Comments
Posted by Damion :: 
:: 
:: Jan 11, 2005 07:01pm
:: :: Jan 11, 2005 07:01pmThen there are the wolves, preying on the sheep. And the anti-wolves, which are more like hairless weasels... I'm not really sure why they're called anti-wolves... And don't get me started on the anti-anti-wolves. *shakes head*
Posted by Damion :: :: :: Jan 11, 2005 08:11pm
:: :: Jan 11, 2005 08:11pmAnd it all began so humbly.
Posted by Ryland :: :: 
:: Jan 11, 2005 08:44pm
:: :: Jan 11, 2005 08:44pmI actually want to read that book. Despite its' having the words "insanely great" in the title.
Posted by Hank :: 
:: :: Jan 12, 2005 07:44am
:: :: Jan 12, 2005 07:44amExcellent, I've ordered 2!!
Posted by Khalid Hanif :: :: :: Jan 12, 2005 09:01am
:: :: Jan 12, 2005 09:01amI've got three pre-ordered and have posted the ad onto 178 web forums so far, to let all my fellow bummers know.
Posted by ZSGhost :: :: :: Jan 12, 2005 04:56pm
:: :: Jan 12, 2005 04:56pmI was listening to iTunes as I read this... man, that made my day. Congrats.
Posted by Amy Bo Bamy :: :: :: Jan 12, 2005 05:36pm
:: :: Jan 12, 2005 05:36pmFreakin' hilarious.
Thanks for the laugh! :)
Thanks for the laugh! :)
Posted by UrsusVultus :: :: :: Jan 13, 2005 12:19am
:: :: Jan 13, 2005 12:19amI have the Titanium compsite model pre-ordered!
PS: I hope you dont mind that I post this in my blog (With Credits and a link of course.)
PS: I hope you dont mind that I post this in my blog (With Credits and a link of course.)
Posted by Ryland :: :: :: Jan 13, 2005 12:52am
:: :: Jan 13, 2005 12:52amOf course I don't mind, link away. And post a link to your blog here, too.
Posted by Rick :: :: :: Jan 13, 2005 09:24am
:: :: Jan 13, 2005 09:24am Environmentalists picket at Macworld over Apple policies
Macs aren't in big use down in this part of the US, except for military families and people who use a lot of multimedia/graphics software.
Macs aren't in big use down in this part of the US, except for military families and people who use a lot of multimedia/graphics software.
Posted by el Bow :: :: :: Jan 15, 2005 11:10am
:: :: Jan 15, 2005 11:10amHello, my name is el Bow and I use apple products. I am on my third powerbook, own an iPod and have ordered the new iPod shuffle to use when I run.
all: Hi, el Bow
all: Hi, el Bow
Posted by jman :: :: :: Jan 17, 2005 04:22am
:: :: Jan 17, 2005 04:22am:)
It's sad, really that some Mac fans get so defensive and upset when the other 98% of the desktop computer users on planet Earth point out the painfully obvious...
Usually when someone is dropped sharply on their head as a child, or imbibes the quantities of illicit substances required to make Macs seem like a good idea, it kills off any aggression and the ability to GET offended as it "gently" encourages the user to buy expensive computers with silly but pretty logos on them.
It's sad, really that some Mac fans get so defensive and upset when the other 98% of the desktop computer users on planet Earth point out the painfully obvious...
Usually when someone is dropped sharply on their head as a child, or imbibes the quantities of illicit substances required to make Macs seem like a good idea, it kills off any aggression and the ability to GET offended as it "gently" encourages the user to buy expensive computers with silly but pretty logos on them.
Posted by jwhazel :: :: :: Jan 17, 2005 02:15pm
:: :: Jan 17, 2005 02:15pmIt's sad, really that some Mac fans get so defensive and upset when the other 98% of the desktop computer users on planet Earth point out the painfully obvious...
What exactly is so "painfully obvious"? Please explain...
What exactly is so "painfully obvious"? Please explain...
Posted by jman :: :: :: Jan 18, 2005 12:06am
:: :: Jan 18, 2005 12:06amAm I foolish to explain here? I mean, they have such trouble with mouse buttons...
According to the latest estimates, Apple's already small market share continues down, and it's largely thanks to the psychology created by the overpriced iPod. And Mac users who buy the players contribute to the problem by encouraging the company to maintain its high-margin death march.
I thought the lemming-like psychology (OK that was a hoax, I admit it, damn you Walt...) of this self-flaggelating cult of overspenders was "painfully obvious" from Ryland's brilliant bit of parody. Better yet, it's parody with a level of clarity and wit you just don't get any old place on the web.
Since it appears that most rational people seem to feel that Apple owners are paying too much for too little, and it's spelled out in plain but funny language above, I felt that "painfully obvious" would be a reasonable assertion, based on:
a) objective evidence of the continuing decline of Apple market share caused by the iCult itself, ironically
b) the parody shown above, right here on this very web page!
See? That's why it's funny! Because to most of us, it's "painfully obvious" that the contents of this item hit close to the mark, but it's still funny to hear someone use them to poke fun at the cult of Apple worshipers!
According to the latest estimates, Apple's already small market share continues down, and it's largely thanks to the psychology created by the overpriced iPod. And Mac users who buy the players contribute to the problem by encouraging the company to maintain its high-margin death march.
I thought the lemming-like psychology (OK that was a hoax, I admit it, damn you Walt...) of this self-flaggelating cult of overspenders was "painfully obvious" from Ryland's brilliant bit of parody. Better yet, it's parody with a level of clarity and wit you just don't get any old place on the web.
Since it appears that most rational people seem to feel that Apple owners are paying too much for too little, and it's spelled out in plain but funny language above, I felt that "painfully obvious" would be a reasonable assertion, based on:
a) objective evidence of the continuing decline of Apple market share caused by the iCult itself, ironically
b) the parody shown above, right here on this very web page!
