Thank you for that! 

Great story and that song was so inspirational.  I need to do a video like that of my life's progression, and I might even use that song. 

I keep hearing that you consider yourself intelligent, and it sound like you are.  However, if you are so smart (and I don't mean this as an insult), you should easily understand that your location could be affecting your "progress".  Perhaps you should move to a place where the women aren't so judgmental (the south?).  Lower your expectations with women, and stop trying to find the "hottest" ones.  It's common sense, the hottest women will want the hottest guys, usually.  And from what you've described, you aren't the hottest guy.  You've done your best, and that's commendable.  But it's time to find happiness. 

You need to do some soul searching.  Figure out what you want in life, and analyze what others want in you.  And work towards obtaining the things you want (not just material possessions, but levels of character as well), and strive to be the "person" that the "good" types of girls would want.  Trust me, if you're not finding Miss Right, it's probably because the ones you're finding are shallow as hell.  They might be hot, but their own character needs alot of help.

It's hard to be happy, alone.  And money doesn't bring in happiness either, I can promise you.  I speak from experience.  I grew up poor as shit all my life.  And just recently, over the past couple of years, have become "rich".  All of that money will eventually bring you every possession that you could ever dream of, and it has for me.  But I can see that soon, there wll be no place for the money to go.  And I see myself getting bored as hell. 

I look to my family (wife and kids) to bring my happiness.  I feel I'm "okay" in the dad and husband category, but I know there's ALOT of room for improvement.  See?  I set goals.  It's quite simple.  You're a smart guy.  Stay out of the bars, and stay off drugs, and work on finding that happiness in yourself.  Live your life working towards that, and people (women in particular) will see that, and be driven to you.  The GOOD women.  Good luck man.  And never, never give up.

Originally posted by generals3

Originally posted by Vhayne

Also, I'd like to point out, that 85-100mph in these cars is nothing.  Really, it feels like you're going 55.  I've done 135 on curvy country roads in my Lambo (only once, realized how stupid and dangerous that was).  And on those kinds of roads, it gets a bit hairy.   But on the highway, even 150+ feels like you're just cruising.  It appears they were on a highway, so I'd say if they were going that speed, they were just barely cruising. 

My guess would be that they were passing slower cars in other lanes, and some asshat wasn't paying attention and merged over right in front of one of the cars, thereby causing an accident then a pileup. 

Seriously though...speed limits are for the lowest common denominator.  Most of them are based on cars with older technology that can't handle, can't accelerate, and can't brake like the newer cars.  55 being the max mph in my state aside from some 70mph highway speeds is ridiculous.  Newer cars, even minivans are capable of MUCH better performance and safe handling.  Driving exotic cars at posted speed limits feels like you are moving along in slow motion.  They are capable of SO much more, and can do so extremely safely.  90mph in a lambo isn't the same as 90 in your dad's oldsmobile.  But the laws are based on it unfortunately.

Well it's also because there are a lot of not so competent drivers out there who are dangerous at such speeds. A lot of people can drive "safely" at such speeds but than you have those unpredictable twats who drive as if they were alone on the road and are public dangers and while still dangerous at lower speed they still are less than at speeds like 140-160.

Very true.  I wish there were different "levels" of license you could obtain to enable you to legally drive at faster speeds.  Doubt it would work though lol.

Also, I'd like to point out, that 85-100mph in these cars is nothing.  Really, it feels like you're going 55.  I've done 135 on curvy country roads in my Lambo (only once, realized how stupid and dangerous that was).  And on those kinds of roads, it gets a bit hairy.   But on the highway, even 150+ feels like you're just cruising.  It appears they were on a highway, so I'd say if they were going that speed, they were just barely cruising. 

My guess would be that they were passing slower cars in other lanes, and some asshat wasn't paying attention and merged over right in front of one of the cars, thereby causing an accident then a pileup. 

Seriously though...speed limits are for the lowest common denominator.  Most of them are based on cars with older technology that can't handle, can't accelerate, and can't brake like the newer cars.  55 being the max mph in my state aside from some 70mph highway speeds is ridiculous.  Newer cars, even minivans are capable of MUCH better performance and safe handling.  Driving exotic cars at posted speed limits feels like you are moving along in slow motion.  They are capable of SO much more, and can do so extremely safely.  90mph in a lambo isn't the same as 90 in your dad's oldsmobile.  But the laws are based on it unfortunately.

Originally posted by Cleffy

Insurance on a Ferrarri?  That would be like $20k per year.  I doubt they have insurance to begin with, you can get a Ferrarri here for $20k.

