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Bandwagon Central => General => Topic started by: Diomedes on January 13, 2005, 09:41:44 PM

Title: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 13, 2005, 09:41:44 PM
I got this idea of a thread for dumb questions from ILLEAGLE's thread (http://www.concretefield.com/forum/index.php?topic=13764.new#new) about dumbest question ever.  If you've got a question you think is dumb, post it here.  For example:

I saw a car with a big windshield banner on it that said "Rubbin' is Racin'" and I have NO idea what it meant.  ???q
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on January 13, 2005, 09:43:06 PM
"Rubbin' is racin'" is a term that the NASCAR freaks like to use to say that it is OK to rub against the car next to you to jockey for position on the track. ;)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 13, 2005, 09:45:58 PM
Thanks.  There were other racing stickers on the car, too.  Makes perfect sense.  Black marks on fenders and all that..

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ILLEAGLE on January 13, 2005, 10:15:24 PM
I have many dumb questions but none are coming to mind at the moment. But I do have one that I'm curious about. Why do the Steelers have their logo on only one side of their helmets? I've asked many Steeler fans this and none can offer a reason.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on January 13, 2005, 10:22:47 PM
QuoteThe Pittsburgh Steelers have not always been the Steelers. Originally founded as the Pittsburgh Pirates by Arthur Joseph Rooney on July 8, 1933, the Steelers changed their name in 1940 in an attempt to generate some fan support and involvement. Fans were encouraged to send their suggestions to the team; several nominated the winning name Steelers to reflect the city's primary source of employment, winning season tickets for their suggestion.

The famous Steelers logo was a bit longer in coming, however. Helmet logos first became popular in 1948 when the Los Angeles Rams became the first team to use an insignia or logo on its helmet. Rams player, Fred Gehrke, was also an artist and spent all of his free time that season hand-painting the distinctive Ram horns on 70 leather helmets. The next year, Riddell, manufacturer of the famous plastic football helmet still in use today, agreed to bake the design into the helmet, prompting other teams to gradually add logos of their own. The Steelers' only concession to the new logo craze, however, was to add the players' numbers and a black stripe to their distinctive gold helmets.

In 1962, Republic Steel of Cleveland approached the Steelers and suggested that they consider the Steelmark, the insignia used by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), as a helmet logo to honor Pittsburgh's steel heritage. The Steelmark logo, a circle enclosing three hypocycloids (diamonds with inward-curving edges) and the word STEEL, was created by U.S. Steel Corp. (now known as USX Corp.) to educate consumers about the importance of steel in their daily lives.

The Steelers liked the idea presented by Republic Steel, despite the fact that the company was located in the city of their bitterest rival, the Cleveland Browns, and proudly sported the new logo on their helmets for the 1962 season. After qualifying that year for their first-ever postseason game, they changed the color of their helmets from gold to solid black, which also served to highlight the new logo they felt had brought them good luck.

One last change occurred to the logo in 1963 when the Steelers petitioned the AISI to allow them to change the word 'Steel' inside the Steelmark to 'Steelers.' The Steelers later added the gold stripe and player numbers and changed the face masks from grey to black, but otherwise the helmet has remained virtually unchanged since 1963.

The new Steelmark logo was originally only applied to one side of the helmet (the right side) by equipment manager Jack Hart because the Steelers were uncertain how it would look on their solid gold helmets. Even when they later switched their helmet color to solid black, they decided to permanently retain the logo on just the one side due to the team's new success and the interest generated by the logo's uniqueness. The Steelers are now the only team in the NFL to sport its logo on only one side of the helmet.

link (http://www.steelersfever.com/helmet_logo.html)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ILLEAGLE on January 13, 2005, 10:32:24 PM
Damn, thanx GF!  :yay

Ok, another one. Why in the Saints endzone logo all the letters are capitalized except for the "i"? If you find an article that explains that, I will be severely impressed.  :paranoid
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on January 13, 2005, 10:38:42 PM
You've got way too much time on your hands.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ILLEAGLE on January 13, 2005, 10:42:55 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on January 13, 2005, 10:38:42 PM
You've got way too much time on your hands.

I know.  :-\
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 13, 2005, 10:44:32 PM
"seltzer" and "club soda": is the difference chemical or only semantic?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ILLEAGLE on January 13, 2005, 11:12:39 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on January 13, 2005, 10:44:32 PM
"seltzer" and "club soda": is the difference chemical or only semantic?

Believe it or not, I've wondered that myself. They taste the same and both declare war on my stomach.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on January 14, 2005, 08:33:29 AM
QuoteCall it seltzer, call it sparkling water, call it club soda. Whatever you call it, you're sure to love how making it at home will save money — and your aching back!

Not exactly CNN but...

http://www.sodaclubusa.com/seltzer_lovers.asp
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Syracuse on January 14, 2005, 08:53:01 AM
Quote from: ILLEAGLE on January 13, 2005, 10:15:24 PM
I have many dumb questions but none are coming to mind at the moment. But I do have one that I'm curious about. Why do the Steelers have their logo on only one side of their helmets? I've asked many Steeler fans this and none can offer a reason.

:-D
Not laughing at the question, just the fact that I have often wondered the same thing.
Thank's for the answer, GF.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on January 14, 2005, 08:54:53 AM
I always thought that the difference between club soda and seltzer was that club soda had a touch of sodium, whereas seltzer didn't.  I'll have to dig for a link though.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Rome on January 14, 2005, 08:55:13 AM
Straight selzer water doesn't have a bitter aftertaste the way club soda does.

Actually, I drink flavored selzer all the time because it's cheaper than regular soda & there's zero calories in it & that helps me keep my Adonis-like physique in peak form.

:D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on January 14, 2005, 08:57:02 AM
Okay, here's your answer:

Q: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLUB SODA AND SELTZER WATER?

A: WE WENT TO COOK'S ENCYCLOPEDIA TO GET THE ANSWER FOR YOU. SELTZER WATER IS A FLAVORLESS, NATURALLY EFFERVESCENT WATER THAT TAKES IT'S NAME FROM A REGION IN GERMANY.

CLUB SODA, SOMETIMES CALLED SODA WATER, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LATER HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY WHEN CARBON DIOXIDE WAS INJECTED INTO WATER. SO SELTZER AND CLUB SODA ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME THING EXCEPT ONE IS NATURALLY EFFERVESCENT, ONE IS MAN-MADE.

From NBC4.com (http://www.nbc4.com/answerstoaskliz2001/1159803/detail.html)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on January 14, 2005, 09:00:07 AM
And here's more along the lines of what I thought was the case:

QuoteNow what's the difference between sparkling mineral water, seltzer, club soda, ginger ale and tonic?
Ok, here's the deal on these mixers.

Sparkling mineral waters and seltzers (like Perrier or Canada Dry seltzer) are basically water with carbon dioxide. They have no calories, and offer fizz and a bit of a bite to your drink.

Club soda is fizzy like seltzer water, but not quite as harsh because makers add potassium bicarbonates and sulfates, which makes the soda not "burn" as much as seltzers. Club soda has no calories, either.

Ginger ale and tonic water are different. They're actually carbonated beverages containing water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine, plus various flavorings. Like soda, they come in both regular and diet versions: 4 oz regular ginger ale or tonic = 125 calories; 4 oz diet ginger ale or tonic = 0 calories.

From Nutrisystem. (http://www.nutrisystem.com/newsletter/weekof/121502/story1.cfm)

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on January 14, 2005, 09:04:02 AM
Here's a question.  You know those oval stickers on cars with the three initials that designating place?  Like IRL for Ireland, OBX for Outer Banks, GBR for Great Britain.  They're usually black and white stickers?

Is there an actual purpose to these stickers?  Or do people just advertise that they like those places?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on January 14, 2005, 09:12:36 AM
Quote from: ILLEAGLE on January 13, 2005, 11:12:39 PM
They taste the same and both declare war on my stomach.


:-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 14, 2005, 10:38:35 AM
Quote from: Zanshin on January 14, 2005, 09:04:02 AMIs there an actual purpose to these stickers? Or do people just advertise that they like those places?

I don't know the answer, but I think the oval stickers come from Europe.  I don't know if they are required to use them, but I think it has something to do with taking your car around all those different countries.  The stickers just migrated over here and became faddish for yuppies.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it until someone tells a better one.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on January 17, 2005, 08:00:20 AM
Found this site over the weekend....answers many a dumb question.  Straight Dope: Worth a look. (http://www.straightdope.com/columns/index.html)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on January 17, 2005, 08:47:41 AM
Quote from: jerome99RIP on January 14, 2005, 08:55:13 AMActually, I drink flavored selzer all the time because it's cheaper than regular soda & there's zero calories in it & that helps me keep my Adonis-like physique in peak form.

I buy sugar-free flavoring syrups from DaVinci Gourmet (http://www.davincigourmet.com) and add some to a glass of generic selzter. No calories, good price, and a huge variety of flavors. (Many of them are damned good for cooking or just putting into coffee, too.)

BTW...my wife was making a champagne punch for New Years Eve, and her recipe called for "sparkling water." I told her to just get a bottle of the generic seltzer, and she insisted that they aren't the same thing. In the interest of domestic tranquility, I just let it go.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: henchmanUK on January 17, 2005, 09:38:49 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on January 14, 2005, 10:38:35 AM
Quote from: Zanshin on January 14, 2005, 09:04:02 AMIs there an actual purpose to these stickers? Or do people just advertise that they like those places?

I don't know the answer, but I think the oval stickers come from Europe.  I don't know if they are required to use them, but I think it has something to do with taking your car around all those different countries.  The stickers just migrated over here and became faddish for yuppies.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it until someone tells a better one.

Pretty much, Dio. When you take your car around Europe, those stickers show what country the car is from as the licence plates are all different. EU countries don't use them anymore as the country is already on all new licence plates.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on January 17, 2005, 01:34:08 PM
Why does my dog roll and chew on my shoes when I come back from an Eagles game?  She never does it any other time.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on January 17, 2005, 01:35:37 PM
She loves nachos and beer. You've walked through five miles of it.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 10, 2005, 12:36:28 PM
I was walking through a corporate park the other day and noticed that the lawn had hundreds of little cylinders of dirt all over it.  I figure the landscapers must drill the little cylinders out of lawns for some good reason.  Anyone know why?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 10, 2005, 12:39:10 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on March 10, 2005, 12:36:28 PM
I was walking through a corporate park the other day and noticed that the lawn had hundreds of little cylinders of dirt all over it.  I figure the landscapers must drill the little cylinders out of lawns for some good reason.  Anyone know why?

