For those of you who didn't know, a Kiwi is someone from New Zealand. AKA N-Zed to aussies. At least to my aussie friend. Okay, a guy I know. Okay, I guy who probably wouldn't claim to know me, but whom I once talked to.
For those of you who don't live close enough, and want something in the midwest, I recommend http://www.tcmechwars.com/ in Minneapolis MN.
I have competed in it twice, and had a blast. It is cheap and fun! Also, their rules are setup to make it very flexible and entertaining for the crowd.
Come on Slashdotters, build your own and compete! It is fun, even if your robot doesn't do very well.
The Max price per download is key. I currently, along with my entire family, have stoppped purchasing music. It is too expensive. I refuse to pay $1 per song.
If I could...
A. Choose from a massive collection of songs.
B. Download them in the uncrippled format of my choice.
C. Pay 5 cents per song
I would go back to buying music. There are a ton of newer songs that I want, but refuse to buy. The first company that offers A.B.C above, gets my 5 cents. I would not pay 10 cents, but probably anything less.
Just out of curisity, how many lumens do you think I would need for a fairly dark living room. Lights off, 1 window with shades closed. Some light seaps in through 2 large open doorways though, however nothing direct.
Could I go less than 2K lumens?
It is hard to get a feel for how big that really is (or how I would pay for it). They have 2 people standing next to it, but I am sure they picked the shortest 2 models they could find.
That was once my gripe against big screen TV in general. But combine the higher Res of HDTV, and the fact that you dont sit 12 inches from the screen, and it should be fine.
Actually, I think I would rather have a projector. Mmmmm, Battlefield 1942 on the entire wall of my living room.
Okay, I got the alt-f4 joke. That was funny. But what does alt-f3 do (or what is that about)? I am totally lost here. I know it isn't correct for/. posts to ever admit defeat, but I lose.
So I am not off-topic... I would like to point out that I have family in decently high ranking government positions, who refer to.doc as the "Standard". Also, they all feel that schools should use MS Office, since it is "the standard in the real world". Sad really. This is mostly the Army and National Guard. Also, these are people with influence over which programs are used for everyone. They also set which formats should be allowed for purposes such as archiving, applying for jobs, sending memos, and more..... Everytime I suggest a change, they invade my helpless living room with masses of troops who should probably be home with their families.
The brain is amazing. It will figure out how to interpret the signal. Heck, you can put on glasses the flip everything in the world upside down, and your brain will switch it so it looks normally (though the last study I read about, it took a few days, and the people were a bit dizzy at times). Still amazing stuff.
I don't have a lot of time, as I am getting ready for work. You make some excellent points, and your debate skills are very refined. It is nice to debate with someone who has these skills!
Lets just agree to disagree on this one, though I don't disagree with most of what you are saying. I do disagree that one should spend their valuable time proofing their posts for slashdot. My time is too valuable for that.
There's an easy way to solve that. Give them once chance to pass the test before entering ed school, and if they fail they spend a term in remedial classes before they can take it again. (If someone's skills are so weak that they can fail it because they had a bad day, they probably need remediation anyway.)
I would like to comment on this! This is basically already being done. Because our aspiring teachers are so weak in math and science (and probably more, but I only tutored these 2) they do have to review. All elementary education teachers are required to take a class on techniques used to teach elementary mathmatics. But they never get to the techniques, because they spend their entire time trying to make sure that the future teachers actually understand the math themselves. Basically we need to find a way to eliminate the poor prospects. I agree that they take the PPST first. But, I don't think they should get a 2nd chance. Also, it needs to be harder. Put it this way, I had only 1 wrong on the entire 3 hour test, and I wish to this day that I had payed the $15 to see my answers (so I could find out which one it was). Heck, I even passed the spelling and grammar portion with a perfect score!
BTW, I also still loath the grammar nazi. I understand that communication is needed, but even with my unrefined skills you seem to be able to grasp my concepts. Though I am a bit hazed on cough syrup right now, so excuse any errors or mentions of pink pachaderms.