See? That's why it's funny! Because to most of us, it's "painfully obvious" that the contents of this item hit close to the mark, but it's still funny to hear someone use them to poke fun at the cult of Apple worshipers!
Posted by jwhazel :: :: :: Jan 18, 2005 02:19am
:: :: Jan 18, 2005 02:19amI mean, they have such trouble with mouse buttons...
Not sure how that is relavent. Anyway... I don't understand peoples concerns with Apples financial outlook. Their doom has been forcasted since the late 80's/early 90's. This seems to be one of those things that mac-haters love to hold on to. I see Apple continuing to innovate products and software. I freely admit that there quality/usefulness is subjective. People are entitled to their opinions and consequently not everyone likes Apple products, the same as not everyone likes Betty Crocker products or Daimler Chrysler. However I find it real hard to beleive that a company that is on its "death march", whether it was forcasted 10+ years ago or just recently, continue to release products.
Since it appears that most rational people seem to feel that Apple owners are paying too much for too little
Haha.... I'm sorry, somehow I have the feeling by "most rational people" you are in fact refering to yourself. I've never seen any market research, case studies, or even a general consensus that this was true. I could just as easily say "most rational people beleive in god". Whether its true or not is irrelavent, but it certainly isn't true because I say it is. The only thing I've found remotely close to corroborating your claim is a bunch of postings and inane ramblings by people who have never used a Mac before in their life. Contrary to popular belief by these same people, customer satisfaction isn't due in part because people are "embarrased" of their purchase and refuse to admit it. Many people are just plain satisfied. They shopped around, they weighed the options, this is what they chose, and they wouldn't change it for anything. The same applies to people who purchase PC's. Different strokes for different folks.
Most rational people, thats a good one. I'll quote Homer Simpson on this one: "Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything. 14% of people know that."
Better yet, it's parody with a level of clarity and wit you just don't get any old place on the web.
You're right, I haven't heard this before... oh wait... yes I have. I've seen the same stuff posted in 50 million other blogs/messageboards/news sites/etc... for the past several years. Apple computers suck. They cost too much. They're not fast enough. People who use Macs are idiots, ad nauseum. Its mac bashing, plain and simple. I've heard it all before, and while there were a few things that did make me laugh, I find the only originality is the format it was delivered in. I give the creator props for the parody. Clarity and wit? Maybe if you are still in high school.
objective evidence of the continuing decline of Apple market share caused by the iCult itself, ironically
Objective evidence? Where? In the parody or by the almighty Dvorak? How about logical evidence: if Apple didn't have a following, nobody would buy their products. It's that simple. If nobody attended Aerosmith concerts and bought their CD's, there wouldn't be an Aerosmith. Looking to the right of my screen, I see a button for Firefox. It's popular because it has a community, and even though it holds a smaller market share, it still has fanatical devotees. If nobody used Firefox, nobody would develop it. Yes you can use convoluted logic to explain the eventual demise of popular products due to fanaticism, but in the end a company that has no semblence of loyalty will not even be given that chance. Apple sells products to their loyal fanbase, people who want to buy them. BMW sells products to their loyal fanbase, people who want to buy them. Its the cutomers that make the product. Do a few of them give Apple a bad name through their fanatical devotion? Depends on how far you want to look into it. I don't consider the Muslim faith to be a bad one because a few people decide that extreme violence is a way of life. I don't consider every trip NASA has made into outer space dangerous or futile because 2 of them failed.
the parody shown above, right here on this very web page!
Thats a pretty stark contradiction. It is a parody, and a pretty harsh one at that. How many Mac users do you think read it and said "Oh... the ad is right. I've picked the wrong platform! Better switch to PC..." Some users laughed, some probably shrugged it off, and some probably fired off on the message boards about it. The only thing that is "painfully obvious" is that the parody is preaching to the converted.
Because to most of us, it's "painfully obvious" that the contents of this item hit close to the mark
I guess the same can be said for this as well: http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/images/AppleHaters.gif
I think both of them are funny (obviously I like the rebuttal better).
Not sure how that is relavent. Anyway... I don't understand peoples concerns with Apples financial outlook. Their doom has been forcasted since the late 80's/early 90's. This seems to be one of those things that mac-haters love to hold on to. I see Apple continuing to innovate products and software. I freely admit that there quality/usefulness is subjective. People are entitled to their opinions and consequently not everyone likes Apple products, the same as not everyone likes Betty Crocker products or Daimler Chrysler. However I find it real hard to beleive that a company that is on its "death march", whether it was forcasted 10+ years ago or just recently, continue to release products.
Since it appears that most rational people seem to feel that Apple owners are paying too much for too little
Haha.... I'm sorry, somehow I have the feeling by "most rational people" you are in fact refering to yourself. I've never seen any market research, case studies, or even a general consensus that this was true. I could just as easily say "most rational people beleive in god". Whether its true or not is irrelavent, but it certainly isn't true because I say it is. The only thing I've found remotely close to corroborating your claim is a bunch of postings and inane ramblings by people who have never used a Mac before in their life. Contrary to popular belief by these same people, customer satisfaction isn't due in part because people are "embarrased" of their purchase and refuse to admit it. Many people are just plain satisfied. They shopped around, they weighed the options, this is what they chose, and they wouldn't change it for anything. The same applies to people who purchase PC's. Different strokes for different folks.
Most rational people, thats a good one. I'll quote Homer Simpson on this one: "Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything. 14% of people know that."
Better yet, it's parody with a level of clarity and wit you just don't get any old place on the web.