Aeration.

a quick result from Google for more info (http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic1200.htm)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 12:43:05 PM
Why can't I ever shake all of the piss out of my dong when I'm finished taking a squirt?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 10, 2005, 12:58:41 PM
I'd because you don't exercise your inner muscles enough.  Try to cut the flow off multiple times on purpose while you're taking a piss, and pound your pud at least double how often you're doing it now.  Then, you should be able to fully control that "leaky faucet" problem.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 01:04:08 PM
Quote from: TAFKAFF on March 10, 2005, 12:58:41 PM
I'd because you don't exercise your inner muscles enough.  Try to cut the flow off multiple times on purpose while you're taking a piss, and pound your pud at least double how often you're doing it now.  Then, you should be able to fully control that "leaky faucet" problem.

there aren't enough hours in the day...
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 10, 2005, 01:04:57 PM
I figured as much.  You'll have to really focus with the off/on pissin', then.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 10, 2005, 01:29:50 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 01:04:08 PM
Quote from: TAFKAFF on March 10, 2005, 12:58:41 PM
I'd because you don't exercise your inner muscles enough.  Try to cut the flow off multiple times on purpose while you're taking a piss, and pound your pud at least double how often you're doing it now.  Then, you should be able to fully control that "leaky faucet" problem.

there aren't enough hours in the day...

:-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on March 10, 2005, 01:33:51 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 01:04:08 PM
Quote from: TAFKAFF on March 10, 2005, 12:58:41 PM
I'd because you don't exercise your inner muscles enough.  Try to cut the flow off multiple times on purpose while you're taking a piss, and pound your pud at least double how often you're doing it now.  Then, you should be able to fully control that "leaky faucet" problem.

there aren't enough hours in the day...

then stop sleeping
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 01:35:42 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on March 10, 2005, 01:33:51 PM

then stop sleeping

But if I'm going to be pummeling my chub MORE I'll want  to sleep more... it's a no win situation. I guess I'll just have to keep tinkling on myself.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on March 10, 2005, 01:38:31 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 01:35:42 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on March 10, 2005, 01:33:51 PM

then stop sleeping

But if I'm going to be pummeling my chub MORE I'll want  to sleep more... it's a no win situation. I guess I'll just have to keep tinkling on myself.

quitter
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 01:42:00 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on March 10, 2005, 01:38:31 PM

quitter

I'm so ashamed. I'd better go pound one out to make myself feel better.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Greenfeather on March 10, 2005, 05:55:32 PM
What does ICE GRILLIN YOU mean?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 10, 2005, 05:57:56 PM
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ice+grillin
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on March 10, 2005, 06:38:49 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on March 10, 2005, 01:38:31 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on March 10, 2005, 01:35:42 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on March 10, 2005, 01:33:51 PM

then stop sleeping

But if I'm going to be pummeling my chub MORE I'll want  to sleep more... it's a no win situation. I guess I'll just have to keep tinkling on myself.

quitter

:-D :-D :-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Greenfeather on March 10, 2005, 06:43:46 PM
Quote from: MURP on March 10, 2005, 05:57:56 PM
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ice+grillin

I never knew there was an urban dictionary.  :yay


Hey can I cab a slab? 8)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MDS on March 10, 2005, 06:46:19 PM
Anyone ever need to know what a rosenbloom is?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=rosenbloom&r=f
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: RomeyRome on March 10, 2005, 06:54:24 PM
So basically this is a conspiracy to make me put all my posts in this thread isn't it Dio!
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 11, 2005, 02:40:44 PM
Why is it that this dude, AdamJT13 from kffl, is the only person on the planet who understands the compensatory draft pick rule enough to accurately predict the extra picks each year?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 11, 2005, 02:51:20 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on March 11, 2005, 02:40:44 PM
Why is it that this dude, AdamJT13 from kffl, is the only person on the planet who understands the compensatory draft pick rule enough to accurately predict the extra picks each year?

He must be Korean or Jewish. Those people are great at that stuff.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 11, 2005, 03:10:52 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on March 11, 2005, 02:40:44 PM
Why is it that this dude, AdamJT13 from kffl, is the only person on the planet who understands the compensatory draft pick rule enough to accurately predict the extra picks each year?

He is the only one who chooses to spend his time to figure out his secret forumula every year, apply this formula to all 32 NFL teams, write down every player who was let go and signed, and then post it all on the internet. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 11, 2005, 03:17:48 PM
Quote from: MURP on March 11, 2005, 03:10:52 PM
He is the only one who chooses to spend his time to figure out his secret forumula every year, apply this formula to all 32 NFL teams, write down every player who was let go and signed, and then post it all on the internet. 

I refuse to believe that he is the only Jewish-Japanese loser with that kind of time and motivation.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 11, 2005, 03:18:45 PM
Jewish Korean! Jewish Korean!
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 11, 2005, 03:20:38 PM
the rest of em spend time trying to be the #1 xbox live Halo player in the world.   
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 11, 2005, 03:21:01 PM
And don't forget CounterStrike.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on March 11, 2005, 03:45:14 PM
Here's a dumb question....inspired by the confederate flag thread....did the Yankees have a flag or symbol to represent them?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 11, 2005, 03:46:40 PM
Besides Old Glory? Probably not.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 11, 2005, 03:48:26 PM
Quote from: MURP on March 11, 2005, 03:20:38 PM
the rest of em spend time trying to be the #1 xbox live Halo player in the world.   

I still can't figure out how to get across the bridge in Halo.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: NGM on March 11, 2005, 03:49:31 PM
The North wasn't just the North they were the United States.  So it was the stars and stripes.  Making another flag would have been legitimizing the Confederates as a seperate country.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 11, 2005, 03:49:40 PM
That's okay, I'm still working on getting into the triplemax section of Butcher Bay.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 11, 2005, 03:52:07 PM
Quote from: NGM on March 11, 2005, 03:49:31 PM
The North wasn't just the North they were the United States.  So it was the stars and stripes.  Making another flag would have been legitimizing the Confederates as a seperate country.

Wow, that was pretty god damn smart for a yankee.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on March 11, 2005, 03:53:30 PM
Quote from: hbionic on March 11, 2005, 03:45:14 PM
Here's a dumb question....inspired by the confederate flag thread....did the Yankees have a flag or symbol to represent them?

The United States flag.  The North was still the United States of America.

Since the South (formally the Confederate States of America or CSA) seceded and formed a new nation, they had to adopt a new flag.  The "Confederate" flag was in reality the battle flag and naval jack.  The official national flag of the CSA was the "Stars and Bars," which looked a lot like the U.S. Flag (12 stars in a circle with one large star in the middle in the blue field, three large "bars" (red-white-red) instead of the 13 "stripes").
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 11, 2005, 03:55:32 PM
Quote from: geowhizzer on March 11, 2005, 03:53:30 PM
Quote from: hbionic on March 11, 2005, 03:45:14 PM
Here's a dumb question....inspired by the confederate flag thread....did the Yankees have a flag or symbol to represent them?

The United States flag.  The North was still the United States of America.

Since the South (formally the Confederate States of America or CSA) seceded and formed a new nation, they had to adopt a new flag.  The "Confederate" flag was in reality the battle flag and naval jack.  The official national flag of the CSA was the "Stars and Bars," which looked a lot like the U.S. Flag (12 stars in a circle with one large star in the middle in the blue field, three large "bars" (red-white-red) instead of the 13 "stripes").

Wow, that was pretty god damn smart for a yankee.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 11, 2005, 03:56:04 PM
 :-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Father Demon on March 11, 2005, 03:57:33 PM
Quote from: Yeti on March 11, 2005, 03:56:04 PM
:-D

Do you crack yourself up??      ;)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 11, 2005, 03:58:12 PM
Didn't we talk about not posting while drunk?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: NGM on March 11, 2005, 03:58:15 PM
How much is Leanne Tweeden worth to Rome?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 11, 2005, 04:00:56 PM
Quote from: DemonchildrenOnTurf on March 11, 2005, 03:57:33 PM
Quote from: Yeti on March 11, 2005, 03:56:04 PM
:-D

Do you crack yourself up??      ;)

Yep. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 11, 2005, 04:44:37 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on March 11, 2005, 03:18:45 PM
Jewish Korean! Jewish Korean!

LMFAO!
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: mussa on March 12, 2005, 03:20:56 PM
I was watching a GMC truck commercial and it mentions a lunar rover getting stuck in mud on the moon.  So it got me thinking...first off how does the truck(rover) get stuck in mud in zero gravity?  How does it even run on the moon's surface?  I mean if astronauts float along the surface like that and shuttles that weight tons float how does the rover stay connected to the surface? 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: NGM on March 12, 2005, 03:37:58 PM
Haha how could there be mud?  There is no water on the moon either.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 12, 2005, 03:47:27 PM
The moon has gravity. It's lower than earth gravity because the moon's tiny in comparison to Oprah.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on March 12, 2005, 03:48:49 PM
Quote from: mussa on March 12, 2005, 03:20:56 PM
I was watching a GMC truck commercial and it mentions a lunar rover getting stuck in mud on the moon.  So it got me thinking...first off how does the truck(rover) get stuck in mud in zero gravity?  How does it even run on the moon's surface?  I mean if astronauts float along the surface like that and shuttles that weight tons float how does the rover stay connected to the surface? 

1.  The moon has gravity.  It's gravitational force is approximately 1/6 that of Earths.  For example:  I weight approximately 240 pounds on Earth.  At the moon, I would measure at 40 pounds.

2.  Not sure completely, but I do not believe that the moon has been found to have water.  I know that scientists believe there may be some on Mars, but not on that moon, from what I can remember.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: jeffreyjpa on March 12, 2005, 03:50:04 PM
 :-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 12, 2005, 03:54:34 PM
Quote from: geowhizzer on March 12, 2005, 03:48:49 PM
2. Not sure completely, but I do not believe that the moon has been found to have water. I know that scientists believe there may be some on Mars, but not on that moon, from what I can remember.

The moon buggy probably sprung a leak.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: mussa on March 13, 2005, 08:08:17 AM
Oh ok, so they prob made the moon bugey real heavy :-\
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: QB Eagles on March 13, 2005, 10:32:05 AM
Something tells me a GMC truck commercial is not a very authoritative source about the Apollo program.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: mussa on March 13, 2005, 12:51:15 PM
Quote from: QB Eagles on March 13, 2005, 10:32:05 AM
Something tells me a GMC truck commercial is not a very authoritative source about the Apollo program.

The best damn trucks out there, I'll tell you that much. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 13, 2005, 12:58:37 PM
Here is a dumb question.  What the hell are we doing on a message board on a beautiful Sunday afternoon?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 13, 2005, 02:24:17 PM
We don't like the looks of those teenagers.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on March 14, 2005, 02:00:43 PM
i thought of this question yesterday. when i wasnt sitting on a messageboard on a nice sunday afternoon. (i was playing resident evil 4) ;)

anyway...

how is it that Magic Johnson is still alive?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 14, 2005, 02:04:42 PM
because he has the cash to pay for the drug cocktails that keep him alive.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 02:04:50 PM
He's not really alive. Jim Henson's Creature Shop was awarded the contract for "MechaMagic."
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 14, 2005, 02:06:32 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on March 14, 2005, 02:00:43 PM

how is it that Magic Johnson is still alive?


Magic Johnson
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 14, 2005, 02:06:58 PM
(http://www.schizoblog.net/kuvat/spoonie.jpg)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on March 14, 2005, 02:10:05 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 02:04:50 PM
He's not really alive. Jim Henson's Creature Shop was awarded the contract for "MechaMagic."

vs

Quote from: Yeti on March 14, 2005, 02:06:32 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on March 14, 2005, 02:00:43 PM

how is it that Magic Johnson is still alive?


