Yea, ok, SOME punks are as you described, but it's a minority. Most punks really do believe in the causes they fight for, and they're quite intelligent. I'm a punk (well, sorta). Most of my friends are punk. Ok, I'm better off than most. "The Man" is not my father (he's quite far from rich, by the way). I also am not particularly political. However I make sure to understand the things I do become involved with, and most other punks I've known are the same way.
Ok, that got kind of rambling there, sorry about that. The point was: Dont stereotype us. You wouldnt like it, and we dont like it. We're all different, and you shouldnt make generalizations like that.
I had the exact opposite experience. I bought a Sony Vaio Superslim 2 years ago, and it's still going strong. I have yet to have a single component break or fail. I fully expect it to last me another year or two, and believe me, I BEAT on my computers. This laptop runs 24/7 most of the time, and goes through things you wouldnt wish on ANY computer.
I cant believe this got modded "interesting" when it's obviously flamebait.
Against my better judgement, I feel the need to respond.
I grew up a pretty hard core gamer (though I am not any longer). I played computer games 8+ hours a day most days. If you visit my room you'll probably see something unexpected. Trophies, and lots of them. Guess what they're for? That's right, sports. Baseball (All Star Team), Roller Hockey (League MVP), etc... Dont overgeneralize.
Hrmm.. socializing... Ok, I'll give you that one, but only with geeks. A gamer is not the same as a computer geek. I know many gamers who dont know the first thing about actual computer stuff, and they still manage to be pretty social. In fact, many gamers I know have more active social lives than the non-gamers.
The glasses comment... Well that one's just not silly, I wont even bother.
Outdoors? Well, I'll put that one with socializing, though even with geeks it generally only holds true with the most hard core.
You know, I've grown up hearing this, and I just dont believe it. I got my first computer when I was 8 (12 years ago). I used that SAME monitor for about 7 years. That was one seriously crappy monitor, and I sat in front of it very close for 8+ hours a day for those 7 years. My vision is still 20/10 (better than perfect, for those not in the know). Maybe if you sit with your face an inch away from the monitor, you'll have problems, but otherwise, I just dont believe it.
Personally (again, personally) I'd have to say not. I'm connected... not quite 24/7.. I dont have any access on the drive to/from work (so for about 80 minutes a day). I very much wish I could manage to be connected for that other 80, though my cell phone works well enough during that period to tide me over.
I love being connected, accessible, and everything else that goes with being online. My home is wireless, and my work is about to be. I see no need to unplug. Heck, I take my laptop with me on vacation;)
Re:Hm, I just saw this plot in X2..
on
SCO DOS'ed
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· Score: 1
Seriously. I'm short, I have asthma and allergies, and a few other unpleasant problems. I'm waiting for someone to come along willing to accept money to modify me so I dont have these problems anymore. Maybe while they're at it I'll have them make me a little more predisposed to bulking up (I'm fairly underweight).
What's wrong with that? And please, dont give me any god crap, I'm an athiest.
Forget modifying your children, I want to modify ME
Equilibrium, I mean, come on. I realize people like to whine that it's unoriginal or crap, cause of the similarities to 1984/Farenheight 451. It's still an amazing movie.
I went for the experience. I think that everyone should get out and see things at some time or another. This summer I'm going to Ireland and Scotland.
While on my trip, I visited the ancient greek and roman cities, the ruins, the museums. It was for the cultural experience, I suppose.
There is just something interesting about seeing how things are in other parts of the world than here at home, and I value the experience far more than I would simply getting myself a new geek toy;)
As for my disappointment... It wasnt that the place didnt live up to my expectations, it was rather that once I had done what I was there to do, there was nothing left. I was bored. And I can only check out the view for so long.
What, exactly, is so great about unplugging for a while?
I take my laptop and cell phone on every trip. I dont use them to work, I use them to play. I like to stay in touch, to be able to talk to people, and to do all the fun things I do with them when I'm not at work.
Plus, on the off chance that some emergency should come up (it's happened), I CAN be reached.
As far as people griping about the whole wireless thing, I think it's pretty cool that he's looking for wi-fi hotspots. Ok, so the world may not all be wireless yet, but we're trying, and what's the point of implementing this cool new tech if nobody's gonna use it? Sure, when I go places with my laptop, I fully expect to have either no net access, or dialup, but I bring a LAN cable and my wireless card anyway, just in case I luck out, and when that happens, I am one happy camper.