You're right, I haven't heard this before... oh wait... yes I have. I've seen the same stuff posted in 50 million other blogs/messageboards/news sites/etc... for the past several years. Apple computers suck. They cost too much. They're not fast enough. People who use Macs are idiots, ad nauseum. Its mac bashing, plain and simple. I've heard it all before, and while there were a few things that did make me laugh, I find the only originality is the format it was delivered in. I give the creator props for the parody. Clarity and wit? Maybe if you are still in high school.
objective evidence of the continuing decline of Apple market share caused by the iCult itself, ironically
Objective evidence? Where? In the parody or by the almighty Dvorak? How about logical evidence: if Apple didn't have a following, nobody would buy their products. It's that simple. If nobody attended Aerosmith concerts and bought their CD's, there wouldn't be an Aerosmith. Looking to the right of my screen, I see a button for Firefox. It's popular because it has a community, and even though it holds a smaller market share, it still has fanatical devotees. If nobody used Firefox, nobody would develop it. Yes you can use convoluted logic to explain the eventual demise of popular products due to fanaticism, but in the end a company that has no semblence of loyalty will not even be given that chance. Apple sells products to their loyal fanbase, people who want to buy them. BMW sells products to their loyal fanbase, people who want to buy them. Its the cutomers that make the product. Do a few of them give Apple a bad name through their fanatical devotion? Depends on how far you want to look into it. I don't consider the Muslim faith to be a bad one because a few people decide that extreme violence is a way of life. I don't consider every trip NASA has made into outer space dangerous or futile because 2 of them failed.
the parody shown above, right here on this very web page!
Thats a pretty stark contradiction. It is a parody, and a pretty harsh one at that. How many Mac users do you think read it and said "Oh... the ad is right. I've picked the wrong platform! Better switch to PC..." Some users laughed, some probably shrugged it off, and some probably fired off on the message boards about it. The only thing that is "painfully obvious" is that the parody is preaching to the converted.
Because to most of us, it's "painfully obvious" that the contents of this item hit close to the mark
I guess the same can be said for this as well: http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/images/AppleHaters.gif
I think both of them are funny (obviously I like the rebuttal better).
Posted by Ryland :: :: :: Jan 18, 2005 02:45am
:: :: Jan 18, 2005 02:45amThe rebuttal is funny, except that it completely misses the point. My ad doesn't bash Apple or any Apple product on quality or ease of use; that Apple products are solid and easy to figure out is not in dispute, which makes the Microsoft bashing in the rebuttal ad so bizarre. Let me repeat that: the ad doesn't bash Apple or Apple products. The real target is described in the first paragraph:
Do you live for every product announcement, every incremental upgrade, every rumor and fake screenshot? Do you wank and blare and drone and fucking gurgle about Apple products morning, noon, and night?
I'm bashing you, not Apple. The attack is directed at Apple fanboys and fangirls, not against Apple products. You guys are crazy about the Apple stuff. And you are so incredibly defensive of Apple that you interpret an attack on you, the maniac fans of Apple, as an attack on Apple itself. You then invariably defend Apple products while bashing Microsoft. I've seen this happen time after time.
So, let me recap:
Apple -- good.
Apple products -- good. (Expensive, but good.)
Apple fans -- crazy and annoying.
Do you live for every product announcement, every incremental upgrade, every rumor and fake screenshot? Do you wank and blare and drone and fucking gurgle about Apple products morning, noon, and night?
I'm bashing you, not Apple. The attack is directed at Apple fanboys and fangirls, not against Apple products. You guys are crazy about the Apple stuff. And you are so incredibly defensive of Apple that you interpret an attack on you, the maniac fans of Apple, as an attack on Apple itself. You then invariably defend Apple products while bashing Microsoft. I've seen this happen time after time.
So, let me recap:
Apple -- good.
Apple products -- good. (Expensive, but good.)
Apple fans -- crazy and annoying.
Posted by jwhazel :: :: :: Jan 18, 2005 10:22am
:: :: Jan 18, 2005 10:22amI'm bashing you, not Apple.
I noticed the word 'you' a couple of times in your post. Just to clear it up, I'm not a fanboy. In fact my first post I typed from a Dell Precision (I have a couple of them because I really like the quality for the price, but I'm not a Dell fanboy). I only replied to the original comment because I really didn't understand what was so "painfully obvious". Had the post read "Windows XP users are sad because of the painfully obvious..." I would have posted the same thing.
I understand you aren't specifically targeting Apple products (even though a few parts sound like you are). It doesn't really bother me. The rebuttal isn't focusing on Microsoft (even though one part specifically does). It making fun of the people who make fun of macs. Like I said, a few parts of you parody did make me laugh, regardless of wether or not it is true, I just thought it was plain funny. Same with rebuttal. Not everyone bashes Macs in that way, many people have very valid arguments. But some of the stuff I think is just plain funny "You drive a Yugo, your DVD player is a Daewoo, and your watch says 'Roll-Ex'."
You then invariably defend Apple products while bashing Microsoft. I've seen this happen time after time.
I agree, I see it all the time as well. But sometimes I respond to the comments to point out innacuracies as well as to learn more from the responses. If I didn't, I still would be an Apple fanboy and would have trashed all over your parody without even looking at it. The same way I think there are people on the opposite spectrum who will look at the parody as gospel and not ever consider the other side of the coin.
Again, I think parts of it are funny. I wouldn't say that it contains some high level of "clarity and wit" but thats just my opinion. I wouldn't say that the rebuttal contains any more insight or wit, but to me its still kind of funny.
Apple fans -- crazy and annoying.
Some of them...
I noticed the word 'you' a couple of times in your post. Just to clear it up, I'm not a fanboy. In fact my first post I typed from a Dell Precision (I have a couple of them because I really like the quality for the price, but I'm not a Dell fanboy). I only replied to the original comment because I really didn't understand what was so "painfully obvious". Had the post read "Windows XP users are sad because of the painfully obvious..." I would have posted the same thing.
