'octopuses.' The hypercorrect smart-asses who think it is Latin say 'Octopi.' It is, however, Greek in origin; the truly pedantic plural would be 'Octopodoi'
Even I would call that ridiculous.
...get better insurance.
Instead of forking over a significant amount for a Windows install (smart move, I think, even though I'm guilty of running W7), go for a free Linux distro that has a good community and the features you're looking for. That is, if you're cool with Linux.
Where's that Goatse link when you need it?
Have you fscked your local propeller head today?
First things first, Replace your tothbrushes.
You never know what they used them for or on.
Buy bump proof locks. If you don't know what bumping a lock is, search on youtube and watch how easy it is to bump a standard lock. Put bars on your windows. If you have an HOA and they complain, make them put in writing that they guarantee to provide security for your residence.
Likely they'll hit your place in a week or two, when they think you've got new stuff. Go minimal...get shit they won't want.
No Windows, how elitist. Perhaps you should spend the rest of the money on LP Tom Petty and Radiohead albums. Not that there's anything wrong with those artists, I'd just rather get a CD which is cheaper, better, and longer lasting.
Well, it just follows the pattern. Burglars don't burgle, they burglarize. Murderers don't murder, they murderize. Etc.
The person who commits an act of burglarization is a burglarizer?
http://blog.nexusuk.org
Clearly you don't do any real cooking. If nothing else, doing liquid volume/weight conversions based on 1g = 1ml is a game changer. And remind me how many tablespoons are in a quarter cup, again?
What about smaller conversions? Say, feet to inches to fractions of inches vs. meters to centimeters to millimeters? It's a whole lot easier to figure out what 3/10 of a cm is than it is to figure out what 3/32 of an inch is.
What does that have to do with the robbery _at all_?? Maybe you were robbed by Karma for being an ideologue.
3 desktops, 2 laptops, an old Proliant server, 2 UPS's, Printer, 2 TV's, fax machine, scanner, DVD players, 3 cameras.....you get the idea.
I'm getting the idea that all that caused an electrical fire.
What was the cause of the fire? How old was the house? What if anything did you do to mitigate against future fire risk?
Captcha says "charcoal". That seems inappropriate.
Additionally, the distinction in the law is also a recognition of the added danger to all parties inherent in robbery. When someone takes things by threat of force, we take that threat at face value. Victims threatened with violence also typically have a right to retaliate in self-defense, and this is a possibility a robber is expected to reasonably anticipate as a consequence of their actions.
overpriced mediocre equipment you can find some nice Definitive Tech satellites or Klipsch that will humble any Bose system
ACM3
Get a gun. protect yourself and your family.
Learn how to be an American instead of a victim.
Also, put in a surveillance system.
Look up pawn shops in your area. You might find some of your stuff. If you do, you might be able to track it back to the asshole that stole it in the first place. If not, offer them something if you see something you like. The price is a suggestion. I have a nice big honkin' Visio in my bedroom, $100 from a pawn shop. There are some deals out there. Don't get what you want, try another shop. Computers are often real hard to get a good deal at a pawn shop though. They think old crap is still valuable. Craigs list, ebay, friends sometimes. Some people have old outdated stuff just laying on their office floor at home.... like me. Plenty good to run Fedora.
Also understand that it's often the case that the burglar is someone you know. Sometimes your next door neighbour. Just sayin' Check out Chris Rock's niggas vs black people. It's funny!
At least they didn't sell him an encyclopedia set
Boy did that bring back memories. In the mid 60s, when I was a university student, I sold encyclopedias. I didn't do too well, though I never jumped out of any windows. I knew two fellow students who did very well at it, actually, and never bothered with graduating.
2 tbsp = 1 ounce
1/4 cup = 2 ounces
Seems pretty straightforward to me.
je suis parce que j'aime
The privatized prison industry is a growing investment for us. We can't have people like you telling people they're not in danger.
Get with it, America, and get just the one set of measurements that agrees with the rest of the world! Not the hodge-podge mess you have at the moment.
Birds are not dinosaur descendants;birds are dinosaurs, for all useful meanings of "birds", "are" and "dinosaurs"