Magic Johnson


yeti wins  :-D ;) to  :-D :-D :D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 14, 2005, 02:11:46 PM
How much butt would a buttchuck chuck if a buttchuck could chuck butt?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 02:12:03 PM
I demand a recount. Yeti is a communist.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 14, 2005, 02:13:59 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 02:12:03 PM
I demand a recount. Yeti is a communist.

That is a lie, comrade.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 02:14:56 PM
Where did I leave the keys to my tank?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 14, 2005, 02:17:47 PM
Here is a dumb question.

Why do ugly people jog? 

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on March 14, 2005, 02:20:19 PM
So they don't get an ugly heart attack.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 14, 2005, 02:30:33 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on March 14, 2005, 02:11:46 PM
How much butt would a buttchuck chuck if a buttchuck could chuck butt?

it would chuck all the butt a buttchuck could, if a buttchuck could chuck butt.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on March 14, 2005, 02:44:17 PM
Does C-Buck like to buttchuck?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 02:45:20 PM
No, but he experimented with it in college.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on March 14, 2005, 02:49:12 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 02:45:20 PM
No, but he experimented with it in college.

Is that what they call weed at Nebraska?

No wonder why Carroll & Crutchfield went along with him down South St. in 2001.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 14, 2005, 03:06:21 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on March 14, 2005, 02:49:12 PM
Carroll & Crutchfield

Hmm, I wonder what
Those guys are doing right now.
This might be a clue:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/92/200px-McDonalds.png)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 03:07:30 PM
Whatever they're doing, they're lovin' it.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on March 14, 2005, 05:06:12 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 03:07:30 PM
Whatever they're doing, they're lovin' it.

lmao :-D :-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Greenfeather on March 14, 2005, 07:50:42 PM
The moon buggy got me thinking about this..

Did the U.S. fake the first moon landing in 1969?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on March 14, 2005, 09:02:30 PM
Quote from: GreenFeather on March 14, 2005, 07:50:42 PM
The moon buggy got me thinking about this..

Did the U.S. fake the first moon landing in 1969?

Here's some sites that argue both ways:

Hoax/Conspiracy Theories


Sites Backing the Historical Accuracy of the Moon Landing

Here's one that gives links to both sides of the argument:  Apollo Moon Landing Hoax?? (http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2001/010808-moon2.htm)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on March 15, 2005, 03:04:55 AM
Quote from: General_Failure on March 14, 2005, 03:07:30 PM
Whatever they're doing, they're lovin' it.

:-D

I loathe those commercials.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on March 15, 2005, 03:15:45 AM
Quote from: TAFKAFF on March 14, 2005, 03:06:21 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on March 14, 2005, 02:49:12 PM
Carroll & Crutchfield

Hmm, I wonder what
Those guys are doing right now.
This might be a clue:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/92/200px-McDonalds.png)

You got me curious... so I went to Google:

Crutchfield was suspended and arrested whle still at Clemson for possession of the green...a precursor to his NFL trouble (http://clemsonews.clemson.edu/WWW_releases/1998/July1998/CU_Athletes_Arrested.html)

He went on to sign with the Edmonton Eskimos of the illustrious CFL in 2002 and re-signed with them in 2004 (http://www.esks.com/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1385)

Terrence Carroll was picked up by Cleveland shortly after the Birds cut him. He then was let go from them and served a suspension from the NFL for violations of the substance abuse program. He was signed by San Fran in 2004 and cut before they got to camp.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 17, 2005, 10:12:34 AM
Im buying some CD's from a band in Greece who sells directly from their house.  They only way to buy them is to send them Euros in the mail.   12 euros per cd.   I dont want a lecture on how my money will get stolen and how stupid it is to send cash through the mail ;), I just want to know where  to go about converting dollars to Euros?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on March 17, 2005, 10:34:07 AM
Wachovia (http://www.wachovia.com/corp_inst/page/0,,7_19_1575,00.html)

Quote1. Where can I obtain foreign currency?
Visit any of our branches to place a currency order. Orders called into 800-WACHOVIA (922-4684) can also be made, and the currency will then be sent to a branch of your choice. If you order directly at the branch, please note that the money may not arrive for a week, so leave yourself plenty of time. If you order over the phone, currency will arrive at the branch the next business day, or you can specify that it be delivered to your home. Please note that foreign currency is on hand at the branches in the following locations only:

Center City Philadelphia:

Main Bank Office
123 Broad Street

Center Square Branch
15th and Market Street
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 17, 2005, 10:40:11 AM
Quote from: MURP on March 17, 2005, 10:12:34 AM
Im buying some CD's from a band in Greece who sells directly from their house.  They only way to buy them is to send them Euros in the mail.   12 euros per cd.   I dont want a lecture on how my money will get stolen and how stupid it is to send cash through the mail ;), I just want to know where  to go about converting dollars to Euros?

Mark "NOT CASH" on the envelope.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 17, 2005, 11:28:02 AM
thanks  :yay :yay :yay

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 30, 2005, 11:22:17 PM
Quote from: Yeti on March 17, 2005, 10:40:11 AMMark "NOT CASH" on the envelope.

LMFAO

So here's a new question.  I just got one of those fancy Oral-B/Braun electric toothbrushes that my dentist has been on my ass to use for years now.  Dude, was she ever right.  I'm a jackass for waiting this long.  Fargin' thing is great.  Anyway, it's cordless, with a charging base.  But it's for brushing your teeth, which is a wet, messy affair by definition.  So the thing is sealed completely in plastic, or so it appears.  The base of the handle is certainly all plastic..even inside the recess which connects to the base, which is ALSO all plastic.  No metal visible anywhere.

How is this thing charging through plastic?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyGirl on March 30, 2005, 11:24:29 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on March 30, 2005, 11:22:17 PM
Quote from: Yeti on March 17, 2005, 10:40:11 AMMark "NOT CASH" on the envelope.

LMFAO

So here's a new question.  I just got one of those fancy Oral-B/Braun electric toothbrushes that my dentist has been on my ass to use for years now.  Dude, was she ever right.  I'm a jackass for waiting this long.  Fargin' thing is great.  Anyway, it's cordless, with a charging base.  But it's for brushing your teeth, which is a wet, messy affair by definition.  So the thing is sealed completely in plastic, or so it appears.  The base of the handle is certainly all plastic..even inside the recess which connects to the base, which is ALSO all plastic.  No metal visible anywhere.

How is this thing charging through plastic?

I wondered that too!! My dentist (and my old one) had been telling me for YEARS to get one and its awesome.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on March 31, 2005, 12:39:33 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on March 30, 2005, 11:22:17 PM


How is this thing charging through plastic?

we have to bomb Japan before you find out.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on March 31, 2005, 07:25:25 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on March 30, 2005, 11:22:17 PM
Quote from: Yeti on March 17, 2005, 10:40:11 AMMark "NOT CASH" on the envelope.

LMFAO

So here's a new question.  I just got one of those fancy Oral-B/Braun electric toothbrushes that my dentist has been on my ass to use for years now.  Dude, was she ever right.  I'm a jackass for waiting this long.  Fargin' thing is great.  Anyway, it's cordless, with a charging base.  But it's for brushing your teeth, which is a wet, messy affair by definition.  So the thing is sealed completely in plastic, or so it appears.  The base of the handle is certainly all plastic..even inside the recess which connects to the base, which is ALSO all plastic.  No metal visible anywhere.

How is this thing charging through plastic?

You sure there's no metal exposed?  We use Sonicare (basically the same thing) and it has two small metal plates on the bottom that connect on the recharging base.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 31, 2005, 07:48:40 AM
There are no metal contact points at all.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 31, 2005, 09:17:07 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on March 30, 2005, 11:22:17 PM

So the thing is sealed completely in plastic, or so it appears.  The base of the handle is certainly all plastic..even inside the recess which connects to the base, which is ALSO all plastic.  No metal visible anywhere.

How is this thing charging through plastic?

Now this is a great question.  We have one, and they are great.  But since we got it this has bothered me.  Guessing, the current is strong enough to pass through the layer of plastic.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 31, 2005, 09:23:09 AM
Quote from: Yeti on March 31, 2005, 09:17:07 AMGuessing, the current is strong enough to pass through the layer of plastic.

That's what I've figured, too.  Now I'm no God damned scientist, but wouldn't it take a LOT of electricity to overcome the resistance?  I mean, plastic is used for insulation from electricy, not as a conductor for it.  What gives?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on March 31, 2005, 09:37:14 AM
If the plastic can't conduct electricity, you could hit it with a lightning bolt and no charge would get through.  More likely the plastic (or some of it at least) can conduct electricity.

Here's a link that explains it (sort of) - I'm not a physicist, so I don't understand the explanation :-D
http://home.howstuffworks.com/question292.htm
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 31, 2005, 09:42:13 AM
I should have known to check howstuffworks.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on March 31, 2005, 03:40:01 PM
How come really hot girls never drive crappy cars.  I see big fat girls in busted down cars and it seems the prettier the girl is, the nicer the car she drives. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 31, 2005, 03:44:35 PM
Which of course begs the question: why is it so often the opposite for men?  Hot car, ugly dude.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on March 31, 2005, 03:45:04 PM
Quote from: Yeti on March 31, 2005, 03:40:01 PM
How come really hot girls never drive crappy cars.  I see big fat girls in busted down cars and it seems the prettier the girl is, the nicer the car she drives. 

Dude come on, you know the answer to that. Hot chicks date rich dudes who can buy them shtein. Similarly, even if the dude didn't buy them the car, he buys everything else allowing her to blow her money on a pricey car. Yeesh.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on April 04, 2005, 08:56:11 PM
How come no two people have the same last name in a Hispanic family? I've seen a lot of tax returns with Spanish names for the father, mother, kid, and sometimes another relative or two. None of them have the same last name.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on April 04, 2005, 09:11:00 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on April 04, 2005, 08:56:11 PM
How come no two people have the same last name in a Hispanic family? I've seen a lot of tax returns with Spanish names for the father, mother, kid, and sometimes another relative or two. None of them have the same last name.

C'mon GF, you can't be serious.  You ain't fooling anyone with that story because anyone with half a brain knows that Hispanics don't file their taxes.  They're all getting paid under the table for mowing the grass.  Nice try though. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on October 17, 2005, 02:15:36 PM
Here's a dumb internets question.  How do I get IE to stop clicking whenever it refreshes?  I can't find an option anywhere, and the constant clicking through my headphones (whenever gmail or kexp refresh for example) are driving me nuts.  Grr.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on October 17, 2005, 02:19:36 PM
Tools - Internet Options - Advanced - uncheck the box "play sounds in web pages"

that may or may not work.   :sly  seems gmail still does it   :boo
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on October 17, 2005, 02:29:23 PM
Yeah, I had tried that tick box.  No dice.  :(
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on October 17, 2005, 02:45:47 PM
Perhaps this (http://www.help2go.com/article144.html) is what you are looking for?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on October 17, 2005, 03:07:15 PM
Quote from: MadMarchHare on March 31, 2005, 09:37:14 AM
Here's a link that explains it (sort of) - I'm not a physicist, so I don't understand the explanation :-D
http://home.howstuffworks.com/question292.htm
To simplify a bit:
If an electrical current is flowing through a coiled wire, it creates a magnetic field.  (This is why people fret about high power lines outside their homes)
If a magnetic field passes through a coiled wire, it creates an electrical current.