There's just something about being able to lie on the beach, work on my tan, and be playing starcraft with my friends back home that appeals to me;)
Remember folks, for some of us, technology makes our lives BETTER. I dont think I've ever thought of tech as a burden, and before I get all those angry comments asking if I've ever stepped outside and appreciated nature, yes, I have. I thoroughly enjoy rock climbing, ice skating, roller blading, and a variety of other non-tech outdoor activities. I've been to italy, greece, turkey, and about half of the 50 states. I've seen the world, and you know what? With a few exceptions (greece was seriously bad ass), it was pretty boring, and some good tech would have made it much more fun for me.
Seriously though, I'd tell myself that sports, looks, and things like that (all the superficial stuff) really does matter, and that being pretty and in shape will help you in life just as much as writing your own encryption program. Maybe also point out that spending a little less time in front of the computer and a little more time outside really wouldnt adversely affect my tech skills as much as I was afraid it would.
Does this sort of thing drive the rest of you as nuts as it does me? I'm a 20 year old, white male, who happens to look "punk" (dyed hair, dark clothes, stuff like that). I cant go NEAR an airport, without being stopped by security about a dozen times. I'm always the one singled out to have his luggage checked, and I'm always the one inconvenienced.
I'm _NOT_ a terrorist. Is it just me, or have most airport security guards seen a few too many bad movies? Here's a tip for you guys: the terrorists will PROBABLY not be dressed or otherwise look anything other than ordinary. People who are going to do bad things generally try not to draw attention to themselves.
I think we could all save ourselves a lot of grief if airport security was given a vaguely realistic training session.
How do people who are... say... interested in things like Drag Racing get access to such air strips (preferrably legally)?
Airfields like this would be a great way to keep people who are just interested in racing recreationally (and who dont want to go to the track), off public streets.
You can mirror them, they host demos. Those are really interesting, and not too many people have them. Admittedly, I dont think that it would be the whole 100+ gig you're after, but you could get a good 20-30 that way.
The answer is not regulation, the answer is parents getting off their lazy butts and paying attention to what their kids are doing. I grew up with violent video games, just like most of the rest of you. For the most part, we turned out alright. Granted, they're getting more violent, more realistic, more graphic, etc... But you know what, so is everything else. Video games should be like the movies. Kids cant get into Rated R movies without their parents, and they shouldnt be able to but Rated M games without their parents. That's the only acceptible way I can think of to "regulate". Really though, I think it should just be done the way it's always be done, and try expecting parents to be responsible for a change.
Yea ok, they provide cable internet access, good for them. Of course, they're also capping it and restricting its use in every way they can.
I'll admit, we have cable at home, but only because DSL isnt available. Is the phone company evil too? Absolutely, but it's the lesser of the two evils in my opinion.
But it definitely seems wrong to ban someone because of a modded box. Ok, so you mean to tell me that just because I want to run Linux on my X-Box means I cant use X-Box Live? I could see if, down the road, cheating that was PROVEN to be linked to modded x-boes became an issue, then banning them would make sense. As things stand now, this is just another attempt by MicroSoft to stifle creativity and Linux adoption.
No, I dont own an X-Box, and no I dont plan on it either, because of things like this. Though, considering how MicroSoft is taking a loss on them, maybe I should just buy a bunch of them, not buy any games, and let them collect dust on a shelf someplace.
Granted, if you want the full supported version, it's not free, but it seems to have excellent WINE integration. Admittedly, I have not attempted to do any gaming on such a system, but other windows apps I have installed have run more or less perfectly. Also, with a distro like Lycoris, you get the windows look and feel, which will deal with the confusion your children may experience later when working with windows systems elsewhere. I grant you, Lycoris is far from the best distribution, and wont suit the hardcore linux fans, but it is a step at least. Best of luck.
Slashdot Mirror
What is with people bashing punks anyway?
Yea, ok, SOME punks are as you described, but it's a minority. Most punks really do believe in the causes they fight for, and they're quite intelligent. I'm a punk (well, sorta). Most of my friends are punk. Ok, I'm better off than most. "The Man" is not my father (he's quite far from rich, by the way). I also am not particularly political. However I make sure to understand the things I do become involved with, and most other punks I've known are the same way.
Ok, that got kind of rambling there, sorry about that.
The point was: Dont stereotype us. You wouldnt like it, and we dont like it. We're all different, and you shouldnt make generalizations like that.