I understand you aren't specifically targeting Apple products (even though a few parts sound like you are). It doesn't really bother me. The rebuttal isn't focusing on Microsoft (even though one part specifically does). It making fun of the people who make fun of macs. Like I said, a few parts of you parody did make me laugh, regardless of wether or not it is true, I just thought it was plain funny. Same with rebuttal. Not everyone bashes Macs in that way, many people have very valid arguments. But some of the stuff I think is just plain funny "You drive a Yugo, your DVD player is a Daewoo, and your watch says 'Roll-Ex'."
You then invariably defend Apple products while bashing Microsoft. I've seen this happen time after time.
I agree, I see it all the time as well. But sometimes I respond to the comments to point out innacuracies as well as to learn more from the responses. If I didn't, I still would be an Apple fanboy and would have trashed all over your parody without even looking at it. The same way I think there are people on the opposite spectrum who will look at the parody as gospel and not ever consider the other side of the coin.
Again, I think parts of it are funny. I wouldn't say that it contains some high level of "clarity and wit" but thats just my opinion. I wouldn't say that the rebuttal contains any more insight or wit, but to me its still kind of funny.
Apple fans -- crazy and annoying.
Some of them...
Posted by Tiny Tommy Toot Fruit :: :: :: Jan 28, 2005 07:17pm
:: :: Jan 28, 2005 07:17pmWise words Jwahazel.
If you weigh out exactly what you get when you buy a Mac you realise it isn't actually all that heavily priced. Then when you take into account the beautiful and elegant OS...!
If you're still not convinced, I found a website that documents in a factual manner the way in which Apple computers are actually just as expensive as a matching PC!
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/36120.html
This was written before the Mini Mac, and thus now Apple has an even cheaper range of computers that defines that there really is no contest (price wise) anymore!
If you weigh out exactly what you get when you buy a Mac you realise it isn't actually all that heavily priced. Then when you take into account the beautiful and elegant OS...!
If you're still not convinced, I found a website that documents in a factual manner the way in which Apple computers are actually just as expensive as a matching PC!
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/36120.html
This was written before the Mini Mac, and thus now Apple has an even cheaper range of computers that defines that there really is no contest (price wise) anymore!
Posted by Batman :: :: :: Jan 18, 2005 11:36am
:: :: Jan 18, 2005 11:36amHAHAHAHAHAHA
*wipes away a tear*
Excuse me... HAHAHAHAHA
Ok, yea. This stuff is great. Keep em comming, and HEY EVERYBODY!
*wipes away a tear*
Excuse me... HAHAHAHAHA
Ok, yea. This stuff is great. Keep em comming, and HEY EVERYBODY!
Posted by Bartenational :: :: :: Jan 20, 2005 11:36am
:: :: Jan 20, 2005 11:36amApple does better stuff than HP or Dell or IBM or etc.
In technology terms Photoshop on PC sucks compared to photoshop on the Mac.
Corel Draw is a joke of a program,
Microsoft word is an overblown text program, just try to put a picture where you want it, just try!
morons like PC because they don't know any better.
In technology terms Photoshop on PC sucks compared to photoshop on the Mac.
Corel Draw is a joke of a program,
Microsoft word is an overblown text program, just try to put a picture where you want it, just try!
morons like PC because they don't know any better.
Posted by Sir Craig :: :: :: Jan 20, 2005 11:55am
:: :: Jan 20, 2005 11:55amWell, that does it -- debate over. Time to lock this topic, Ryland -- no one will ever top Bartenational's clear and concise reasoning.
I'm totally convinced and I bow to your superior debating skills...
[/cheeky response]
I'm totally convinced and I bow to your superior debating skills...
[/cheeky response]
Posted by Like You Care :: :: :: Jan 25, 2005 02:04pm
:: :: Jan 25, 2005 02:04pmQuite funny indeed! Very good satirical tone. Sad thing is that is absolutely true! If I had a quarter for every mac uber-fan, he or she is obssesibly-compulsively so. That part of Steve Job's crap in a off-white plastic case is also very true. Well, I feel sad for them. I like some of Apple products (computers), but I just cannot stand those people who just freaking drawl at anything Apple makes.
Posted by Brother Mugga :: :: :: Jan 25, 2005 05:28pm
:: :: Jan 25, 2005 05:28pmHang on; I'm a fanboy of Apple fanboys.
What does that make me?
You know, apart from 'confused'.
Incidentally - and I say this as a dedicated, spittle-flecked Macolyte - did anyone see that video that's doing the rounds (http://www.industrial-technology-and-witchcraft.de/ ) with Jobsy launching the original Mac? 'Cos does Our Lord Steve look (and act) like Satan with a floppy 80s haircut or *what*?
See, now I'm even *more* confused.
And a little scared.
Hold me.
But only if you're a Mac Fanboy.
What does that make me?
You know, apart from 'confused'.
Incidentally - and I say this as a dedicated, spittle-flecked Macolyte - did anyone see that video that's doing the rounds (http://www.industrial-technology-and-witchcraft.de/ ) with Jobsy launching the original Mac? 'Cos does Our Lord Steve look (and act) like Satan with a floppy 80s haircut or *what*?
See, now I'm even *more* confused.
And a little scared.
Hold me.
But only if you're a Mac Fanboy.
Posted by pietra :: :: :: Jan 25, 2005 06:40pm
:: :: Jan 25, 2005 06:40pmbeing a mac fan (not fanatic!!), should I be offended by this?? I shouldn't since it says so little about me. in fact it says so little about most other people, that it actually is a mockery of society. people spend too much time rolling over this mud, that they forget that each of us is no better than the other. Everyone makes their choices!!