Electric wire passes through coil in charger base creating a magnetic field.  Magnetic field stimulates coil in bottom of toothbrush causing an electric currrent.

Ok, maybe not that simple ;)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on October 17, 2005, 07:43:34 PM
Here's one.

Why do people have to pre-face their statements as in "I'm not a scientist"in order to talk about some bullshtein that's not their expertise? No one is going to jump on you if you don't say that and if you're wrong(excluding PG the sarcastic).  Just farging talk.

*Please not that by admitting guilt to this I am not a hypocrite. I am guilty of this.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Rome on October 17, 2005, 07:53:12 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on October 17, 2005, 02:29:23 PM
Yeah, I had tried that tick box.  No dice.  :(

Turn your speakers off?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on October 17, 2005, 09:13:42 PM
Quote from: hbionic on October 17, 2005, 07:43:34 PM
Here's one.

Why do people have to pre-face their statements as in "I'm not a scientist"in order to talk about some bullshtein that's not their expertise? No one is going to jump on you if you don't say that and if you're wrong(excluding PG the sarcastic). Just farging talk.

*Please not that by admitting guilt to this I am not a hypocrite. I am guilty of this.

I'm no editor but I think you meant 'preface' and 'note'. 

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on October 18, 2005, 12:56:38 AM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on October 17, 2005, 09:13:42 PM
Quote from: hbionic on October 17, 2005, 07:43:34 PM
Here's one.

Why do people have to pre-face their statements as in "I'm not a scientist"in order to talk about some bullshtein that's not their expertise? No one is going to jump on you if you don't say that and if you're wrong(excluding PG the sarcastic). Just farging talk.

*Please not that by admitting guilt to this I am not a hypocrite. I am guilty of this.

I'm no editor but I think you meant 'preface' and 'note'. 



:cfhead :cfhead :cfhead :cfhead
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: T_Section224 on October 18, 2005, 09:44:51 AM
sassy all over the grammar  :-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on October 19, 2005, 12:57:24 PM
I'm totally rad. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 06, 2006, 07:47:48 PM
Anna McCloy (http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/06/mine.survivor/index.html)

Why did this lady decide to do a press conference?  I mean, she isn't required to do this just because her husband was in a disaster.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: QB Eagles on January 07, 2006, 01:46:47 PM
QuoteIn addition to the bevy of treatments being administered by doctors, Anna McCloy said she bought a Metallica compact disc and boom box to play in her husband's room.

If she wants to wake him up instead of putting him into deeper sleep, I hope it was one of the early albums.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Butchers Bill on January 07, 2006, 02:41:14 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on January 06, 2006, 07:47:48 PM
Anna McCloy (http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/06/mine.survivor/index.html)

Why did this lady decide to do a press conference?  I mean, she isn't required to do this just because her husband was in a disaster.

Two words...Mini Series.   8)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on January 10, 2006, 11:59:28 AM
What's the industry standard for % of an annual raise?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on January 10, 2006, 12:09:04 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 10, 2006, 11:59:28 AM
What's the industry standard for % of an annual raise?

what industry?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: BigEd76 on January 10, 2006, 12:12:24 PM
Usually 4-6% here...
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on January 10, 2006, 12:21:02 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on January 10, 2006, 12:09:04 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 10, 2006, 11:59:28 AM
What's the industry standard for % of an annual raise?

what industry?

construction, project manager.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on January 10, 2006, 12:50:47 PM
why at the end of every party is there a girl crying
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on January 10, 2006, 12:52:01 PM
Maybe she shouldn't have talked so much shtein and gotten beat in the face.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 10, 2006, 01:05:04 PM
Quote from: BigEd76 on January 10, 2006, 12:12:24 PM
Usually 4-6% here...

We haven't had better than 2% average raises for two years running.  (Corporate wine and spirits industry (supplier)).
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: mussa on January 10, 2006, 01:05:05 PM
theres always at least one attention whore at the party
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: BigEd76 on January 10, 2006, 01:23:37 PM
How come the NFL and NBA announce that there's 2 minutes left before the end, but the NHL waits until there's only 1 minute left?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MDS on January 10, 2006, 01:28:43 PM
Football is not really an announcment, its more of a scheduled stoppage in order to milk an extra TV timeout per half.

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Father Demon on January 10, 2006, 01:40:23 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on January 10, 2006, 01:05:04 PM
Quote from: BigEd76 on January 10, 2006, 12:12:24 PM
Usually 4-6% here...

We haven't had better than 2% average raises for two years running.  (Corporate wine and spirits industry (supplier)).

Three years running with no raises, other than promotions.  High tech, engineering industry.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Phanatic on January 10, 2006, 01:44:17 PM
IT at a beer company, 2% this year. Most years it's 3 - 5%. Sales are down though.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on January 10, 2006, 01:44:41 PM
i generally get 4-5% per year.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on January 10, 2006, 02:15:11 PM
3.5% annual average.  Major Pharmaceutical company.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on January 10, 2006, 05:45:51 PM
Quote from: Phanatic on January 10, 2006, 01:44:17 PM
IT at a beer company, 2% this year. Most years it's 3 - 5%. Sales are down though.

In theory that sounds like the best job this side of secret agent, rockstar, and astronaut.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: JTrotter Fan on January 10, 2006, 05:50:50 PM
How can some states thrive without taking a state income tax from residents, yet other states can't seem to come up with money when they do have a state income tax?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on January 10, 2006, 05:56:11 PM
Because government is no different than most individuals/households.  They spend whatever they get, and they get used to spending whatever they get.  Thus, once an income tax is levied, the residents of that state are most certainly up shtein's creek, because there isn't any farging way that it's ever going to be taken off the books.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on January 10, 2006, 05:56:30 PM
Higher real estate and sales taxes?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhanInDC on January 10, 2006, 07:19:21 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 10, 2006, 11:59:28 AM
What's the industry standard for % of an annual raise?

If you do a semi-decent job and show up to work for your 40 a week, 5-8%

If you enjoy your work and do a good job, and work when needed, 9-12%

Verizon (Government contracting arm), Systems Analyst. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on January 10, 2006, 09:08:42 PM
Quote from: The Waco Kid on January 10, 2006, 05:50:50 PM
How can some states thrive without taking a state income tax from residents, yet other states can't seem to come up with money when they do have a state income tax?

One of the FEW good things about living in Florida.  :yay

That and spring break training.  ;)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhanInDC on January 10, 2006, 09:21:13 PM
Here is my dumb question: What kind of effort does it take to run and maintain this board?

I have built and maintained websites, for work and personal use, and maintain servers at work, etc. To me it seems like it would be a real beast to keep in check. Thank god there are people out there less lazy then me to create and maintain this nightmare.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: JTrotter Fan on January 10, 2006, 09:28:23 PM
Quote from: Geowhizzer on January 10, 2006, 09:08:42 PM
Quote from: The Waco Kid on January 10, 2006, 05:50:50 PM
How can some states thrive without taking a state income tax from residents, yet other states can't seem to come up with money when they do have a state income tax?

One of the FEW good things about living in Florida.  :yay

That and spring break training.  ;)

I live in Texas and all i got was this shirt (and no state taxes)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Philly_Crew on January 11, 2006, 08:37:12 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on March 30, 2005, 11:22:17 PM
Quote from: Yeti on March 17, 2005, 10:40:11 AMMark "NOT CASH" on the envelope.

LMFAO

So here's a new question.  I just got one of those fancy Oral-B/Braun electric toothbrushes that my dentist has been on my ass to use for years now.  Dude, was she ever right.  I'm a jackass for waiting this long.  Fargin' thing is great.  Anyway, it's cordless, with a charging base.  But it's for brushing your teeth, which is a wet, messy affair by definition.  So the thing is sealed completely in plastic, or so it appears.  The base of the handle is certainly all plastic..even inside the recess which connects to the base, which is ALSO all plastic.  No metal visible anywhere.

How is this thing charging through plastic?

OK, my wife has been raving about the electric toothbrush the dentist had her get and has been trying to get me to use one that she got for me.  I have been resistant, thinking the old reliable toothbrush was easier.  After seeing some of these posts, I tried it this morning for the first time.  Not bad and I suppose it is more thorough.

Of course the wife thought it was disturbing that I try something based on posters at Concretefield but have resisted her suggestions.  She was impressed with the whole magnetic charging thing and I am sure to push the charging station far from my testicular area.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 11, 2006, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: Philly_Crew on January 11, 2006, 08:37:12 AMOf course the wife thought it was disturbing that I try something based on posters at Concretefield but have resisted her suggestions.

You might consider letting her think you've taken her advice.  It could be useful for you.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on January 11, 2006, 08:43:48 AM
Good call. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Philly_Crew on January 11, 2006, 08:58:48 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on January 11, 2006, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: Philly_Crew on January 11, 2006, 08:37:12 AMOf course the wife thought it was disturbing that I try something based on posters at Concretefield but have resisted her suggestions.

You might consider letting her think you've taken her advice.  It could be useful for you.

Too late.  I did say it was a culmination of hearing it from her and from others.  Like most, I don't like to be pressured into trying something, but if I hear enough good things about a product, I may try it.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Feva on January 11, 2006, 09:44:53 AM
If we're not supposed to eat animals, then how come they're made of meat?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on January 11, 2006, 09:48:10 AM
Or, more importantly, if we were only meant to eat vegetables, why can we digest fat?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 11, 2006, 09:49:51 AM
Don't some vegetables contain fat?  Avocado, for example?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on January 11, 2006, 10:01:51 AM
Yep.  Olives, Corn, etc.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on January 11, 2006, 10:12:19 AM
What would I do with my flesh tearing teeth if it weren't for delicious animals?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on January 11, 2006, 10:18:10 AM
To speak to a few of these posts with one idea:

I enjoy eating a pink-on-the-inside cut of corn-fed moo-cow, and then I brush my teeth with a Sonicare Elite.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: qwert246 on January 11, 2006, 10:18:13 AM
In the diner today,
Why is it sometimes jelly and sometimes jam?  And what exactly makes it marmelade?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on January 11, 2006, 10:24:44 AM
jam has discernable pieces of fruit in it...jelly is all smooth...i believe thats the difference

i have no idea what marmalade is nor do i care to know
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: BigEd76 on January 11, 2006, 10:40:05 AM
jelly = jelled fruit juice + sugar
jam = boiled/crushed fruit + sugar
marmalade = pulp 'n rind  (IGY, this stuff is usually made from oranges)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 11, 2006, 10:53:18 AM
Why doesn't 95% of the country know what dippy eggs are?  And more importantly, why to they lack the mental capacity to figure it out for themselves? 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on January 11, 2006, 10:54:32 AM
Dippy eggs is 100% Pennsylvania. I grew up saying it and have never met anyone from anywhere other than PA who said it.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on January 11, 2006, 11:05:34 AM
Yep.  Unfortunately, I've been conditioned to ask for "over easy" now.  Yay for assimilation.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on January 11, 2006, 04:07:23 PM
Sarge, dippy eggs is what your whore mom asks for in the morning. In her throat.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on January 11, 2006, 04:27:22 PM
Quote from: hbionic on January 11, 2006, 04:07:23 PM
Sarge, dippy eggs is what your whore mom asks for in the morning. In her throat.