I had the exact opposite experience. I bought a Sony Vaio Superslim 2 years ago, and it's still going strong. I have yet to have a single component break or fail. I fully expect it to last me another year or two, and believe me, I BEAT on my computers. This laptop runs 24/7 most of the time, and goes through things you wouldnt wish on ANY computer.
I cant believe this got modded "interesting" when it's obviously flamebait.
Against my better judgement, I feel the need to respond.
I grew up a pretty hard core gamer (though I am not any longer). I played computer games 8+ hours a day most days. If you visit my room you'll probably see something unexpected. Trophies, and lots of them. Guess what they're for? That's right, sports. Baseball (All Star Team), Roller Hockey (League MVP), etc... Dont overgeneralize.
Hrmm.. socializing... Ok, I'll give you that one, but only with geeks. A gamer is not the same as a computer geek. I know many gamers who dont know the first thing about actual computer stuff, and they still manage to be pretty social. In fact, many gamers I know have more active social lives than the non-gamers.
The glasses comment... Well that one's just not silly, I wont even bother.
Outdoors? Well, I'll put that one with socializing, though even with geeks it generally only holds true with the most hard core.
You know, I've grown up hearing this, and I just dont believe it. I got my first computer when I was 8 (12 years ago). I used that SAME monitor for about 7 years. That was one seriously crappy monitor, and I sat in front of it very close for 8+ hours a day for those 7 years. My vision is still 20/10 (better than perfect, for those not in the know). Maybe if you sit with your face an inch away from the monitor, you'll have problems, but otherwise, I just dont believe it.
Personally (again, personally) I'd have to say not. I'm connected... not quite 24/7.. I dont have any access on the drive to/from work (so for about 80 minutes a day). I very much wish I could manage to be connected for that other 80, though my cell phone works well enough during that period to tide me over.
;)
I love being connected, accessible, and everything else that goes with being online. My home is wireless, and my work is about to be. I see no need to unplug. Heck, I take my laptop with me on vacation
Just remember who won that little fight ;)
This works only assuming that all email/websites/etc... are within the US. I know we like to police the world, but even we couldnt pull THAT one off.
Seriously. I'm short, I have asthma and allergies, and a few other unpleasant problems. I'm waiting for someone to come along willing to accept money to modify me so I dont have these problems anymore. Maybe while they're at it I'll have them make me a little more predisposed to bulking up (I'm fairly underweight).
What's wrong with that? And please, dont give me any god crap, I'm an athiest.
Forget modifying your children, I want to modify ME
I know when time comes to download mp3s, I'm lookin for the Kenny G first!
I mean, honestly, if they're going to copy protect cds... doesnt it make sense to protect the ones people are actually going to, I dont know, COPY?
because the bug is the astronomical equivalent of our LOC measurement system, of course!
Equilibrium, I mean, come on. I realize people like to whine that it's unoriginal or crap, cause of the similarities to 1984/Farenheight 451. It's still an amazing movie.
the MCP jokes coming already.
I went for the experience. I think that everyone should get out and see things at some time or another. This summer I'm going to Ireland and Scotland.
;)
While on my trip, I visited the ancient greek and roman cities, the ruins, the museums. It was for the cultural experience, I suppose.
There is just something interesting about seeing how things are in other parts of the world than here at home, and I value the experience far more than I would simply getting myself a new geek toy
As for my disappointment... It wasnt that the place didnt live up to my expectations, it was rather that once I had done what I was there to do, there was nothing left. I was bored. And I can only check out the view for so long.
What, exactly, is so great about unplugging for a while?
;)
I take my laptop and cell phone on every trip. I dont use them to work, I use them to play. I like to stay in touch, to be able to talk to people, and to do all the fun things I do with them when I'm not at work.
Plus, on the off chance that some emergency should come up (it's happened), I CAN be reached.
As far as people griping about the whole wireless thing, I think it's pretty cool that he's looking for wi-fi hotspots. Ok, so the world may not all be wireless yet, but we're trying, and what's the point of implementing this cool new tech if nobody's gonna use it? Sure, when I go places with my laptop, I fully expect to have either no net access, or dialup, but I bring a LAN cable and my wireless card anyway, just in case I luck out, and when that happens, I am one happy camper.
