Silliness So what are you doing RIGHT NOW? - Page 1611

recluse · 10-28-2010, 01:56 AM

I don't buy cookies from questionable organizations.

They overcharge, too.

The supermarket had a 60% off sale on Lu cookies.

nomesque · 10-28-2010, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recluse

I've got 8 boxes of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) cookies and no one to share them with.

Cue the women beating on recluse's door...

recluse · 10-28-2010, 02:18 AM

You're drooling on my "Fark Off!" mat!

nomesque · 10-28-2010, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recluse

You're drooling on my "Fark Off!" mat!

Beats farking on your "Drool Off!" mat, I guess.

Edited to add: Cripes, carpet burn times 100???

SneakySnake · 10-28-2010, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recluse

I don't buy cookies from questionable organizations.

They overcharge, too.

The supermarket had a 60% off sale on Lu cookies.

A man after my own heart.

chocolate biscuits AND a bargain hunter! wow!

SneakySnake · 10-28-2010, 02:36 AM

I just googled said biscuits and discovered that you can buy them from
Amazon.com at what looks more than 5 times the price you can get them in Coles.

recluse · 10-28-2010, 02:40 AM

Nomesque, you wash your mouth out with soap!
And my "Fark Off" mat with bleach!
I'ed like to know how I'm supposed to get that image out of my head!

dreams · 10-28-2010, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recluse

I've got 8 boxes of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) cookies and no one to share them with.

Sony Reader (check) special coffee (check) comfy blanket (check) toothbrush (check)

**Locking door and on my way***

GeoffC · 10-28-2010, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebarnmom

SOS! Shel's brand new grandbaby Toryn is in trouble. See the message I posted in the "Light a Virtual Candle" thread.

Dashes over ....

pilotbob · 10-29-2010, 06:06 PM

It was a while ago I mentioned that I was considering dropping my "cable" TV service and exploring the options. People here asked that I keep them up to date. (I think it was this thread.) So, I took some big steps this week... here is an update with what I did.

1. I had an antenna installed on the house. It is a Winegard HD-1080 that cost me $30 at buy.com. The antenna installation cost me $107.

2. I called and canceled my TV service. I was paying $135 a month to Verizon for Phone/TV/Internet. I was getting no premium content and I had 20/5 internet and a phone with no long distance or other goodies. I moved to a "FiOS Double play" which includes a Freedom Essentials phone service w/ caller id, call waiting, three-way calling, voice mail, etc. and 25/25 internet. This is $84.99 a month plus fees/taxes and I went for the 2-year commitment so that price will be the same for two years. I was going to drop the landline too.. but the internet price without any bundle was only $5 less than getting the phone bundled with it. So, $5 for the phone is worth it.

3. I set up uTorrent's RSS downloader to pull down TV shows that I can't record from the antenna. I found a great web site that custom creates an RSS feed for you with the shows you want. It is called showRSS. BTW: Only the Windows version of utorrent has the RSS Downloader. But... there are Mac RSS d/l'ers you can get too.

4. I have been using pyTivo running on my Mac so I can watch the downloaded shows on my TiVo attached to my HDTV. This works pretty well but is one item I want to upgrade.

4. Blockbuster DVD by mail. We can have 3-movies out at a time... and we can turn in a mailed one to the store and get a movie from the store 5 times a month. We might move to Netflix so we can get the streaming though... however I hear that Sony just stopped allowing them to stream Sony movies in HD.

Bottom line so far:

I am spending about $40 a month less to Verizon, getting better phone and internet service and not missing any TV shows since I can d/l the ones that aren't available on the antenna. That savings will add up year after year as cable TV rates go up and OTA continues to be free.

Future plans:

While pyTivo/TiVo combo does allow me to watch the d/l'ed files it doesn't have a very nice interface. I am just presented with a list of files (sure I have them in folders) but I have no idea what I have watched.

So, I am considering three possible options...

1. Sell the TiVo
and get a Windows Media Center PC to replace it. The biggest benefit here is that I can use our "extra" XBox 360 in the bedroom to watch stuff that is recorded. Biggest downside here is cost and UI. I think there are some add-ons you can get that will present your movie/tv library more like Boxee/Plex does. Other downside is cost. Although, it would be paid for the first year with the CATV savings.

2. Boxee box.
Boxee is a "media center" like software that runs on Mac/Windows/Linux. It provides a really nice UI that catalogs all of your movies and TV. It downloads metadata, fan art. It also has some social-networking aspects so you can follow friends to see what they "like" and can watch it if you want (assuming it is free online).