Firstly, thanks for actually putting something with thought behind it down, rather than just being a grammar nazi. I don't mind discussing this topic, as long as it is with someone who is capable of original thought. Thanks. What frustrates me is when someone says my arguement is invalid because I missed an apostrophe.
It's ALWAYS time to worry about logical fallacies, like the false dichotomy you just used. Spelling and grammar are there to make certain that the content is accessible, rather than being confused or obscured by errors and ambiguities.
Firstly, I teach upper secondary education classes (grades 11, 12, +). I do not teach elementary education. This is the key. By the time these students get to me, they already couldn't care less about grammar, spelling, or anything other than drugs and sex. There is absoluetly no way I can show them the correct way to use an apostrophe without first convincing them that they want to learn. My job is to show them that learning is fun and interesting, and eventually they discover this and will have enough pride in their work to want to use the correct grammar/spelling. There are times to worry about these things, and times not to. A message board is a place to exchange thoughts and ideas for fun and self growth. Obviously you need average to above average language skills to discuss these things, but you don't need to be perfect.
If you can't spell a word, you're not going to be able to look it up.
I dont mean to offend, but this is the most common excuse that middle schoolers use to defend their poor spelling. They can't look it up because they can't spell it, so how will they ever figure out how to spell it. Poor arguement indeed, and I think upon reflection you would agree.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation are basic. You may not hold yourself to the standards you expect of a teacher, but I do. I wouldn't expect an elementary school teacher to know the math and science I do, but if they are teaching spelling and grammar they should be able to do it the right way every time, in class and out. I expect everyone, even the gym teacher, to get things right on report cards and such. Call it a religious duty, the right writing rite.
I do hold myself to a set of standards, far more strict than most of the parents of my students. But, I do not hold myself to such a strict grammar/spelling standard that I believe my arguements are all false because they have spelling/grammar mistakes in them. That is what the issue is about here. Any arguement I put on slashdot is fine, until I mention that I am a teacher. Then the grammar nazis come out. I am glad though that you have such strict expectations for the education level of teachers. The sad truth is that all aspiring teachers in this country have to pass an exam PPST, which is very easy. With that said, I watched many of my peers struggle on the test, and even have to retake it. Lets just say that over 75% of the elementary teachers out there, do not really understand the math that they are teaching. I tutored them, don't even get me started on my experiance trying to teach future elementary teachers what a fraction is. I do have a theory on why these people choose education, but that is for a different day.
If you don't want things to devolve to discussions about spelling and grammar, hold yourself to a high enough standard that nobody raises the issue with you.
I know this is a weak arguement, but it is not possible. Firstly, depending on what part of the world you are from, there are different standards. Secondly, this is a place to rapidly exchange ideas and opinions, not a term paper. And yes, even your post has flaws in it depending on who reads it. Grantid, your statements are probably perfect according to your standards, but language is a dynamic thing that changes every day. I could quite easily use the contaction ain't in my post, and 20 people would argue that it isn't a word, and teachers shou
I may be totally out in left field on this one (or in Norway), but I have no idea what you just said? Are you implying that Norway has a problem with psycho teachers, or is this similar to some joke that I obviously have not heard. Wait, Norway schools are like Swedish insane asylums? Oh god, I'm not sleeping tonight. I need to get this.
Ohreally_factor, I just looked through a few of your other posts, and your sig, and I am not sure you are totally stable! But, you are surely keeping people on their toes! Good job! Wow! I will never drink Mr. Pib again.
Excellent point, and I don't know. I do know that they had me alter some of the html on his site. Meta-tags mostly, which I hadn't heard of until then. For those of you who haven't (I can't be the only one), they are quite simple. I also know that there were hundreds of sites created by this company to sell their own product. Not a bad idea though! Build a product, then make money selling sites which sell your product, but you don't have to maintain the sites or do any marketing at that point. Let everyone else do it.
So, does this mean that the first people to use the SEOs will get ranked first first. Thus jumping in now is the way to go? So I suppose if I want to be at the very top of the pyramid I have to start my own SEO company?
If anyone wants to jump in now, and get rich with me, send $5 to me soon!