Unless Sarge's mom has a penis, there's no way you would know what she likes in her throat.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on January 11, 2006, 04:30:50 PM
Runny egg nipples are gross.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: JTrotter Fan on January 11, 2006, 04:37:57 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on January 11, 2006, 10:54:32 AM
Dippy eggs is 100% Pennsylvania. I grew up saying it and have never met anyone from anywhere other than PA who said it.

So true!  I asked my California raised girlfriend to fix me some dippy eggs today and she looked at me with a weird stare and wanted to know what in the hell "dippy" was. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on January 11, 2006, 04:54:00 PM
i'm from PA...and i have never heard of this dippy egg thing....
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on January 11, 2006, 04:59:17 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on January 11, 2006, 04:54:00 PM
i'm from PA...and i have never heard of this dippy egg thing....

Ditto.  I'm guessing it is an undercooked, fried egg - a la "sunny side up" or "over easy".  "Dippy" so you can dip your toast in it?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on January 11, 2006, 05:00:16 PM
You're a friggin genius.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on January 11, 2006, 05:01:20 PM
lolol
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on January 11, 2006, 05:04:00 PM
Excuse me, but is this or is this not the dumb questions thread?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on January 11, 2006, 05:04:41 PM
Do you like Cottage Cheese?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: JTrotter Fan on January 11, 2006, 05:06:32 PM
I like my mold a little less runny.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on January 11, 2006, 05:10:18 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 11, 2006, 05:01:20 PM
lolol
laughing out loud o... l... ?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on January 11, 2006, 05:13:13 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 11, 2006, 05:10:18 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 11, 2006, 05:01:20 PM
lolol
laughing out loud o... l... ?

thats how you lol in the street, dook
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on January 12, 2006, 08:04:21 AM
kepp it real kicko
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: T_Section224 on January 12, 2006, 08:33:36 AM
Quote from: Cerevant on January 11, 2006, 04:59:17 PMDitto. I'm guessing it is an undercooked, fried egg - a la "sunny side up" or "over easy". "Dippy" so you can dip your toast in it?
jeez, did you grow up in doylestown or something?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on January 12, 2006, 08:37:38 AM
Quote from: T_Section224 on January 12, 2006, 08:33:36 AM
Quote from: Cerevant on January 11, 2006, 04:59:17 PMDitto. I'm guessing it is an undercooked, fried egg - a la "sunny side up" or "over easy". "Dippy" so you can dip your toast in it?
jeez, did you grow up in doylestown or something?
Of course not...No...what were you thinking?  I lived a good 2...3 miles from Doylestown!  :paranoid
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: T_Section224 on January 12, 2006, 08:42:18 AM
oh, in that case, yeah, dippy eggs would be the kind you can dip toast into.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on January 12, 2006, 08:57:47 AM
I always thought "dippy eggs" were soft boiled eggs..... :paranoid
But I was closer to 4 miles from Doylestown.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on January 19, 2006, 02:47:06 PM
ok...here's a dumb question.

what the hell does "Hot Stove League" mean?

it's retarded.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: BigEd76 on January 19, 2006, 02:59:44 PM
i'm cold, bitch! (http://baseball.about.com/od/basicrule1/g/hotstove.htm)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on January 19, 2006, 03:01:52 PM
oh...i was right, it is stupid.

thanks for the link though
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on January 19, 2006, 08:42:51 PM
Hot stoves are extremely popular in southern Florida.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on January 24, 2006, 01:53:45 AM
Ok...now this one is for perfect for this thread.

Are all keyboards universally made with English letters?  If not, how big is the chinese keyboard?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on January 24, 2006, 08:00:46 AM
There is no Chinese Keyboard.  They had to use a source code for each symbol years ago, but I think they now use a touch pad with an electronic pen, and the computer translates the symbol from what the author draws.

Russians have a separate keyboard I believe.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 24, 2006, 08:41:49 AM
Quote from: hbionic on January 24, 2006, 01:53:45 AM
Are all keyboards universally made with English letters?

No. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on January 24, 2006, 09:34:35 AM
anyone ever, or currently use a dvorak keyboard?

i tried once and could barely type 3 words a minute.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: mussa on January 24, 2006, 09:43:21 AM
Quote from: Wingspan on January 24, 2006, 09:34:35 AM
anyone ever, or currently use a dvorak keyboard?

i tried once and could barely type 3 words a minute.

THE DVORAK KEYBOARD

Dvorak is a keyboard layout is an alternative to the ancient standard QWERTY. The qwerty (Sholes) keyboard was designed to prevent the keys from jamming in typewriters, which is obviously not needed anymore with modern keyboards. Nowadays we're only using it because everybody else does so, even though the keyboard's a real pain.

Dr. August Dvorak spent over ten years developing his keyboard, resulting in a far more superior layout:

Dvorak Keyboard Layout
  ~  !  @  #  $  %  ^  &  *  (  )  {  }  ____
  `  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  0  [  ]   BS
___  "  <  >                       ?  +  |
Tab  '  ,  .  P  Y  F  G  C  R  L  /  =  \
____                                _  _____
Caps  A  O  E  U  I  D  H  T  N  S  -  Enter
_____  :                             _______
Shift  ;  Q  J  K  X  B  M  W  V  Z   Shift


Now that would just totally farg with me.  I just about got the normal keyboard figured out.  :-\
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on January 24, 2006, 09:59:44 AM
Dr. Dvorak is obviously someone with too much time (or government $$$  :deion) on his hands...
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on January 31, 2006, 11:22:55 AM
Why does my belt buckle invariably migrate to the left?  When I get dressed in the morning, I center it.  And then it starts to walking left as the day progresses.  This has happened all my life.

I'll tell you what, man.  Life is a great big goddamned mystery.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: BigEd76 on January 31, 2006, 11:32:31 AM
Here's one:

Why does Accu-Weather tell us the ocean temperature every night between September 1 and May 1?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on January 31, 2006, 11:41:00 AM
when is hurricane season, i am taking my family on vacation to Florida from July 29 to August 5.  is that a trouble time?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on January 31, 2006, 11:44:26 AM
im pretty sure hurricane season starts in like may...but the really bad times are in the fall...you should be fine
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on January 31, 2006, 11:47:13 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 31, 2006, 11:41:00 AM
when is hurricane season, i am taking my family on vacation to Florida from July 29 to August 5.  is that a trouble time?

That's on the very early end of hurricane season, which is typically late August through early November.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: phillymic2000 on January 31, 2006, 11:48:26 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 31, 2006, 11:41:00 AM
when is hurricane season, i am taking my family on vacation to Florida from July 29 to August 5.  is that a trouble time?

June through November, so yes it is during the season. i think the last couple of years though, the big ones hit Florida mid to late August.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on January 31, 2006, 11:51:53 AM
thanks fellas.  i'll make sure to wear my swimmies 24/7 just in case.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MDS on January 31, 2006, 03:05:12 PM
Is this really a Bible cartoon? (http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1657389/)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on January 31, 2006, 03:16:39 PM
Quote from: MDS on January 31, 2006, 03:05:12 PM
Is this really a Bible cartoon? (http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1657389/)

No.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: LBIggle on January 31, 2006, 03:18:47 PM
Quote from: BigEd76 on January 31, 2006, 11:32:31 AM
Here's one:

Why does Accu-Weather tell us the ocean temperature every night between September 1 and May 1?


so us south jersey folk know how long we can stay surfing before we get hypothermia and die.

not to say it's useful, cuz i've never used it.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on January 31, 2006, 04:21:37 PM
Quote from: L-ong-B-each-I-ggle on January 31, 2006, 03:18:47 PM

so us south jersey folk know how long we can stay surfing before we get hypothermia and die.


I'd be more worried about catching the AIDS from the New York tidal flow.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on January 31, 2006, 04:28:22 PM
My dumb question:

When working on the cabin I have the radio on.  Sometimes I change the station if a zesty song comes on.  Half of the radio stations I get are from Canada.  They play our music but they gibber away in French between songs.  Not matter where I am, on a ladder, in the middle of wiring something, I will turn the station.

Why you ask?

I don't want the second language confusing my dogs.

Can dogs get screwed up by constantly hearing a second language?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: LBIggle on January 31, 2006, 04:58:54 PM
so the HIVey is bad eh.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 31, 2006, 07:30:19 PM
Quote from: Yeti on January 31, 2006, 04:28:22 PM
Can dogs get screwed up by constantly hearing a second language?

No.  When you teach a dog to sit it recognizes the command and associates the action you teach it with that particular word.  You could tell a dog to sit in French all day long but unless you actually go through the motions of saying the word and then forcing the dog to sit, it won't have any effect. 

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: methdeez on January 31, 2006, 08:06:32 PM
You may wind up with some half-gay dogs though.
From what I understand from listending to Fox news, anything associated with the French, including thier language and french fries, can you make you go Fag in about two seconds.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: LBIggle on January 31, 2006, 08:51:48 PM
two seconds? i heard it was instantaneous.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 31, 2006, 08:55:04 PM
Quote from: methdeez on January 31, 2006, 08:06:32 PM
You may wind up with some half-gay dogs though.
From what I understand from listending to Fox news, anything associated with the French, including thier language and french fries, can you make you go Fag in about two seconds.

This is funny because as I was reading this I was just finishing the final fry from my dinner.  :-D  Too bad it's not true.  Now if you'll excuse me, I just got a sudden urge to download Yani from Limewire. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on January 31, 2006, 10:01:26 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 31, 2006, 11:41:00 AM
when is hurricane season, i am taking my family on vacation to Florida from July 29 to August 5.  is that a trouble time?

Technically, hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.  Is there a chance then?  Yes, but  you'll usually have plenty of warning to decide if you need to get out of Orlando.  Just start keeping an eye on the Weather Channel about a week before you leave, and you'll be OK.  The bad ones we've had were in the middle of August or later (I think Charley was the earliest- around August 13, 2004, and Andrew was August 24, 1992.

Coincidentally, Orlando is proabbly the closest Florida has to a true "inland" city.  It's smack dab in the middle. Of course, with some of the doozies we've had the past few years, that hasn't mattered.  You should be OK, but keep an eye on the weather.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 02, 2006, 08:03:45 AM
Quote from: MadMarchHare on January 24, 2006, 08:00:46 AM
There is no Chinese Keyboard.  They had to use a source code for each symbol years ago, but I think they now use a touch pad with an electronic pen, and the computer translates the symbol from what the author draws.

Russians have a separate keyboard I believe.
I know this is old, but I can't resist.

While I can't speak specifically to russian or chineese keyboards, in Japan they have a QWERTY keyboard with a special shift key.  They hit the special key, and type 2 or 3 keyboard characters to create one Japanese character.  While the translation is different, it is my understanding that the Chinese and Japanese "alphabets" are much the same. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on February 02, 2006, 08:05:43 AM
Actually, C, I believe the Chinese "alphabet" is considerably larger than the Japanese one.