The Boxee box is an all in one "set-top" device that runs the Boxee software, has HDMI/Optical audio outputs, etc for $200. Biggest downside here is all the metadata and watched status are on the single Boxee box. If I got a second box for the bedroom it wouldn't share the "watched" statues. Although, perhaps they will move this info to the "cloud" since you do need a Boxee account to use boxee.

3. Plex 9.
This is also media center software like Boxee. It has an even nicer UI than Boxee's. The biggest advantage with this one is that the Plex software is client/server. So, the Plex Media server runs on 1 pc and this is where all the metadata and watched statues are stored. Then a client on another PC/device can access the media server and stream from it. NICE.

They have also announced that LG Netcast TVs and Blu-Ray players will include the Plex 9 client in them. I don't yet have a Blu-Ray and I do want to get one... so this might fit right it.

I am also hoping that a Plex client app will be written for the new $99 AppleTV. TV, since they have one for the iPad it's not a stretch.

Biggest downside to this one, currently it is Mac only. While that is not a problem I don't want to pay "Mac" prices for a machine I shove in the corner to be the media server. However, they did state that a Windows version is in the works. I'll re-check the status when the Plex enabled LG Netcast stuff comes out. I expect they will want to be on Windows by then.

-------

So, that's the status update. Oh.. one other thing... I watch TOO MUCH TV!

BOb

kazbates · 10-29-2010, 09:57 PM

I'm sitting here *finally* checking into MobileRead after a fairly long hiatus and being sad because my long-term substitute job teaching 4th grade ended today. I'm going to miss all those little buggers. They are a great bunch of kids.

On the upside, though, I will have more time to scan books and check in at MR.

SneakySnake · 10-29-2010, 09:59 PM

You can put your feet up until the next job comes along. Enjoy the rest.

kazbates · 10-29-2010, 10:06 PM

Thanks, SS! It was grueling but it reenergized my love of teaching, so I took that as a blessing. I'm one of the teachers that get way to attached - like they are all my children - and have separation anxiety at the end of a job.

At least it helped me decide that I want to reenter the teaching work force on a full-time basis.

SneakySnake · 10-29-2010, 10:06 PM

I am looking for a new bicycle. I like this one, but I am trying to work out if it has standard mountain bike wheels or bigger?

bicycle

dreams · 10-29-2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazbates

I'm sitting here *finally* checking into MobileRead after a fairly long hiatus and being sad because my long-term substitute job teaching 4th grade ended today. I'm going to miss all those little buggers. They are a great bunch of kids.

On the upside, though, I will have more time to scan books and check in at MR.

Sorry, your sub job ended.

We have missed you around here. It's good to see you back and popping in.

Welcome back, Kaz!