Ianna B. Rich
1 Only Way
Ocean Front, Arizona 56789
My friend was once marketed by a company who was trying to sell car security systems. What they wanted to sell him was a website where he could market these systems himself. They claimed that all he had to do was purchase a premade website, for $12,000. After selling 15 systems, it would pay for itself. If the website didn't pay for itself, he would get his money back. Anyway, as soon as he purchased, he noticed that his page was showing up on page 50+ on google. So, he wanted to fix this. He payed big bucks to a Search Engine Optomization company. In return, within a few months the company had him moved up to the 2nd page.
Did it work, yes! Was it worth it, no. Everything they had him do, I suggested to him (I found lists of techniques online). By the way, he got his $12,000 back (sounded like a scam to me, but I guess not).
Cant you already use google, specify the website or domain, and input your search request? Also, could anyone explain when this would be useful? Why not just go to the site, and search there?
For real physics, real damage, and real fun (and real cheap), there are some great older racing games.
Anything made by Papyrus. Personally, my 2 favorites are Nascar Legends and Grand Prix Legends (now a free download from Blackhole motorsports). GPL has better physics, but NL lets you drive the old rear wheel drive boats that many of us grew up driving. Also, both games work great on old 300mhz systems that have a 3d card of any sort. Heck, GPL still has a HUGE following and is considered to be one of the hardest, but most realistic racing games of all time. And NL still rules. I am even still in an NL league!
the sad part is, he could have the answers for sale for $1
there are 2 types of students (fits 99% of them)
1. the honest ones who wouldn't take them for free
2. the idiots who would rather spent the $1 on "a smoke" from sidney.
Slashdot Mirror
Half a day on the toilet? DAMN! Could you walk afterwards? May I suggest a bed pan?
Excellent point!
For those of you who didn't know, a Kiwi is someone from New Zealand. AKA N-Zed to aussies. At least to my aussie friend. Okay, a guy I know. Okay, I guy who probably wouldn't claim to know me, but whom I once talked to.
For those of you who don't live close enough, and want something in the midwest, I recommend http://www.tcmechwars.com/ in Minneapolis MN.
I have competed in it twice, and had a blast. It is cheap and fun! Also, their rules are setup to make it very flexible and entertaining for the crowd.
Come on Slashdotters, build your own and compete! It is fun, even if your robot doesn't do very well.
"Did I miss the news report on CNN?"
I guess you did. And you should try reading slashdot so you can see what is happening in the world around you.
Sarcasm aside, the post you are referring to seems to be fully accurate. I am not sure what world you live in.
The Max price per download is key. I currently, along with my entire family, have stoppped purchasing music. It is too expensive. I refuse to pay $1 per song.
If I could...
A. Choose from a massive collection of songs.
B. Download them in the uncrippled format of my choice.
C. Pay 5 cents per song
I would go back to buying music. There are a ton of newer songs that I want, but refuse to buy. The first company that offers A.B.C above, gets my 5 cents. I would not pay 10 cents, but probably anything less.
So, the contract already included MS Office? So it was a financial decision?
Just out of curisity, how many lumens do you think I would need for a fairly dark living room. Lights off, 1 window with shades closed. Some light seaps in through 2 large open doorways though, however nothing direct. Could I go less than 2K lumens?
It is hard to get a feel for how big that really is (or how I would pay for it). They have 2 people standing next to it, but I am sure they picked the shortest 2 models they could find.
That was once my gripe against big screen TV in general. But combine the higher Res of HDTV, and the fact that you dont sit 12 inches from the screen, and it should be fine.
Actually, I think I would rather have a projector. Mmmmm, Battlefield 1942 on the entire wall of my living room.
Okay, I got the alt-f4 joke. That was funny. But what does alt-f3 do (or what is that about)? I am totally lost here. I know it isn't correct for /. posts to ever admit defeat, but I lose.
.doc as the "Standard". Also, they all feel that schools should use MS Office, since it is "the standard in the real world". Sad really. This is mostly the Army and National Guard. Also, these are people with influence over which programs are used for everyone. They also set which formats should be allowed for purposes such as archiving, applying for jobs, sending memos, and more..... Everytime I suggest a change, they invade my helpless living room with masses of troops who should probably be home with their families.