Ferrarri 308

Anyone like how the Lamborghini on the 3rd picture looks fine despite it being the worst in safety, and hardest to control?  Also I think this calls for an obligatory Asian Driver joke.

86 MPH is pretty mundane speeds in California, you can only pile those cars up if you are drving too close.

I think you might be a bit misinformed. :)  Insurance on a Ferrari wouldn't even be close to 20k a year unless the driver has an awful driving record.  As for the Lamborghini being the "worst in safety and hardest to control", that's just ridiculous.

I have an '06 Lamborghini Gallardo.  Insurance is about $300 a month when added to our bulk policy.  I do have a clean record however.  I've driven alot of different exotics, and I can promise you, the Lambo is one of the absolute best handling cars I've ever driven.  AWD contributes mostly to this.  It's almost an "invicible" feeling, as the car seems to never want to break loose, and if it does, you might understeer a bit.  Now, as for the safety part, I can't really comment on that, as thankfully I have yet to test it. :)  

The Ferrari's I've driven (360 and F430 Scuderia) can get a bit squirrely as they are RWD, but handle just as well.  You just have to be mindful of oversteer.   Again on the safety aspect I have no opinion. 

A couple of years ago, I had the same impressions as you about the exotic cars.  But they are mostly rumors and stigmas.  The reality isn't nearly as bad as people think.

Umm, are you talking about new GTR's?  Stock 0-60 times have been in the mid 2's.  I've driven a few of them.  Insanely fast.  I wouldn't even put the EVO in the same league as a new GTR.  Yes they are amazing cars, but more "rallyish".  The GTR was designed to compete with exotic performance.  But I'd rather stick with my Gallardo.  Not anywhere near as fast, but it looks and sounds 100 times better. 

http://onlivespot.blogspot.com/2011/08/gamestop-is-afraid-of-onlive-plays.html

Some people who purchased Deus Ex: Human Revolution for PC from Gamestop stores might have been missing something of value from their box.  A coupon of the full game for use with Onlive. 

Seriously, what is this company thinking? 

Yesterday when I picked up my copy at my "usually cool" Gamestop, I was surprised to find the regional manager there along with the store manager (who has always been a cool guy, and the only reason I continue to buy from there -- I actually go WAY out of my way, passing 2 other Gamestops just to shop there).  First question - did you pre-order it?  I reply, "Nope.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy it through Steam or in the box."  Then the new guy (regional manager) chimes in, completely dissing Steam and me for liking Steam, all so he could promote their new online distribution thing called Impulse.  I just laughed at him.  

Later when I discovered that it was because of this new Impulse thing that he was pitching, that the Onlive copies of HR were pulled, I couldn't help but shake my head.  Luckily I got my copy before that email was sent to the stores.  But I feel bad for the other people who got jipped. 

I used to work as a copier tech, and spend about 75% of my day driving all over the place using highways alot.  I've had this happen quite a few times.  You just can't remember anything about the drive you just drove.

I've also had something a bit different and more weird happen about a dozen times in my 6 years as a tech.  I called it "driving amnesia".  Basically, all of a sudden while driving, I'd forget where I was, where I was supposed to be going and why I was going there.  Even if it was a somewhat familiar place, this has happened.  Strange as hell.  Thankfully it would only last for about a minute.  But in that minute it was freaking crazy.

For the record, I don't drink ever, nor do I do any type of drugs. 

I'm happy that video games have become popular, and I give that credit to the current generation of consoles.  However, I'm extremely disappointed in the majority of developers over the past years. 

With the last generation of consoles (PS2, Xbox, Gamecube), the games were "pushing the envelope" of technology when they were released.  Incredible graphics, sound and gameplay, even topping the current blockbuster PC games.  After a couple of years though, the PC developers equalled and then surpassed the technology of the consoles.  PC Games were on the top again for a while. 

Then came the next generation of consoles, and once again, they were back on top of the tech.  But for some reason, hence my disappointment, PC games just aren't advancing fast enough to make the consoles look inferior anymore.  And I feel the reason for that is because the developers are more focusing on revenue from cross-platform games and having to lower tech features so that they are inline with what the consoles can handle. 

If we were going with the usual scale of the past, PC games should be leaps and bounds ahead in terms of technology and graphics when compared to consoles by now.  But they aren't.  It's quite sad.

And I'm enjoying the hell out ot it now!

It could be the new computer.  I played the beta on my older PC.  Got lost constantly in the city.  Couldn't find mobs to kill.  Didn't understand the levelquest system.  HATED the controls and combat.