I'll check on this and get back to you.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 02, 2006, 08:09:45 AM
Quote from: MadMarchHare on February 02, 2006, 08:05:43 AM
Actually, C, I believe the Chinese "alphabet" is considerably larger than the Japanese one.

I'll check on this and get back to you.

My understanding from the guys in Japan was that there are 3 character sets the Japanese use, and 2 of them were chinese characters, and the other was a phonetic alphabet.  Now you have me curious :)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on February 02, 2006, 08:14:06 AM
I'm trying to find it online, but I can't find exactly what I want.

Wikipedia is describing it as 5 different dialects based originally from the Han Chinese, and then 5 styles from there (which is apparently based on how fast you needed to write it ;D).  And each symbol has inflections which determine pronunciation and context.  I can see how that'd get out of hand real quick.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on February 02, 2006, 11:27:55 AM
i got a tax question....

previously, when my wife worked part-time.  we worked our deductions so that i claimed everybody and got my full amount, she claimed nobody, got the taxes taken from her check and we wound up with around a $1,500 refund.  this past year, she went full-time and we kept the same deductions.

should i expect more refund money because she got more taxes taken out?  or does working full-time instead of part-time change something.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on February 02, 2006, 11:38:52 AM
That would depend on how much more money she made.  If her increased income bumped you to the next bracket, it may actually hurt you, even with the increase in money taken out.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on February 02, 2006, 11:39:33 AM
what are the brackets?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on February 02, 2006, 01:33:05 PM
i was looking online and i found this bracket for a married couple filing jointly:

$14,600 - $59,400

if that's correct, my wife doens't make enough to bump us over that $59,400, so we'll get taxed the same amount.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Father Demon on February 02, 2006, 01:54:21 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 02, 2006, 08:03:45 AM
Quote from: MadMarchHare on January 24, 2006, 08:00:46 AM
There is no Chinese Keyboard.  They had to use a source code for each symbol years ago, but I think they now use a touch pad with an electronic pen, and the computer translates the symbol from what the author draws.

Russians have a separate keyboard I believe.
I know this is old, but I can't resist.

While I can't speak specifically to russian or chineese keyboards, in Japan they have a QWERTY keyboard with a special shift key.  They hit the special key, and type 2 or 3 keyboard characters to create one Japanese character.  While the translation is different, it is my understanding that the Chinese and Japanese "alphabets" are much the same. 

The keyboards I used while in Ukraine have sets of characters on them.  One is the US QWERTY keyboard, and if you click some magic button on the screen, you type in the Russian/Ukrainian characters, which are on the upper-right of each key.  And this magic button is kinda invisible, because I clicked it accidently a few times while I was there, and all my stuff was in Russian.  I had to have some Ukrainian kid get me back to English.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 02, 2006, 02:37:30 PM
Quote from: MadMarchHare on February 02, 2006, 08:14:06 AM
I'm trying to find it online, but I can't find exactly what I want.

Wikipedia is describing it as 5 different dialects based originally from the Han Chinese, and then 5 styles from there (which is apparently based on how fast you needed to write it ;D).  And each symbol has inflections which determine pronunciation and context.  I can see how that'd get out of hand real quick.

Here's what I came up with (http://members.aol.com/writejapan/#kanji):
Quote
Kanji is the most complicated script in Japanese. First brought to Japan by Buddhist monks more than 1200 years ago, these Chinese ideograms number in the thousands, each one representing a different idea, not necessarily a different sound as is the case with katakana, hiragana, and romaji. In fact, most of the characters have more than one possible reading. The ideogram for person can be read as jin, nin, hito, bito, ri, and several other sounds.

I can't find something that says it outright, but my Japanese collegue said that Kanji was the same set of characters as Chineses, but with slightly different translations (dialect?).
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MadMarchHare on February 02, 2006, 04:38:52 PM
Reminds me of that Next Gen episode where the alien race spoke only in analogies.  shtein, I barely speak English.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 12:31:34 AM
Which is the best cable to hook your components to your receiver? Optical? S-Video? Coaxial? That other one?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Reidme on February 05, 2006, 08:41:32 AM
Did anyone else know that pseudo hippie chick Alanis Morrisette was actually a card carrying eighties chick at one point? Recognize the other guy in this video?

http://www.youtube.com/?v=ilnb_0PpgSE
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 05, 2006, 10:42:46 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 12:31:34 AM
Which is the best cable to hook your components to your receiver? Optical? S-Video? Coaxial? That other one?

It depends which component, whether you're talking about audio or video, and what technology is available on the component's output and the receiver's input.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 05, 2006, 12:56:08 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 05, 2006, 10:42:46 AM
It depends which component, whether you're talking about audio or video, and what technology is available on the component's output and the receiver's input.

I love this thread.  Ask a dumb question, get a dumb answer. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on February 05, 2006, 01:10:20 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 05, 2006, 12:56:08 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 05, 2006, 10:42:46 AM
It depends which component, whether you're talking about audio or video, and what technology is available on the component's output and the receiver's input.

I love this thread.  Ask a dumb question, get a dumb answer. 

(http://www.rtl9.com/~xchangelux/series/images/serie_benny_hill.jpg)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 05, 2006, 10:42:46 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 12:31:34 AM
Which is the best cable to hook your components to your receiver? Optical? S-Video? Coaxial? That other one?

It depends which component, whether you're talking about audio or video, and what technology is available on the component's output and the receiver's input.

All inputs are available on the receiver, assume outputs all are available on the component, and it's for audio and video.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: 4and26 on February 05, 2006, 02:27:18 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 05, 2006, 10:42:46 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 12:31:34 AM
Which is the best cable to hook your components to your receiver? Optical? S-Video? Coaxial? That other one?

It depends which component, whether you're talking about audio or video, and what technology is available on the component's output and the receiver's input.

All inputs are available on the receiver, assume outputs all are available on the component, and it's for audio and video.

I have  a little experience here as over the past year I've been upgrading all video and audio in our house.......

If your hooking up audio and video into from your receiver into you dvd player/tv use good quality cables (as you'll note one is for video and two for audio.

Note:  if your going high end TV make sure you have a digial box from your cable supplier and again use good cables or you've wasted your money on that TV.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 06, 2006, 10:17:44 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 05, 2006, 10:42:46 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 12:31:34 AM
Which is the best cable to hook your components to your receiver? Optical? S-Video? Coaxial? That other one?

It depends which component, whether you're talking about audio or video, and what technology is available on the component's output and the receiver's input.

All inputs are available on the receiver, assume outputs all are available on the component, and it's for audio and video.

Audio:  optical and digital coax (RCA) are equivalent and are your best choice.  It is a digital signal, so frequency response doesn't matter - digital either is perfect, or doesn't work at all.  For optical, get the cheapest cable you can find, for coax, a RCA cable of stereo grade will work fine (I've actually used pretty thin cable for coax and it still worked.

For analog audio cables (RCA or speaker wire), get cables that are about the thickness of, or a little thicker than a lamp cord.  In general, I find that most cables shipped with the unit are just fine.  More than that and it is a waste unless you have extremely expensive equipment and like high-frequency response (most people these days like to pound the crap out of bass and ignore high frequencies). 

For video, DVI/HDMI connections are digital, and therefore best.  Standard cables for these standards are fine.

Next is component video.  Get standard component video cables, which are thicker than audio cable.  You may have trouble with cheaper component cables.

Finally, s-video is a bit better than composite (single RCA). 

Don't waste time with RF (cable TV cable) for connecting between AV components.   While I'm on the subject, when using cable TV coax, don't ever ever use the friction-fit crap cables that come with VCRs, etc. these days.  Always use threaded RG6 coax (not RG58, read the package) and finger tighten, then give a 1/8 to 1/4 turn with a pair of pliers.  If you have to use splitters, fewer splitters with more connections work best, because the signal power splits evenly between the outputs.  4-way splitter = 1/4 signal to all.  3 2-way splitters, 1/2 signal to 1st TV, 1/4 signal to 2nd, 1/8 signal to 3rd and 4th.

Rule of thumb - if you are paying more than half of what Monster cables cost, you are paying too much.  If you are professional musician listening to classical music in an acoustic studio, Monster might not be overkill.  Monster exists to make the AV retailers money when they are making a pretty slim margin (due to local and internet competition) on the actual AV hardware.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on February 06, 2006, 10:34:32 AM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 06, 2006, 10:17:44 AM
If you have to use splitters, fewer splitters with more connections work best, because the signal power splits evenly between the outputs.  4-way splitter = 1/4 signal to all.  3 2-way splitters, 1/2 signal to 1st TV, 1/4 signal to 2nd, 1/8 signal to 3rd and 4th.

you can get a powered splitter and not have the division of power. i just installed on in my basement to go to the 3 television, and it helps tremendously.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 06, 2006, 10:49:24 AM
Quote from: Wingspan on February 06, 2006, 10:34:32 AM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 06, 2006, 10:17:44 AM
If you have to use splitters, fewer splitters with more connections work best, because the signal power splits evenly between the outputs.  4-way splitter = 1/4 signal to all.  3 2-way splitters, 1/2 signal to 1st TV, 1/4 signal to 2nd, 1/8 signal to 3rd and 4th.

you can get a powered splitter and not have the division of power. i just installed on in my basement to go to the 3 television, and it helps tremendously.

They also make unbalanced Splitters (-3dB Tap, -0dB through) but they are really hard to find.  The one problem I've found with powered splitters/amplifiers is that if you start having problems with the video, it is probably the amp that went bad.  Not a big deal, but not cheap to fix.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on February 09, 2006, 12:05:49 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 06, 2006, 10:17:44 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 05, 2006, 10:42:46 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 05, 2006, 12:31:34 AM
Which is the best cable to hook your components to your receiver? Optical? S-Video? Coaxial? That other one?

It depends which component, whether you're talking about audio or video, and what technology is available on the component's output and the receiver's input.

All inputs are available on the receiver, assume outputs all are available on the component, and it's for audio and video.

Audio:  optical and digital coax (RCA) are equivalent and are your best choice.  It is a digital signal, so frequency response doesn't matter - digital either is perfect, or doesn't work at all.  For optical, get the cheapest cable you can find, for coax, a RCA cable of stereo grade will work fine (I've actually used pretty thin cable for coax and it still worked.

For analog audio cables (RCA or speaker wire), get cables that are about the thickness of, or a little thicker than a lamp cord.  In general, I find that most cables shipped with the unit are just fine.  More than that and it is a waste unless you have extremely expensive equipment and like high-frequency response (most people these days like to pound the crap out of bass and ignore high frequencies). 

For video, DVI/HDMI connections are digital, and therefore best.  Standard cables for these standards are fine.

Next is component video.  Get standard component video cables, which are thicker than audio cable.  You may have trouble with cheaper component cables.

Finally, s-video is a bit better than composite (single RCA). 

Don't waste time with RF (cable TV cable) for connecting between AV components.   While I'm on the subject, when using cable TV coax, don't ever ever use the friction-fit crap cables that come with VCRs, etc. these days.  Always use threaded RG6 coax (not RG58, read the package) and finger tighten, then give a 1/8 to 1/4 turn with a pair of pliers.  If you have to use splitters, fewer splitters with more connections work best, because the signal power splits evenly between the outputs.  4-way splitter = 1/4 signal to all.  3 2-way splitters, 1/2 signal to 1st TV, 1/4 signal to 2nd, 1/8 signal to 3rd and 4th.