So I am not off-topic... I would like to point out that I have family in decently high ranking government positions, who refer to
Actually when governments pass a law like that, they're usually trying to make money
Exactly. Hmmm, and then they know who to check for claiming the ebay income.
Or maybe a radio flyer wagon, or a huffy bicycle, or any of the other american icons that they have ruined.
Oh man, who do I root for? I loath Wal-mart, but I really loath the music industry. This will be the only time I say this, but GO WALMART!
The page is already down, but did anyone catch what bandwidth can be obtained with such communications? Anyone willing to attempt the math?
The brain is amazing. It will figure out how to interpret the signal. Heck, you can put on glasses the flip everything in the world upside down, and your brain will switch it so it looks normally (though the last study I read about, it took a few days, and the people were a bit dizzy at times). Still amazing stuff.
I don't have a lot of time, as I am getting ready for work. You make some excellent points, and your debate skills are very refined. It is nice to debate with someone who has these skills!
Lets just agree to disagree on this one, though I don't disagree with most of what you are saying. I do disagree that one should spend their valuable time proofing their posts for slashdot. My time is too valuable for that.
There's an easy way to solve that. Give them once chance to pass the test before entering ed school, and if they fail they spend a term in remedial classes before they can take it again. (If someone's skills are so weak that they can fail it because they had a bad day, they probably need remediation anyway.)
I would like to comment on this! This is basically already being done. Because our aspiring teachers are so weak in math and science (and probably more, but I only tutored these 2) they do have to review. All elementary education teachers are required to take a class on techniques used to teach elementary mathmatics. But they never get to the techniques, because they spend their entire time trying to make sure that the future teachers actually understand the math themselves. Basically we need to find a way to eliminate the poor prospects. I agree that they take the PPST first. But, I don't think they should get a 2nd chance. Also, it needs to be harder. Put it this way, I had only 1 wrong on the entire 3 hour test, and I wish to this day that I had payed the $15 to see my answers (so I could find out which one it was). Heck, I even passed the spelling and grammar portion with a perfect score!
BTW, I also still loath the grammar nazi. I understand that communication is needed, but even with my unrefined skills you seem to be able to grasp my concepts. Though I am a bit hazed on cough syrup right now, so excuse any errors or mentions of pink pachaderms.
Firstly, thanks for actually putting something with thought behind it down, rather than just being a grammar nazi. I don't mind discussing this topic, as long as it is with someone who is capable of original thought. Thanks. What frustrates me is when someone says my arguement is invalid because I missed an apostrophe.
It's ALWAYS time to worry about logical fallacies, like the false dichotomy you just used. Spelling and grammar are there to make certain that the content is accessible, rather than being confused or obscured by errors and ambiguities.
Firstly, I teach upper secondary education classes (grades 11, 12, +). I do not teach elementary education. This is the key. By the time these students get to me, they already couldn't care less about grammar, spelling, or anything other than drugs and sex. There is absoluetly no way I can show them the correct way to use an apostrophe without first convincing them that they want to learn. My job is to show them that learning is fun and interesting, and eventually they discover this and will have enough pride in their work to want to use the correct grammar/spelling. There are times to worry about these things, and times not to. A message board is a place to exchange thoughts and ideas for fun and self growth. Obviously you need average to above average language skills to discuss these things, but you don't need to be perfect.
If you can't spell a word, you're not going to be able to look it up.
I dont mean to offend, but this is the most common excuse that middle schoolers use to defend their poor spelling. They can't look it up because they can't spell it, so how will they ever figure out how to spell it. Poor arguement indeed, and I think upon reflection you would agree.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation are basic. You may not hold yourself to the standards you expect of a teacher, but I do. I wouldn't expect an elementary school teacher to know the math and science I do, but if they are teaching spelling and grammar they should be able to do it the right way every time, in class and out. I expect everyone, even the gym teacher, to get things right on report cards and such. Call it a religious duty, the right writing rite.