But now, I just don't understand it.  I went into the game this time, with a different perspective.  I have been reading all the NPC stuff, and doing what they say.  If you do the things in the order they tell you to, then it explains all the stuff that seemed foreign before. 

I'm still confused about some things, like where to get more levelquests once I've finished the ones I have.  Where do I go to purchase tools and weapons so I can be the other classes.  How do you simply reply in chat, without having to type out your friend's whole name. 

But all in all, the game is running great, looks great, controls ALOT better than beta, and I'm enjoying it so far. 

Originally posted by Dekron

Originally posted by Vhayne

Originally posted by Dekron

GAmestop didn't fail. You did for not researching their policies.

 Did you even read the very first sentance?  Their policies change nearly every month practically.  And they never disclose these new changes.

Yes, I did. As a consumer it is your responsibilty to know those new policies. Everytime I buy a game, movie, console, pc, pc part, etc. I always ask "What is your reutrn policy". It's not that difficult. And yes, they do disclose the changes.

Every GS i've been in usually has there policies aped to the counter. Or you can always go to http://www.gamestop.com/gs/help/Store%20Return%20Policy.pdf. It's very easy to find it.

 Ya know man, you're right.  If you want to be anal about the entire thing, then sure, every single transaction make sure you ask the clerk about their policies.  And while you're at it, make sure to have their policies page bookmarked, so it can be part of your daily readings every morning.

Because at the rate I purchase games from their store, I'd have to keep tabs on that crap at least a couple times a month, if not more. 

The point isn't to sound like a lawyer to your customers.  The point is to have decent customer service, and treat your customers with respect.  You sound like a lawyer Dekron lol. 

Originally posted by tvalentine

use the 10$ as credit for a pre-order later, and buy the 13$ game now ..... whats the big deal? Also, the psp thing seems fishy, i can see why they changed their policy on that. Also considering you tried returning it 2 years after you first bought it. Dont see the problem here. I also kind of chuckled about the "i dont like the color of my psp" part .... i might have laughed at you too for wanting to exchange a used psp for a new one because you wanted a different color.

Lastly, i suggest playing this song for your kid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_vcFUAUXzY

 Lol I have to agree.  Swapping it out for a different color is pretty silly.  But look at it from another angle...

You go to their store, purchase whatever, and you're drilled with 20 questions about buying replacement plans, placing pre-orders, joining their EDGE club every single time.  EVERY single time.  If you listen to their sales pitches on these things, the replacement plan pitch specifically, they say, "You can bring it back and swap it out for a new one.  No questions asked.  As long as it hasn't been damaged.  Defects are ok."

So, by purchasing this plan, you should be entitled to exactly what you were told.  Regardless of the reasons you wish to excercise your right to actually USE the plan. 

They don't tell you when they are pushing you for those pre-orders, that if you change your mind, you can't get your money back.....AT ALL.  You paid for something but never got the product.  That's just bad business. 

I run a company that's pushing half a mil in profit per year.  You know why we are doing so well in this economy?  Because we listen to our customers.  We are overly generous.  Make a customer happy and they will return...with friends.  Piss of a customer, and you lose them, and quite possibly all of their friends.  It's common sense.

Originally posted by Dekron

GAmestop didn't fail. You did for not researching their policies.

 Did you even read the very first sentance?  Their policies change nearly every month practically.  And they never disclose these new changes.

I swear this company comes out with more "new rules", but forgets to disclose this information to their customer more than any company I've ever seen.

The latest issue this time was concerning pre-order payments.  See, I live very close to many Gamestops (probably 7 within a 30 min drive), and one is extremely close, about 10 min away.  I usually deal with them when it comes to pre-ordering my games.  But a few months ago, I was at one of the stores farther away,  and stupid me - placed a pre-order on SC2 Collector's Edition, for 10 bucks because I had learned that by pre-ordering, you'd get beta access.  Well, I happened to be in that mall that night, and just figured WTH and did it.

I tried the beta, didn't care for it (because it was strictly multiplayer and I kept getting my ass kicked), and decided then I wouldn't purchase after all.  Months went by, and honestly forgot that I had pre-ordered at that particular store.  I change my mind about wanting the game, and decided to pre-order the regular edition at my local store.  No biggie on the 10 bucks, I figured I'd get it back later, as the record should still be in the system.

So I go into the Gamestop at the mall, look around for a while, find a game I want to purchase for 13 bucks.  I know they changed their policy years ago about giving back refunds on pre-orders (which I understand, I mean I did get my beta access).  But as far as I understood, you could get the pre-order amount back as store credit, and apply it to my new purchase. 