Rule of thumb - if you are paying more than half of what Monster cables cost, you are paying too much.  If you are professional musician listening to classical music in an acoustic studio, Monster might not be overkill.  Monster exists to make the AV retailers money when they are making a pretty slim margin (due to local and internet competition) on the actual AV hardware.


Thanks. I couldn't have asked for a better answer.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MDS on February 09, 2006, 12:20:35 PM
Are Ayds Good? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UtUpPDuMfk)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 10:46:10 AM
What happens to my 401k after I quit?  I'm already vested, so all the $$ the company matched is mine...but what happens to it? 

Do I have to turn it into an IRA? 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on February 08, 2007, 10:55:28 AM
I believe you have a few options.

You can roll it into an IRA without penalty. You can transfer it to another retirement fund. Or you can withdraw it and do with it as you please. I know you'll get penalized if you withdraw it though. Or at least I'm pretty sure. I had a 457b plan and when I left my last job I had those three options. The only one where I would have been taxed was the withdrawal option.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on February 08, 2007, 10:57:26 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 10:46:10 AM
What happens to my 401k after I quit?  I'm already vested, so all the $$ the company matched is mine...but what happens to it? 

Do I have to turn it into an IRA? 

5 choices

1- Let it sit there (it still earns $, just no more depositing into it)
2- Roll it into your new jobs 401k - or 403b if you work for a non-profit, or similar employer retirement plan)
3- Roll it into a Tradional IRA
4- Take a lump sum distibution, minus 30% (20% tax, 10% penalty unless you are 59 years old or older)
5- Any combination of 2 & 4, or 2 & 3, or 3 & 4.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 10:59:10 AM
What is the procedure for Policeman to fill up their police cars with gas? 

- Do they pay at the pump and then get reimbursed?
- Do they have a police issued credit card by the county and pay at the pump?
- Do they get a cash per diem every day for Gas ?
- Do they have their own gas pumps at the station and just fill up there every morning?

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Father Demon on February 08, 2007, 11:00:18 AM
What happens to my 401k when I quit? (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-happens-to-my-401k-when-i-quit-my-job.htm)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 11:00:47 AM
Thanks.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on February 08, 2007, 11:01:03 AM
Either 2 or 4

Most of the stations around here have a pump at the station. Or they go to the township headquarters where they have the fleet garage and do it there
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 11:33:33 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 11:00:47 AM
Thanks.

Financial "advisers" from all walks will be delighted to "help" you.

Basically, the path of least resistance is to leave it where it is, assuming you believe the investment options provided are plenty adequate when compared with the competition.  But rolling it into your new 401k or an IRA really has become a very commonplace event and is surprisingly simple to do.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 11:38:10 AM
I'm not likely to have a 401k at my next gig, so I need to think about what to do with it.

If I leave it where it is, does my former company still have that money as part of it's pool, or some kind of thing like that?  That is, am I still subject to their penalties/fines etc. even though I no longer work for them?

I'm not looking to withdraw, unless I buy a home.  In fact, I might have to use it if I want to buy a home.  I've gotten out of a lot of debt these past few years but not exactly cash rich for a down payment on a house and I'm getting real tired of paying rent.

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Quasimoto on February 08, 2007, 11:38:22 AM
Does anyone like me?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 11:39:17 AM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2007, 11:33:33 AM
Financial "advisers" from all walks will be delighted to "help" you.

Yeah, shady folk.  Not looking to get involved with any of those shysters.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 11:41:21 AM
Quote from: Father Demon on February 08, 2007, 11:00:18 AM
What happens to my 401k when I quit? (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-happens-to-my-401k-when-i-quit-my-job.htm)


Ha.  Missed this post.  thanks.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 11:48:02 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 11:38:10 AM
If I leave it where it is, does my former company still have that money as part of it's pool, or some kind of thing like that?  That is, am I still subject to their penalties/fines etc. even though I no longer work for them?

I'm not looking to withdraw, unless I buy a home.  In fact, I might have to use it if I want to buy a home.  I've gotten out of a lot of debt these past few years but not exactly cash rich for a down payment on a house and I'm getting real tired of paying rent.

401k's are managed by outside financial services firms like Hewitt or Fidelity.  Your former company wouldn't have anything to do with your money.  Penalties for early withdraw are government-mandated and again have nothing to do with your former company.

Home ownership has a lot more positives than negatives in my experience, but that's really easy to say when I live somewhere you get a lot more house for your money.  Anyway, at least you do gain value in a house when living there,  and mortgage interest isn't a complete loss... as it reduces your tax liability significantly.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Father Demon on February 08, 2007, 12:02:47 PM
Read this this week somewhere:

Average networth of renters (US wide):  ~$5K
Average networkth of homeowners (US wide):  ~$180K

That siad, in my opinion it isn't wise to cash out of a 401k to finance a downpayment.  Not only do you have tax consequenses and penalties, but you miss out on the next 25 - 40 years of compound growth. 

Second, I don't think it's difficult to find a 5% or even less money down mortgage, provided your credit is pretty good.  google (http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2006-22,GGGL:en&q=5%25+down+mortgage)

I would agree that home ownership really is a catalyst to helping provide for your future.  Good luck with your decision, whichever you choose.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:05:04 PM
if your buying cables for TV's buy them from www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com)  Great prices for basically the same wires as Monstercables but without all the Glitz.  I got 25 feet of HDMI for 24bucks
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 12:06:41 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:05:04 PM
if your buying cables for TV's buy them from www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com)  Great prices for basically the same wires as Monstercables but without all the Glitz.  I got 25 feet of HDMI for 24bucks

Allow me to retort with a dumb question:

Where's the dumb question in that post?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:07:44 PM
This goes back to the questions about cables, i saved a boatload of money figured i'd share. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:11:30 PM
Ya, I'm not jumping into anything.  There are drawbacks to both.  I have little savings as I've been dumping money into debt.  I've eliminated almost all of it, but have little to show for it.  My credit ain't great either--I didn't get into debt smartly.  Also, I haven't used any consumer credit at all for about five years, so while I've been paying down my debts, I haven't been creating new, good credit.  Nor do I plan to.  It's a racket/game I don't care to play.

The compound interest is the only reason I wouldn't take the money and put it towards a house.  The 30% tax/penalty hit is not easy to swallow, but more than worth it to be able to buy a home before 2015. 

I'm probably going to take a huge pay cut in my next job.  Question is:  what's more valuable to me in the long run, owning a home or letting 40k worth of 401k money compound over the years?  Not an easy question.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 12:14:57 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:07:44 PM
This goes back to the questions about cables, i saved a boatload of money figured i'd share. 

I hate Geico.  Anytime someone says anything about saving money, I think of those damn commercials.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:18:42 PM
Quote from: Father Demon on February 08, 2007, 12:02:47 PM
That siad, in my opinion it isn't wise to cash out of a 401k to finance a downpayment.  Not only do you have tax consequenses and penalties, but you miss out on the next 25 - 40 years of compound growth. 

Not entirely true: (http://money.cnn.com/2000/07/31/pensions/q_retire_withdrawals/)

QuoteOne of those loopholes applies to first-time homebuyers. The 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act allows you to withdraw up to $10,000 penalty free - once in your lifetime -- from your traditional or Roth IRA for a purchase of a new home, as long as you are a first-time homebuyer or haven't purchased a home in at least two years.

Yes, you still have to pay taxes on the money, but if you buy early in the year, your mortgage interest deduction will offset that extra cost significantly.

Yes, you lose the long term benefit of the investment, but if you don't use the money you may end up paying extra interest (The 15 part of an 80-15-5 is lent at a higher rate) and/or mortgage insurance.  It isn't a cut and dry decision - do the math, or get some help from an accountant.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on February 08, 2007, 12:25:48 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:11:30 PM
Ya, I'm not jumping into anything.  There are drawbacks to both.  I have little savings as I've been dumping money into debt.  I've eliminated almost all of it, but have little to show for it.  My credit ain't great either--I didn't get into debt smartly.  Also, I haven't used any consumer credit at all for about five years, so while I've been paying down my debts, I haven't been creating new, good credit.  Nor do I plan to.  It's a racket/game I don't care to play.



Establishing good credit goes a LONG way to buying a home. In fact a lot of lenders will overlook bad credit past if you've established good credit since.

I had a lot of bad debt, most of it at this point over 8 years in the past. but the last 6-7 years i had established good credit, with financing a few cars. And credit cards, of which i use/payoff in one billing cycle.

My wife and I bought a house last year, and we were bracing for a higher rate, or flat out rejection on a mortgage. It was a fairly painless process. And most of that was because of the good credit i had established since the dark times.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:30:46 PM
I'm consumer credit averse.  It's fire, I got burned.  Not gonna play again.  If I have the cash, I can afford it, if I don't have the cash, I can't afford it.

You will think I'm weak and simple and perhaps I am, but that's the deal.  Never gonna borrow for anything short of more education or a home, ever again.  Not interested in charging everything so I can pay it off at the end of the month either..that's not establishing good credit, because no one makes any money off me.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on February 08, 2007, 12:32:39 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:11:30 PM
Ya, I'm not jumping into anything.  There are drawbacks to both.  I have little savings as I've been dumping money into debt.  I've eliminated almost all of it, but have little to show for it.  My credit ain't great either--I didn't get into debt smartly.  Also, I haven't used any consumer credit at all for about five years, so while I've been paying down my debts, I haven't been creating new, good credit.  Nor do I plan to.  It's a racket/game I don't care to play.

The compound interest is the only reason I wouldn't take the money and put it towards a house.  The 30% tax/penalty hit is not easy to swallow, but more than worth it to be able to buy a home before 2015. 

I'm probably going to take a huge pay cut in my next job.  Question is:  what's more valuable to me in the long run, owning a home or letting 40k worth of 401k money compound over the years?  Not an easy question.

When I left my last gig, I decided to merge all of my 401k funds into an IRA so that I'd have fewer things to track and have more control over it.  For me, it has worked well, and I think it would be worth looking into.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on February 08, 2007, 12:34:52 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:30:46 PM
I'm consumer credit averse.  It's fire, I got burned.  Not gonna play again.  If I have the cash, I can afford it, if I don't have the cash, I can't afford it.

You will think I'm weak and simple and perhaps I am, but that's the deal.  Never gonna borrow for anything short of more education or a home, ever again.  Not interested in charging everything so I can pay it off at the end of the month either..that's not establishing good credit, because no one makes any money off me.

Good call.  I've never been late with a bill, and I refuse to pay interest fees on card purchases.  That said, I do charge quite a bit over the course of a month for convenience, points and to track spending...but I never charge anything that I won't pay off that month.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 12:37:59 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:30:46 PM
I'm consumer credit averse.  It's fire, I got burned.  Not gonna play again.  If I have the cash, I can afford it, if I don't have the cash, I can't afford it.