There's just something about being able to lie on the beach, work on my tan, and be playing starcraft with my friends back home that appeals to me
Remember folks, for some of us, technology makes our lives BETTER. I dont think I've ever thought of tech as a burden, and before I get all those angry comments asking if I've ever stepped outside and appreciated nature, yes, I have. I thoroughly enjoy rock climbing, ice skating, roller blading, and a variety of other non-tech outdoor activities. I've been to italy, greece, turkey, and about half of the 50 states. I've seen the world, and you know what? With a few exceptions (greece was seriously bad ass), it was pretty boring, and some good tech would have made it much more fun for me.
GO OUTSIDE!!!!
Seriously though, I'd tell myself that sports, looks, and things like that (all the superficial stuff) really does matter, and that being pretty and in shape will help you in life just as much as writing your own encryption program. Maybe also point out that spending a little less time in front of the computer and a little more time outside really wouldnt adversely affect my tech skills as much as I was afraid it would.
LoL, no, I dont buy one-way tickets, only 2-way.
;) Just because I look different doesnt make me any less respectable.
And in response to one of the AC's, I've got a job, thanks
I'm a webmaster, woo hoo. The tech boom may be over, but we're not all unemployed because of it.
Does this sort of thing drive the rest of you as nuts as it does me? I'm a 20 year old, white male, who happens to look "punk" (dyed hair, dark clothes, stuff like that). I cant go NEAR an airport, without being stopped by security about a dozen times. I'm always the one singled out to have his luggage checked, and I'm always the one inconvenienced.
I'm _NOT_ a terrorist. Is it just me, or have most airport security guards seen a few too many bad movies? Here's a tip for you guys: the terrorists will PROBABLY not be dressed or otherwise look anything other than ordinary. People who are going to do bad things generally try not to draw attention to themselves.
I think we could all save ourselves a lot of grief if airport security was given a vaguely realistic training session.
How do people who are... say... interested in things like Drag Racing get access to such air strips (preferrably legally)?
Airfields like this would be a great way to keep people who are just interested in racing recreationally (and who dont want to go to the track), off public streets.
You can mirror them, they host demos. Those are really interesting, and not too many people have them. Admittedly, I dont think that it would be the whole 100+ gig you're after, but you could get a good 20-30 that way.
You listen to AM radio much?
Personally, I've never once in my entire life tuned into an AM station. Heck, I only listen to ONE FM station.
Yea, ok, so they did not die as an immediate result of the "next big thing" but a slow death is still a death.
and I'll say it again.
The answer is not regulation, the answer is parents getting off their lazy butts and paying attention to what their kids are doing. I grew up with violent video games, just like most of the rest of you. For the most part, we turned out alright. Granted, they're getting more violent, more realistic, more graphic, etc... But you know what, so is everything else. Video games should be like the movies. Kids cant get into Rated R movies without their parents, and they shouldnt be able to but Rated M games without their parents. That's the only acceptible way I can think of to "regulate". Really though, I think it should just be done the way it's always be done, and try expecting parents to be responsible for a change.
What if I, say, want to buy these payphones they're throwing out? I'd love to have an ACTUAL payphone in my house or something.
is the cable company ANYBODY's friend?
Yea ok, they provide cable internet access, good for them. Of course, they're also capping it and restricting its use in every way they can.
I'll admit, we have cable at home, but only because DSL isnt available. Is the phone company evil too? Absolutely, but it's the lesser of the two evils in my opinion.
But it definitely seems wrong to ban someone because of a modded box. Ok, so you mean to tell me that just because I want to run Linux on my X-Box means I cant use X-Box Live? I could see if, down the road, cheating that was PROVEN to be linked to modded x-boes became an issue, then banning them would make sense. As things stand now, this is just another attempt by MicroSoft to stifle creativity and Linux adoption.
No, I dont own an X-Box, and no I dont plan on it either, because of things like this. Though, considering how MicroSoft is taking a loss on them, maybe I should just buy a bunch of them, not buy any games, and let them collect dust on a shelf someplace.
Granted, if you want the full supported version, it's not free, but it seems to have excellent WINE integration. Admittedly, I have not attempted to do any gaming on such a system, but other windows apps I have installed have run more or less perfectly. Also, with a distro like Lycoris, you get the windows look and feel, which will deal with the confusion your children may experience later when working with windows systems elsewhere. I grant you, Lycoris is far from the best distribution, and wont suit the hardcore linux fans, but it is a step at least. Best of luck.