10-29-2010, 06:06 PM	#24160
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	It was a while ago I mentioned that I was considering dropping my "cable" TV service and exploring the options. People here asked that I keep them up to date. (I think it was this thread.) So, I took some big steps this week... here is an update with what I did. 1. I had an antenna installed on the house. It is a Winegard HD-1080 that cost me $30 at buy.com. The antenna installation cost me $107. 2. I called and canceled my TV service. I was paying $135 a month to Verizon for Phone/TV/Internet. I was getting no premium content and I had 20/5 internet and a phone with no long distance or other goodies. I moved to a "FiOS Double play" which includes a Freedom Essentials phone service w/ caller id, call waiting, three-way calling, voice mail, etc. and 25/25 internet. This is $84.99 a month plus fees/taxes and I went for the 2-year commitment so that price will be the same for two years. I was going to drop the landline too.. but the internet price without any bundle was only $5 less than getting the phone bundled with it. So, $5 for the phone is worth it. 3. I set up uTorrent's RSS downloader to pull down TV shows that I can't record from the antenna. I found a great web site that custom creates an RSS feed for you with the shows you want. It is called showRSS. BTW: Only the Windows version of utorrent has the RSS Downloader. But... there are Mac RSS d/l'ers you can get too. 4. I have been using pyTivo running on my Mac so I can watch the downloaded shows on my TiVo attached to my HDTV. This works pretty well but is one item I want to upgrade. 4. Blockbuster DVD by mail. We can have 3-movies out at a time... and we can turn in a mailed one to the store and get a movie from the store 5 times a month. We might move to Netflix so we can get the streaming though... however I hear that Sony just stopped allowing them to stream Sony movies in HD. Bottom line so far: I am spending about $40 a month less to Verizon, getting better phone and internet service and not missing any TV shows since I can d/l the ones that aren't available on the antenna. That savings will add up year after year as cable TV rates go up and OTA continues to be free. Future plans: While pyTivo/TiVo combo does allow me to watch the d/l'ed files it doesn't have a very nice interface. I am just presented with a list of files (sure I have them in folders) but I have no idea what I have watched. So, I am considering three possible options... 1. Sell the TiVo and get a Windows Media Center PC to replace it. The biggest benefit here is that I can use our "extra" XBox 360 in the bedroom to watch stuff that is recorded. Biggest downside here is cost and UI. I think there are some add-ons you can get that will present your movie/tv library more like Boxee/Plex does. Other downside is cost. Although, it would be paid for the first year with the CATV savings. 2. Boxee box. Boxee is a "media center" like software that runs on Mac/Windows/Linux. It provides a really nice UI that catalogs all of your movies and TV. It downloads metadata, fan art. It also has some social-networking aspects so you can follow friends to see what they "like" and can watch it if you want (assuming it is free online). The Boxee box is an all in one "set-top" device that runs the Boxee software, has HDMI/Optical audio outputs, etc for $200. Biggest downside here is all the metadata and watched status are on the single Boxee box. If I got a second box for the bedroom it wouldn't share the "watched" statues. Although, perhaps they will move this info to the "cloud" since you do need a Boxee account to use boxee. 3. Plex 9. This is also media center software like Boxee. It has an even nicer UI than Boxee's. The biggest advantage with this one is that the Plex software is client/server. So, the Plex Media server runs on 1 pc and this is where all the metadata and watched statues are stored. Then a client on another PC/device can access the media server and stream from it. NICE. They have also announced that LG Netcast TVs and Blu-Ray players will include the Plex 9 client in them. I don't yet have a Blu-Ray and I do want to get one... so this might fit right it. I am also hoping that a Plex client app will be written for the new $99 AppleTV. TV, since they have one for the iPad it's not a stretch. Biggest downside to this one, currently it is Mac only. While that is not a problem I don't want to pay "Mac" prices for a machine I shove in the corner to be the media server. However, they did state that a Windows version is in the works. I'll re-check the status when the Plex enabled LG Netcast stuff comes out. I expect they will want to be on Windows by then. ------- So, that's the status update. Oh.. one other thing... I watch TOO MUCH TV! BOb Last edited by pilotbob; 10-29-2010 at 06:12 PM.

10-28-2010, 01:56 AM	#24151
recluse Banned Posts: 3,724 Karma: 535488 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: the Mortuary Device: Kindle 2	I don't buy cookies from questionable organizations. They overcharge, too. The supermarket had a 60% off sale on Lu cookies.

10-28-2010, 02:18 AM	#24153
recluse Banned Posts: 3,724 Karma: 535488 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: the Mortuary Device: Kindle 2	You're drooling on my "Fark Off!" mat!

10-28-2010, 02:36 AM	#24156
SneakySnake I'm watching you! Posts: 6,113 Karma: 22344652 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sunny Coast Qld, OZ Device: Sony PRS-900(unused lately) iPadAir2, want me Kindle Oasis	I just googled said biscuits and discovered that you can buy them from Amazon.com at what looks more than 5 times the price you can get them in Coles.

10-28-2010, 02:40 AM	#24157
recluse Banned Posts: 3,724 Karma: 535488 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: the Mortuary Device: Kindle 2	Nomesque, you wash your mouth out with soap! And my "Fark Off" mat with bleach! I'ed like to know how I'm supposed to get that image out of my head!

10-29-2010, 09:57 PM	#24161
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	I'm sitting here finally checking into MobileRead after a fairly long hiatus and being sad because my long-term substitute job teaching 4th grade ended today. I'm going to miss all those little buggers. They are a great bunch of kids. On the upside, though, I will have more time to scan books and check in at MR.

10-29-2010, 09:59 PM	#24162
SneakySnake I'm watching you! Posts: 6,113 Karma: 22344652 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sunny Coast Qld, OZ Device: Sony PRS-900(unused lately) iPadAir2, want me Kindle Oasis	You can put your feet up until the next job comes along. Enjoy the rest.

10-29-2010, 10:06 PM	#24163
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	Thanks, SS! It was grueling but it reenergized my love of teaching, so I took that as a blessing. I'm one of the teachers that get way to attached - like they are all my children - and have separation anxiety at the end of a job. At least it helped me decide that I want to reenter the teaching work force on a full-time basis.

10-29-2010, 10:06 PM	#24164
SneakySnake I'm watching you! Posts: 6,113 Karma: 22344652 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sunny Coast Qld, OZ Device: Sony PRS-900(unused lately) iPadAir2, want me Kindle Oasis	I am looking for a new bicycle. I like this one, but I am trying to work out if it has standard mountain bike wheels or bigger? bicycle