Posted by Ari :: :: :: Jan 25, 2005 08:18pm
:: :: Jan 25, 2005 08:18pmApple's computer product only covers 3-5% computer's market share. I just can't understand why people who has not really try Apple's product gave comments that bashing Apple and their product... Have they try some experiment try to buid a PC that match a Mac specification? (not only on the hardware side but on the software side)
Posted by Kimmy :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:16am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:16amI own an Apple iPod mini and I just listen to the music. I don't give a fuck about whose shares are up or down (stock). Or who's moaning because they wish they had an iPod. I'm not a crazy Pod fan - as the meaning of digital music players is overrated (goes for all brands). But hey, that's technology for you. I'm sixteen and I bet you're all fucking fifty year olds debating about iPod's and Macs. Get lives, lets all concentate on things worth worrying about... I'm officially done with my rant of the day. This website is actually hilarious even though I may be contradicting myself - so be it. I have an iPod and it's only the music on the object I care about.
Posted by Rick :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:24am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:24amActually Kimmy, I am 32 and there are several on here that are college age or younger.
Posted by jman :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 01:22am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 01:22am16? Look, kid, I'm really old, and in my day, i.e. back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, when you wanted to carry your music around with you, you had to stuff a chamber orchestra down your pants, you weenie. iPod, iShmod. "Computers" were people who worked in math departments. Apples were for eating and "mac" was what you called the guy who changed your oil when you didn't give enough of a shit to learn his name. And when we wanted to change the channel, we had to get off our asses and do it ourselves. Remote control was "hey, Mac, change the fucking channel, wouldya?". Of course, aside from black and white test patterns with an indian in the middle, there wasn't really much to watch on either channel.
Seriously, take a few nice deep breaths and relax. Nobody's attacking your unique music, or your right to run around demonstrating to the world that you could have had an MP3 player for about a third of the price, but decided that the Apple iLifestyle was just that much more important that it justified flipping those extra burgers to get the iProduct that best defined you as a person. Or that it made you feel "special" to buy Apples.
As has been pointed out ad infinitum above, nobody's attacking your iProduct, your iPreferences or Apple technology; the intent was to attack silly people who spend money on silly things they don't need that they could have got for alot less. Own a pair or Nikes by any chance?
Now shoo, and leave us old folks alone. It's almost time for my daily constitutional and I'm gonna go put on my '78's (those were records, BTW, and they were made of this wondrous black substance called "vinyl") and clean my hearing aid out again and give those teenagers outside a real dirty stare...their iPods are interfering with my pacemaker.
Seriously, take a few nice deep breaths and relax. Nobody's attacking your unique music, or your right to run around demonstrating to the world that you could have had an MP3 player for about a third of the price, but decided that the Apple iLifestyle was just that much more important that it justified flipping those extra burgers to get the iProduct that best defined you as a person. Or that it made you feel "special" to buy Apples.
As has been pointed out ad infinitum above, nobody's attacking your iProduct, your iPreferences or Apple technology; the intent was to attack silly people who spend money on silly things they don't need that they could have got for alot less. Own a pair or Nikes by any chance?
Now shoo, and leave us old folks alone. It's almost time for my daily constitutional and I'm gonna go put on my '78's (those were records, BTW, and they were made of this wondrous black substance called "vinyl") and clean my hearing aid out again and give those teenagers outside a real dirty stare...their iPods are interfering with my pacemaker.
Posted by redraven :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 02:28am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 02:28amCome on jman...let's go out on the porch and set awhile in the rockers. We'll talk about the old days before the globe began to warm, the glaciers started to melt, when Clapton was God. You know, back when grass was something you used to buy, not dump in the "green waste" recycling bin.
Bet we could exchange some great stories. :) I might even put It's A Beautiful Day on the turntable...or how 'bout some Frank Zappa?
Bet we could exchange some great stories. :) I might even put It's A Beautiful Day on the turntable...or how 'bout some Frank Zappa?
Posted by jman :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:06am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:06amUnfortunately, I think if you try to put It's A Beautiful Day or Zappa on an iPod, it spontaneuously combusts, killing everyone within 20 yds...
:)
:)
Posted by redraven :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 11:35am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 11:35amI suspect you are entirely correct about that! :)
Posted by Rick :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:10am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:10amjman, now you know you are wrong here. that it justified flipping those extra burgers to get the iProduct, you know that kimmy whined till mommy and daddy went out and charged it on their credit card.
Half the kids today probably couldn't put the burger together if they just handed them all the "stuff" that came with a hamburger and told them "here, you put it together", they'd probably starve.
Half the kids today probably couldn't put the burger together if they just handed them all the "stuff" that came with a hamburger and told them "here, you put it together", they'd probably starve.
Posted by jman :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:25am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:25amAlas, the consequences of our ever-improving public education sytstems! Doubleplusgood! Opposable thumbs no longer required.
I'm trying to think - at the pay rate I got at my first paper route at age 9 (remember when kids still did that, and it wasn't a job for a recently immigrated astrophysicist to feed his kids?), it would have taken me until, well, hmmm, gee, NOW to buy one of 'em. So you're right Rick, probably a big 'ol visa card involved there...
I'm trying to think - at the pay rate I got at my first paper route at age 9 (remember when kids still did that, and it wasn't a job for a recently immigrated astrophysicist to feed his kids?), it would have taken me until, well, hmmm, gee, NOW to buy one of 'em. So you're right Rick, probably a big 'ol visa card involved there...
Posted by redraven :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:19pm
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:19pmOh Rick, stop sounding like you're 90 years old. Geez loueeze. Not all teens are spoiled. Lots of kids work to get the things they want. My daughter started working when she was a junior in high school, as did most of her peers (all of them from middle to upper income families). She continues to work full time, while attending college, which she pays for herself. All of her friends work, as well as go to school. My son is a junior now, and is ready to look for work. It's nothing I forced them to do - it's entirely their own decision.