I do hold myself to a set of standards, far more strict than most of the parents of my students. But, I do not hold myself to such a strict grammar/spelling standard that I believe my arguements are all false because they have spelling/grammar mistakes in them. That is what the issue is about here. Any arguement I put on slashdot is fine, until I mention that I am a teacher. Then the grammar nazis come out. I am glad though that you have such strict expectations for the education level of teachers. The sad truth is that all aspiring teachers in this country have to pass an exam PPST, which is very easy. With that said, I watched many of my peers struggle on the test, and even have to retake it. Lets just say that over 75% of the elementary teachers out there, do not really understand the math that they are teaching. I tutored them, don't even get me started on my experiance trying to teach future elementary teachers what a fraction is. I do have a theory on why these people choose education, but that is for a different day.
If you don't want things to devolve to discussions about spelling and grammar, hold yourself to a high enough standard that nobody raises the issue with you.
I know this is a weak arguement, but it is not possible. Firstly, depending on what part of the world you are from, there are different standards. Secondly, this is a place to rapidly exchange ideas and opinions, not a term paper. And yes, even your post has flaws in it depending on who reads it. Grantid, your statements are probably perfect according to your standards, but language is a dynamic thing that changes every day. I could quite easily use the contaction ain't in my post, and 20 people would argue that it isn't a word, and teachers shou
Ahhhh, thanks. Aussie found what was confusing me. Now it makes sence. Mod aussie up please!
I may be totally out in left field on this one (or in Norway), but I have no idea what you just said? Are you implying that Norway has a problem with psycho teachers, or is this similar to some joke that I obviously have not heard. Wait, Norway schools are like Swedish insane asylums? Oh god, I'm not sleeping tonight. I need to get this.
Ohreally_factor, I just looked through a few of your other posts, and your sig, and I am not sure you are totally stable! But, you are surely keeping people on their toes! Good job! Wow! I will never drink Mr. Pib again.
Excellent point, and I don't know. I do know that they had me alter some of the html on his site. Meta-tags mostly, which I hadn't heard of until then. For those of you who haven't (I can't be the only one), they are quite simple. I also know that there were hundreds of sites created by this company to sell their own product. Not a bad idea though! Build a product, then make money selling sites which sell your product, but you don't have to maintain the sites or do any marketing at that point. Let everyone else do it.
You mean like the Pyramid Scheme?
So, does this mean that the first people to use the SEOs will get ranked first first. Thus jumping in now is the way to go? So I suppose if I want to be at the very top of the pyramid I have to start my own SEO company?
If anyone wants to jump in now, and get rich with me, send $5 to me soon!
Ianna B. Rich
1 Only Way
Ocean Front, Arizona 56789
My friend was once marketed by a company who was trying to sell car security systems. What they wanted to sell him was a website where he could market these systems himself. They claimed that all he had to do was purchase a premade website, for $12,000. After selling 15 systems, it would pay for itself. If the website didn't pay for itself, he would get his money back.
Anyway, as soon as he purchased, he noticed that his page was showing up on page 50+ on google. So, he wanted to fix this. He payed big bucks to a Search Engine Optomization company. In return, within a few months the company had him moved up to the 2nd page.
Did it work, yes! Was it worth it, no. Everything they had him do, I suggested to him (I found lists of techniques online). By the way, he got his $12,000 back (sounded like a scam to me, but I guess not).
Cant you already use google, specify the website or domain, and input your search request? Also, could anyone explain when this would be useful? Why not just go to the site, and search there?
For real physics, real damage, and real fun (and real cheap), there are some great older racing games.
Anything made by Papyrus. Personally, my 2 favorites are Nascar Legends and Grand Prix Legends (now a free download from Blackhole motorsports). GPL has better physics, but NL lets you drive the old rear wheel drive boats that many of us grew up driving. Also, both games work great on old 300mhz systems that have a 3d card of any sort. Heck, GPL still has a HUGE following and is considered to be one of the hardest, but most realistic racing games of all time. And NL still rules. I am even still in an NL league!
the sad part is, he could have the answers for sale for $1 there are 2 types of students (fits 99% of them) 1. the honest ones who wouldn't take them for free 2. the idiots who would rather spent the $1 on "a smoke" from sidney.