WRONG.  With their "new" rule, pre-order amounts that are not applied to purchased said game, must be used for yet another pre-order. 

I argued with the guy until I was red in the face.  I even went so far as explaining to him that I was going to apply the 10 bucks to purchasing one of their (old as hell) PC games, that I know were NOT moving off the shelf.  Still he refused to work with me. 

The 10 bucks, I don't mind.  The store clerk, I don't mind.  Gamestop and their idiocy, I definately mind. 

ANOTHER STORY --

2 years ago, I purchased a God of War PSP Bundle from Gamestop, and purchased the "replacement plan" for it.  I was told upon purchasing it, that I would be allowed to return my PSP with no questions asked, and swap it out for a new PSP, or bundle, as long as I had all the original packaging components.

1 year ago, I decided I didn't really want a red PSP, and I'd rather have a silver one, so I brought it back to the store, and had absolutely no problem at all swapping it for the (new at the time) Final Fantasy Dissidia PSP Bundle, which I believe was cheaper than what I paid for my GoW bundle.  Of course, I purchased the replacement plan that time too.

Soon after, I stopped playing the PSP and gave it to my 5yo son.  This year for his birthday (last month), he wanted a "new" PSP.  He had seen an ad for the Metal Gear Package with the green PSP.  That's the one he wanted.

So, like previously, I packed everything back up (having carefully saved everything), and went to the store to swap it out and buy a new replacement plan on the new PSP Bundle.

I was laughed at for even attempting such a thing.  2 different managers from 2 different stores said the same thing, "You can't swap out an old bundle for a newer one just to get a different color or new game".  I understood their point in this.

However, seeing as how I spend hundreds of dollars each month with their store, and how I was planning on purchasing their 100% profit-for-them replacement plan yet again, and how I was  told that this was a "no question return", you'd think they'd be a bit more reasonable.

But nope.  The only way they'd swap it out for me was for another Dissidia bundle, or for a regular PSP (allowing me to keep the bundle components of my current bundle.  I told them to shove it up their ass and left with my original PSP.

Tonight, at the Gamestop in the mall, I vowed to the clerk, that I was going to start my own retail game store, and put them out of business, with EXCELLENT customer service.  Who knows, perhaps I will one day.  I'm sure everyone would love breaking the monopoly that Gamestop has over the industry with their 100% gaming store.  I'm sick of them, and I'm sure many many more people are as well.

Originally posted by deviliscious

Nah his chair looks boring.. I think this one would be more fun though!

http://www.break.com/index/popular-new-arcade-ride.html

 That nearly got me in trouble with my wife behind me at her desk.  lol

Originally posted by Ihmotepp

Originally posted by Vhayne

Here's my theory or idea.  Laugh if you like. :)

1.  Pass a law that any company based in the United States cannot move their companies outside our borders.  Basically, no more outsourcing.  Bring the jobs back to America!

2.  Drastically lower the amount of taxes citizens are required to pay. 

3.  Drastically increase the amount of taxes corporations are required to pay.   This should balance out the reduction in citizen taxes.

4.  Pass a law stating it is illegal for immigrants to work.  Period.  If they want to work, then they must become a citizen.  Give jobs back to OUR people!

5.  If companies hire immigrants as opposed to citizens, then the owners of these companies will face federal prosecution and imprisonment.

6.  Pass a law stating that if 2 people are to be married, then both must be citizens.  No more marrige equals citizenship.

7.  No more children born into automatic citizenship. 

8.  Welfare recipients will be given random drug tests no less than 6 times a year.  Get off yer ass and work!

 

 

1. You can't do anything to outlaw a company moving form the US. You can put import duties on overseas companies, but then those countries will put import duties on your exports, and you start a trade war.

But if say, Apple wants to make computers in China, you can't outlaw that. you have no control over what happens in China, only the Chinese government can say who can manufacture there, not the US. 

2. Lower taxes is good. You have to lower Government Spending at the same time, or you go into more debt, and your dollar won't be worth a penny.

3. CItizens pay taxes. Let's use Apple again. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Obama want to spend trillions of dollars on health care reform. So they need tax money.

They tax you for 100 dollars. Now, they say, oh, taxing a  citizen is bad, let's tax business! So you don't pay 100 dollars in taxes, but they still need 100 dollars in tax revenue.

So, they jack up taxes on Apple Computers. Apple has to pay employees, and buy materials to make their computers. If they sell them for less than their expensese, they go broke, and out of business.

Now that Apple has to pay your 100 dollars in taxes, they charge you 100 dollars more for a computer. They have to, or they can shut down.