Just as in the adult population, there are good kids and there are not so good kids. Don't tar them all with the same brush.
Just as in the adult population, there are good kids and there are not so good kids. Don't tar them all with the same brush.
Posted by Rick :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:32pm
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 12:32pmI said Half. You just happen to have kids in the good half.
It just shocks and amazes me the crap that kids get today.
A high school teacher friend of mine told me the other day about how one of her students said she honked at her on the way to school. When the teacher asked what she was honking from, the girl said that she honked from her brand new black BMW that her parent's bought her for her 16th birthday.
I just see way too much spoiled bratedness in the kids of today. I try to hire kids to work with me in the summer and they can't/won't even work. When they do work they are so freakin lazy I end up firing them rather quickly. I get more work out of my 8 year olds than I do out of 18 year olds.
If you raised your kids to have a good work ethic then God bless you redraven. I mean that with the sincerest of hearts.
Side Note: Some colleges will allow a student that works at the college, even part time, to take one free class a semester/quarter. I had a friend that worked in the computer lab like 3 hours a week that got a free class every semester and got paid minimum wage to work in the lab. He used the time in the lab when nobody needed help to get his homework done. That can save quite a few $$$$$.
It just shocks and amazes me the crap that kids get today.
A high school teacher friend of mine told me the other day about how one of her students said she honked at her on the way to school. When the teacher asked what she was honking from, the girl said that she honked from her brand new black BMW that her parent's bought her for her 16th birthday.
I just see way too much spoiled bratedness in the kids of today. I try to hire kids to work with me in the summer and they can't/won't even work. When they do work they are so freakin lazy I end up firing them rather quickly. I get more work out of my 8 year olds than I do out of 18 year olds.
If you raised your kids to have a good work ethic then God bless you redraven. I mean that with the sincerest of hearts.
Side Note: Some colleges will allow a student that works at the college, even part time, to take one free class a semester/quarter. I had a friend that worked in the computer lab like 3 hours a week that got a free class every semester and got paid minimum wage to work in the lab. He used the time in the lab when nobody needed help to get his homework done. That can save quite a few $$$$$.
Posted by tsefardayah :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 09:32pm
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 09:32pmYeah, when I was in high school, one of my friends got a Lexus for her 18th birthday. I just rememeber my Statistics teacher looking at the ad for the car and commenting that it cost more than her years salary. Meanwhile, I was parking my bike in the free parking space I got for being senior class president, that was always fun, I was just lucky enough to have a broken stop to chain my bike to.
Wow, I almost feel old saying "when I was in high school", and I just turned 19 on Saturday.
Wow, I almost feel old saying "when I was in high school", and I just turned 19 on Saturday.
Posted by Mermaid :: :: :: Apr 08, 2005 10:21am
:: :: Apr 08, 2005 10:21amRedraven...I totally agree. There are so many kids out there who don't take anything for granted and work their butts off. I teach 8th graders. Some are lazy, lazy, lazy, but most of them really work hard. I have one girl who thanks me everyday as she's leaving my classroom. After I do labs (when I buy food or candy for the lab), tons of kids thank me for buying them their treats.
Too bad the media focuses on all the rotten stuff in the world. It happens to only be about 4-5% of the population of teens.
Too bad the media focuses on all the rotten stuff in the world. It happens to only be about 4-5% of the population of teens.
Posted by jman :: :: :: Apr 08, 2005 12:51pm
:: :: Apr 08, 2005 12:51pmSave a kid.
Shoot a television.
I couldn't do what you do, Mermaid, you must be an astoundingly patient person (me, I had enough trouble teaching university undergrads) - keep up the good work. IMHO, if we could just remove the media probiscus from the average kid for at least part of his/her formative years, we'd have a whole lot higher quality of humanity kicking around - even the "good" kids get the wrong messages about themselves from TV, music, movies and such. And with Mom and Dad slaving away like dogs to pay for everything, there's precious little parental influence to help correct the nonsense they're being force-fed by our delightful entertainment industries.
Of course, it's not the iPod or iWhatever they're currently flogging to death, it's the Sony PCP or PSP or whateverthefuck it's called. When I was a kid, the latest fad cost a few bucks, whatever it was. Not $300-$350. Where the hell are middle-class families whose jobs are being shipped overseas supposed to come up with the endless funding for the media's latest "gotta have", anyhow?
I suppose the fact that this conversation just won't die is probably a good sign, i.e. that there are still a few people (young and old) in the world with an attention span longer than the few milliseconds one might expect from a hyperactive gnat after a $5 Starbucks latte and a big whack of speed ;)
Shoot a television.
I couldn't do what you do, Mermaid, you must be an astoundingly patient person (me, I had enough trouble teaching university undergrads) - keep up the good work. IMHO, if we could just remove the media probiscus from the average kid for at least part of his/her formative years, we'd have a whole lot higher quality of humanity kicking around - even the "good" kids get the wrong messages about themselves from TV, music, movies and such. And with Mom and Dad slaving away like dogs to pay for everything, there's precious little parental influence to help correct the nonsense they're being force-fed by our delightful entertainment industries.
Of course, it's not the iPod or iWhatever they're currently flogging to death, it's the Sony PCP or PSP or whateverthefuck it's called. When I was a kid, the latest fad cost a few bucks, whatever it was. Not $300-$350. Where the hell are middle-class families whose jobs are being shipped overseas supposed to come up with the endless funding for the media's latest "gotta have", anyhow?
I suppose the fact that this conversation just won't die is probably a good sign, i.e. that there are still a few people (young and old) in the world with an attention span longer than the few milliseconds one might expect from a hyperactive gnat after a $5 Starbucks latte and a big whack of speed ;)
Posted by redraven :: :: :: Apr 08, 2005 01:40pm
:: :: Apr 08, 2005 01:40pmWhen I was a kid, the latest fad cost a few bucks, whatever it was. Not $300-$350. Where the hell are middle-class families whose jobs are being shipped overseas supposed to come up with the endless funding for the media's latest "gotta have", anyhow?
The solution, jman, is to use one of the easiest words in the dictionary - - - NO. Too many people assuage their guilt about not being good parents by buying the latest "gotta have". Just say NO. I'm a great believer in that. Just as I'm a great believer in explaining to my kids why they couldn't have the lastest "wanta" - we could not afford it.
Too many time people don't share the reality of life with their children. Whenever they'd start asking for something I knew was beyond what I wanted to spend, I'd tell them, "sorry, the money tree in the backyard is bare". Consequently, they've grown up knowing that there is a limit to the funds that are available, and if they want more, they're going to have to work for it.
Now, I'll admit to you that my kids have top notch computers and flat screen monitors. These were birthday/holiday gifts, and were given because they maintain high GPA's, and basically, are just awesome kids (no drugs/alcohol; no promiscuity; no jail time). But when it comes to the trendy stuff, we'll take a pass. If I'm going invest in fun items, it will be music or movies, manga and other types of books, or occasionally a game for the PS2 (I enjoy watching my son play, especially Fatal Frame or any of the Resident Evil games).
My son and I were talking last night (yes, we actally have conversations) about why our family is different. We cook together; we listen to music together; we converse; we LIKE one another, and enjoy each other's company. I explained that it was a conscious decision on my part - it was how I chose to raise them - that it was different than many other parents raised their kids. Instead of running to soccer and other activities, we went for walks to the river (with the dog). We learned to appreciate each other's music. I watch anime with them, and they watch historical drama with me. We all watch Monty Python together. :) The kids grew up in an extended family home (my mother lived with us from their birth until her death 2 years ago). I guess we've followed an older way of living, and it's worked well for us.
Children are our most precious resource, and it behooves us all to slow down, and really pay attention to how we are raising and interacting with them. I believe we can all make a difference in the life of a child, and I appreciate people like Mermaid who are out there doing it every single day! How sad that we, as a society, often hold them (teachers) in such low esteem.
The solution, jman, is to use one of the easiest words in the dictionary - - - NO. Too many people assuage their guilt about not being good parents by buying the latest "gotta have". Just say NO. I'm a great believer in that. Just as I'm a great believer in explaining to my kids why they couldn't have the lastest "wanta" - we could not afford it.
Too many time people don't share the reality of life with their children. Whenever they'd start asking for something I knew was beyond what I wanted to spend, I'd tell them, "sorry, the money tree in the backyard is bare". Consequently, they've grown up knowing that there is a limit to the funds that are available, and if they want more, they're going to have to work for it.
Now, I'll admit to you that my kids have top notch computers and flat screen monitors. These were birthday/holiday gifts, and were given because they maintain high GPA's, and basically, are just awesome kids (no drugs/alcohol; no promiscuity; no jail time). But when it comes to the trendy stuff, we'll take a pass. If I'm going invest in fun items, it will be music or movies, manga and other types of books, or occasionally a game for the PS2 (I enjoy watching my son play, especially Fatal Frame or any of the Resident Evil games).
My son and I were talking last night (yes, we actally have conversations) about why our family is different. We cook together; we listen to music together; we converse; we LIKE one another, and enjoy each other's company. I explained that it was a conscious decision on my part - it was how I chose to raise them - that it was different than many other parents raised their kids. Instead of running to soccer and other activities, we went for walks to the river (with the dog). We learned to appreciate each other's music. I watch anime with them, and they watch historical drama with me. We all watch Monty Python together. :) The kids grew up in an extended family home (my mother lived with us from their birth until her death 2 years ago). I guess we've followed an older way of living, and it's worked well for us.
Children are our most precious resource, and it behooves us all to slow down, and really pay attention to how we are raising and interacting with them. I believe we can all make a difference in the life of a child, and I appreciate people like Mermaid who are out there doing it every single day! How sad that we, as a society, often hold them (teachers) in such low esteem.
Posted by jman :: :: :: Apr 08, 2005 05:01pm
:: :: Apr 08, 2005 05:01pmSounds like a nice house to be a kid in, even if they are doing without the lastest silly gadgets :) Too bad more people didn't think the same way.
Posted by Sir Craig :: :: :: Apr 08, 2005 08:51pm
:: :: Apr 08, 2005 08:51pmMonty Python mention!!!
Every sperm is sacred...
(By the way, awesome parenting skills, kiddo...)
Every sperm is sacred...
(By the way, awesome parenting skills, kiddo...)
Posted by Sherri :: :: :: Apr 08, 2005 10:01pm
:: :: Apr 08, 2005 10:01pmAh, the meaning of life...
at least she has the option to sell them for scientific experimentation...;> (I know my best friend is considering it for her 15 yr old son right now)
I'd rather sail on the Crimson Assurance, myself.
at least she has the option to sell them for scientific experimentation...;> (I know my best friend is considering it for her 15 yr old son right now)
I'd rather sail on the Crimson Assurance, myself.
Posted by jman :: :: :: Apr 09, 2005 03:48am
:: :: Apr 09, 2005 03:48amJust don't sign your organ donor card, Sherri, whatever you do ;)
Posted by redraven :: :: :: Apr 09, 2005 04:59pm
:: :: Apr 09, 2005 04:59pmThanks SC! :) I'll have to rent that movie and share it with my son - he didn't know where that particular reference came from.
Last night, we watched Horse Feathers, Monkey Business and Animal Crackers together - he hadn't seen any Marx Brothers films prior to this. We were both laughing out loud. It amazes me that their humor remains as funny, even after 75 years.