You say you won't buy an Apple computer now? Great, they lay off people, and more unemployment, and a worse economy.

Plus, it won't be just Apple computer, but EVERY business. You have buy something, and everytime you do, you'll pay those taxes, or the companies will go broke.

You'll pay either way.

4. We already have laws against illegal immigrants working. neither Dems, nor Reps will enforce those laws.

Dems want the Hispanic vote, so they don't enforce the border. Reps want the vote of big business, and they like cheap illegal labor.

Both parties want to keep large numbers of illegals coming to the US.

 

 I completely understand what you're saying.  With the laws, regulations and politcal parties that exist today, none of my ideas could work. 

That's why we have to scrap it all and make new rules. 

1.  Taking Apple as an example.  If they want to manufacture their products in another country, but still have their corporations and leaders in this country so they can live it up being rich as hell and not roughing it in some 3rd world country, then they need to be exiled, deported, ostricized, or any other terrible means.  In other words, they need to be punished for taking advantage of the system and the people of this country. 

Also, any and all imports from their companies overseas should be completely blocked. 

The bottom line with outsourcing is, there needs to be a serious and massive change in laws that "protect" them as they are now. 

3. and 4.    This is an example of how our current government, being democratic or republican, it doesn't matter, needs to change entirely.  Our entire way of doing things needs to change.  Stop electing these corporate pricks into office.  I'd rather see some hard working redneck, who's been through rough times like the rest of us, start calling the shots instead of these silver-spoon-fed assholes that run this country.  The worst part is the citizens still vote for these people, knowing they are corrupt as hell and have alterior motives.  But Mr. Hamburger Flipper doesn't have a choice, it's either Corrupt Rep A for president, or Corrupt Dem B. 

The thread was titled:  Your plan to jumpstart the American economy  -not-  Your plan to jumpstart the American economy, but following the current guidelines and agendas of the current government.  :)

Here's my theory or idea.  Laugh if you like. :)

1.  Pass a law that any company based in the United States cannot move their companies outside our borders.  Basically, no more outsourcing.  Bring the jobs back to America!

2.  Drastically lower the amount of taxes citizens are required to pay. 

3.  Drastically increase the amount of taxes corporations are required to pay.   This should balance out the reduction in citizen taxes.

4.  Pass a law stating it is illegal for immigrants to work.  Period.  If they want to work, then they must become a citizen.  Give jobs back to OUR people!

5.  If companies hire immigrants as opposed to citizens, then the owners of these companies will face federal prosecution and imprisonment.

6.  Pass a law stating that if 2 people are to be married, then both must be citizens.  No more marrige equals citizenship.

7.  No more children born into automatic citizenship. 

8.  Welfare recipients will be given random drug tests no less than 6 times a year.  Get off yer ass and work!

My point in this is primarily bring the jobs back to the American people and soley to it's citizens (the ones that live here and must spend money here to survive).  It is simple as to what has happened. 

Just in my area alone, you can see if every single day.  The manufacturing business all moved to China or Mexico, leaving all of those people unemployeed. 

Drive by any construction zone and you'll see 95% hispanics working where Americans once did.  Most have fake ID's so they can get their checks cashed, because they are NOT citizens.  The companies hiring them do so, because they are so cheap, and they can make more money by doing so.  The most important problem is that the majority of the money that these immigrants make, goes straight back to their home country to help out their families.  I know that's supposed to be a good, honorable thing.  And it is, but the problem is that the money being made in America, should STAY in America. EX-  If said "mexican" spent his money at the local Walmart, then said Walmart might possibly be able to hire more employees. 

If you bring the jobs back to the US, and give them to US citizens, then the wages earned by them gets spent here in the US, thereby funding more jobs here in the US. 

Greedy corporations and companies are what's put us in this position.  Those that outsource and those that hire illegal workers.  Bottom line.

I think it's awesome.  Yeah, it might be ridiculous, but it looks like fun, and the closest way to simulate that kind of thing. 

Thanks guys.  I just uninstalled Pando Media Booster, and in the process of testing now.  So far, everything seems cool.  :)

Originally posted by slim26

Yes I experience this as well and also Vindictus website got disconnected lmao, so that tells that over a 100k people are watching for sever up message, some are even sleep at the desk while still clicking page refresh with the only finger that is awake.

 Yeah, closing the Vidictus web page doesn't seem to help.  Only way I've seen to fix it is to reboot completely.  It's kindof like when you are downloading a torrent, or a client that's using a torrent delivery system.  It slows down your internet.