Sherri, sailing on the troubled waters of the accountant sea is always interesting! :)
I've been seeing commercials for Hitchikers Guide...it looks awesome!
Last night, we watched Horse Feathers, Monkey Business and Animal Crackers together - he hadn't seen any Marx Brothers films prior to this. We were both laughing out loud. It amazes me that their humor remains as funny, even after 75 years.
Sherri, sailing on the troubled waters of the accountant sea is always interesting! :)
I've been seeing commercials for Hitchikers Guide...it looks awesome!
Posted by Mermaid :: :: :: Apr 09, 2005 12:31am
:: :: Apr 09, 2005 12:31amjman...yes you could do it. All you have to do is treat the kids with dignaty and respect. I am so not a patient person. The kids just make me laugh. I'm actually VERY demanding of them. It happens to be what 13-14 year olds really want. The bar is high, and I expect every kid to clear it - academically and behaviorally. I have no problem getting in their face when they're rude or thoughtless to others. I agree with redraven that parents are afraid to tell their kids, "NO." I've seen too many kids control their families by acting out. Parents want to be friends (gross generalization) and don't want to be the "bad cop." They're doing their kids such a horrible injustice.
God, I sound like my parents, but I sure did okay without any crazy toys, clothes or whatever when I was a kid. We were poor, poor, poor. One income, six kids. I really learned to appreciate everything we got, and I still am touched by people giving to others. I wish more parents were like redraven and "deprived" their kids of the must haves in order to make them better people.
Friday night and I'm blathering on. Peace out everybody!
God, I sound like my parents, but I sure did okay without any crazy toys, clothes or whatever when I was a kid. We were poor, poor, poor. One income, six kids. I really learned to appreciate everything we got, and I still am touched by people giving to others. I wish more parents were like redraven and "deprived" their kids of the must haves in order to make them better people.
Friday night and I'm blathering on. Peace out everybody!
Posted by tsefardayah :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:47am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:47amThat Nickelback thing always makes me laugh, I never did like them. Give me somebody creative like The Beatles or Keith Green any day before you make me listen to that crap.
Posted by tsefardayah :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:44am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 10:44amJust out of curiosity, since I've never seen the need for a stand-alone MP3 player, where do you listen to your music that it's better to have an iPod? I just use my laptop for my music, it's hooked up to speakers in my dorm room and I can easily hook it in to power and my cassette player in my van and that's about it. Most people seem to have a radio or a CD player or something in both their house and vehicle, where else do you listen to music?
Posted by jman :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 11:12am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 11:12amThe Sony Walkman of the 21st century, I guess...who knows!
Posted by martin :: :: :: Feb 08, 2005 11:19am
:: :: Feb 08, 2005 11:19amAt the gym while you exercise because the Beauty Myth has given you an negative body image.
Posted by Quantum Flux :: :: :: Feb 24, 2005 01:38pm
:: :: Feb 24, 2005 01:38pmIf you want to use a Mac, use it and be happy. But dear god PLEASE leave the rest of us alone!
That is the only point the author of this truly brilliant piece of satire is making.
And, because he is too much of a gentleman to say it, I will. The rebuttal is a pathetic turd. It's not funny, contains TYPOS and is just an immature and unoriginal schoolyard jab back at his satire. Ironic that it came out of the supposedly more enlightened, intelligent and artistic community!
Everything else is noise. Windows is nowhere near as horrible as 1000's of debates would have you believe nor is the Mac anywhere near as good (or as bad depending on perspective). Both platforms do nearly the same job, nearly as well, for nearly the same price. The PC IS cheaper, so the Mac folks need to let that argument go. The Mac Mini is $500 bare bare bare bones and built on a G4. Even buying from Dell, you can beat the Mac Mini pricewise. The Mac Mini design is, of course, excellent. Apple is a great design house.
Summary: if you want an Apple, buy one and enjoy it. Keep your politics out of it (notice the stab at Bush in the rebuttal satire? so obnoxious) and dont wear it like some badge of accomplishment. If any PC user wanted one, all we would have to do is save up a little more cash (there's REALITY again), go to an Apple store, put up with a facetious, goateed, know-it-all in a black shirt, and buy one. Then head to Starbucks and pose with it =P
That is the only point the author of this truly brilliant piece of satire is making.
And, because he is too much of a gentleman to say it, I will. The rebuttal is a pathetic turd. It's not funny, contains TYPOS and is just an immature and unoriginal schoolyard jab back at his satire. Ironic that it came out of the supposedly more enlightened, intelligent and artistic community!
Everything else is noise. Windows is nowhere near as horrible as 1000's of debates would have you believe nor is the Mac anywhere near as good (or as bad depending on perspective). Both platforms do nearly the same job, nearly as well, for nearly the same price. The PC IS cheaper, so the Mac folks need to let that argument go. The Mac Mini is $500 bare bare bare bones and built on a G4. Even buying from Dell, you can beat the Mac Mini pricewise. The Mac Mini design is, of course, excellent. Apple is a great design house.
Summary: if you want an Apple, buy one and enjoy it. Keep your politics out of it (notice the stab at Bush in the rebuttal satire? so obnoxious) and dont wear it like some badge of accomplishment. If any PC user wanted one, all we would have to do is save up a little more cash (there's REALITY again), go to an Apple store, put up with a facetious, goateed, know-it-all in a black shirt, and buy one. Then head to Starbucks and pose with it =P
Posted by hipsters-suck :: :: :: Apr 07, 2005 11:27pm
:: :: Apr 07, 2005 11:27pmall I need is an iPod, an iMac, a $200 stonewashed jeans from Deisel, a $5 latte from starbucks and a $80 teeshirt from fcuk.
oooh look at me, I am so cool.
oooh look at me, I am so cool.
There are sheep and then there are the anti-sheep, who are no more independent than the sheep.