You will think I'm weak and simple and perhaps I am, but that's the deal.  Never gonna borrow for anything short of more education or a home, ever again.  Not interested in charging everything so I can pay it off at the end of the month either..that's not establishing good credit, because no one makes any money off me.

If you want to play the game that way (a.k.a. taking your ball and going home), you may have to do the same with a house.  Wingspan's not kidding.  Some sort of positive credit history is very important.

Maybe you could take out some college loans, get another degree, then get the home using the college loan as your credit history.  Can't really have it both ways.

That said, your decision to pay cash is admirable and responsible.  It's not something to be ashamed of.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:39:07 PM
Charging and paying off does help your credit ratings.  If you can even just use a credit card for 7-11 purchases and pay it off at the end of the month, its building your credit.  My wife and i charge everything so we can get the points.  We never borrow what we cant afford and when we do borrow its always at 0% such as my recent tv purchase.  I've been in the credit card industry for over 5 years, luckily i've been able to clean up my credit mess from when i was 18 and have good credit.  
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:39:27 PM
It's been like six years since I used any consumer credit, and three years since I carried any consumer debt.  What I haven't done is make the step to using a card for regular purchases and then paying it off.  I suppose I wouldn't act like an ass, but I just prefer to pay cash and be done with it.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:40:40 PM
I hear ya, but use the Credit card somewhere that you dont like so they have to pay the interchange fee.  I get satisfaction out of it. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:41:06 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:39:07 PM
Charging and paying off does help your credit ratings.

If you say so...but it doesn't make any sense to me.  What is your credit rating if not a measure by which prospective lenders can judge how likely it is they will make money by lending to you?  If you pay off everything every month, no one is making money on you.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:43:48 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:40:40 PM
I hear ya, but use the Credit card somewhere that you dont like so they have to pay the interchange fee.  I get satisfaction out of it. 

Ah!  That's where they get paid.  So I'm making money for them, without actually giving them any of my own.

And while I appreciate the spiteful nature of your practice--spite is good--I don't want to patronize places I don't like just to establish credit.

But I def. see your point.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:44:03 PM
Its showing that you can have the availablity to loan a large amount and not default(chargeoff) on that loan.  
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Zanshin on February 08, 2007, 12:44:25 PM
Yeah, but the idea is that if you said you'd pay for something and do...then you're more likely to be reliable in that regard in the future.  For something like a house, it's not like they're counting on you to miss a few payments so they can make more money-- they want you to pay it off every month as planned.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Father Demon on February 08, 2007, 12:44:44 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:18:42 PM
Quote from: Father Demon on February 08, 2007, 12:02:47 PM
That siad, in my opinion it isn't wise to cash out of a 401k to finance a downpayment.  Not only do you have tax consequenses and penalties, but you miss out on the next 25 - 40 years of compound growth. 

Not entirely true: (http://money.cnn.com/2000/07/31/pensions/q_retire_withdrawals/)

QuoteOne of those loopholes applies to first-time homebuyers. The 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act allows you to withdraw up to $10,000 penalty free - once in your lifetime -- from your traditional or Roth IRA for a purchase of a new home, as long as you are a first-time homebuyer or haven't purchased a home in at least two years.

Yes, you still have to pay taxes on the money, but if you buy early in the year, your mortgage interest deduction will offset that extra cost significantly.

Yes, you lose the long term benefit of the investment, but if you don't use the money you may end up paying extra interest (The 15 part of an 80-15-5 is lent at a higher rate) and/or mortgage insurance.  It isn't a cut and dry decision - do the math, or get some help from an accountant.

I wasn't aware of that.  Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 12:45:00 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:41:06 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:39:07 PM
Charging and paying off does help your credit ratings.

If you say so...but it doesn't make any sense to me.  What is your credit rating if not a measure by which prospective lenders can judge how likely it is they will make money by lending to you?  If you pay off everything every month, no one is making money on you.

The credit rating is theoretically a measure of your risk of default / bankruptcy.  The higher the rating, the less the risk.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:46:05 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:44:03 PM
Its showing that you can have the availablity to loan a large amount and not default(chargeoff) on that loan. 

Sure, sure.  But there's a difference between saying "you won't lose money" with this guy and "you will make money" with this guy.

I thought the point of the credit rating was the latter.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:46:22 PM
Your Fico and what goes into it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FICO)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:47:55 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on February 08, 2007, 12:44:25 PMit's not like they're counting on you to miss a few payments so they can make more money-- they want you to pay it off every month as planned.

I dunno.  Seems to me they make the most money of people on the edge who miss a payment here or there, pay a penalty, etc.  Banks don't actually dislike check bouncers...they make hella fees on it.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:49:51 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:30:46 PM
Not interested in charging everything so I can pay it off at the end of the month either..that's not establishing good credit, because no one makes any money off me.

I feel your pain and I can't disagree with your overall philosophy, but this last statement is false.  The Wiki article covers it in more technical details, but here are some non-obvious factors:

Current on all payments: obvious.  Note that it doesn't show up on the report unless it is past 30 days overdue.

Number of credit sources: more is better, although acquiring a bunch of credit in a short time hurts your credit.  Cancelling unused credit cards hurts your credit.  It is better to leave it unused.

Age of credit accounts: longer is better...keep those old credit cards (or cut them up, but don't cancel the accounts)

Debt/credit ratio: lower the better - unsued credit shows discipline

Number of accounts with high debt/credit ratio - (bad) similar to last, but another reason why more accounts with 0 balance = better.

The backbone of your credit rating is credit cards, even if you don't use them.  The problem with secured debt is that when you pay it off, the account goes away and you can't establish a history.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:50:32 PM
True, but that is a double edged sword when it comes to not paying your bills.  Some people are just habitually late when others wont pay period, fees dont matter and banks lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars.  
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on February 08, 2007, 12:50:51 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:41:06 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:39:07 PM
Charging and paying off does help your credit ratings.

If you say so...but it doesn't make any sense to me.  What is your credit rating if not a measure by which prospective lenders can judge how likely it is they will make money by lending to you?  If you pay off everything every month, no one is making money on you.

It's not a measure of how much money they can make off of you. It's a measure of how reliable you are to pay off the debt on good terms.

From what you have said here, you still have bad credit. Because the only consumer debt you've ever taken, you failed to meet the re-payment terms.

Beleive me when I say I had terrible credit. I had to sacrafice and rebuild good credit, with higher interest rates at first. But as I built history, I literally saw my credit score go up every 6 months, because I had active accounts that were in good standing. I never carried debt from month to month during that.

My wife was in a no credit situation, where she never really had any debt or any major problems. When it came time to look at that for our house, it turned out that I had a better credit score than her.

Her no-credit situation did not hurt in any way though. But by the end of the story now...we are paying less now, for a 4BR house, with our mortgage payment, than we were for a 3.5 room apartment, that was about 10 miles apart.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:51:58 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:50:32 PM
True, but that is a double edged sword when it comes to not paying your bills.  Some people are just habitually late when others wont pay period, fees dont matter and banks lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Dude.  Banks never lose out.  Come on.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:52:35 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:46:05 PM
I thought the point of the credit rating was the latter.

Nope.  It is about the ability to repay.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:49:51 PM
Debt/credit ratio: lower the better - unsued credit shows discipline

Isn't the problem with this that too much readily-available credit can be considered a risk?

IE:  If you have 8 credit cards with $15,000 limits and all have $0 balances, and you make $25,000 a year... that just might not be good for your credit.

That's the part that confuses me.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:54:19 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:51:58 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:50:32 PM
True, but that is a double edged sword when it comes to not paying your bills.  Some people are just habitually late when others wont pay period, fees dont matter and banks lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Dude.  Banks never lose out.  Come on.
They always make money thats obvious but when you lose 200 million last year on chargeoff/bankruptcy's thats alot of moola
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:55:03 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:47:55 PM
I dunno.  Seems to me they make the most money of people on the edge who miss a payment here or there, pay a penalty, etc.  Banks don't actually dislike check bouncers...they make hella fees on it.

Yes, but that is a different game.  Trust me - they'll make plenty off your mortgage.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:55:41 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2007, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:49:51 PM
Debt/credit ratio: lower the better - unsued credit shows discipline

Isn't the problem with this that too much readily-available credit can be considered a risk?

IE:  If you have 8 credit cards with $15,000 limits and all have $0 balances, and you make $25,000 a year... that just might not be good for your credit.

That's the part that confuses me.
that used to be taken into account and was looked at negatively.  But now it shows the ability to not be tempted or just being smart.  
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 12:57:17 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:54:19 PM...you lose 200 million last year on chargeoff/bankruptcy's thats alot of moola

not compared to what they profited, it ain't.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:58:01 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2007, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:49:51 PM
Debt/credit ratio: lower the better - unsued credit shows discipline

Isn't the problem with this that too much readily-available credit can be considered a risk?

IE:  If you have 8 credit cards with $15,000 limits and all have $0 balances, and you make $25,000 a year... that just might not be good for your credit.

That's the part that confuses me.

That's why time is so important - you've shown that you can manage that amount of credit without getting into trouble.  Also, I'd doubt that you'd get $120,000 of revolving credit when you only make $25,000.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 12:58:11 PM
i hear ya DIO, Thats my Bonus money though  :-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 01:02:18 PM
Yeah.  I'm talking a big game here--we'll see what I actually do--but I think I'm done having my financial well being tied directly to the well being of a big ass corporation.  It's a conflict of interest.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Rome on February 08, 2007, 01:03:47 PM
Some yagoff tried to use my wife's credit card to order a computer on the internet on Sunday Morning.

We got a call from the company and asked whether or not the charge was legitimate.   Nice of them since the idiot who tried to use it was in Chicago at the time.

::)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:07:02 PM
Dio -  just an option for you if you want to look into something simple.   There are prepaid credit cards where you put $300 cash in and then use that as a credit card.  So lets say you buy $10 worth of goods that month.  You have $290 left on your card to use.  At the end of the month you just pay the $10 back to the card so you are up to $300 again.   This actually does count as a credit transaction even though you are using cash you already deposited.   If you choose to upgrade or close out you get the $300 back.    This allows you to keep from spending money you dont have while still building some type of positive credit for your future home purchase or whatever.  Just an option.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 01:10:02 PM
Like a prepaid phone.  Interesting.

The issue isn't that I'm worried I'd overspend, it's that I'd simply prefer to avoid the hassle of paying at a later date.  I like to pay now for what I get now, you know?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:11:48 PM
I agree.  Many times I only make one small purchase on a card (lets say a tank of gas) and just pay that $30 back at the end of the month to keep the card active and showing that the payments are made each month.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 01:12:03 PM
I don't think the prepaid cards do anything for your credit history - since it's not technically credit.

It's just a more "secure" way to carry cash.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on February 08, 2007, 01:17:33 PM
How is that different than a check/debit card?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:18:49 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2007, 01:12:03 PM
I don't think the prepaid cards do anything for your credit history - since it's not technically credit.

It's just a more "secure" way to carry cash.



FF, I understand where you are coming from, but that is not true.  -  The 3 major credit agencies do not see it as a debit secure type card.  It does act exactly the same way as a credit card would on your credit report.   Thats the whole point of it in the first place.  To be able to build credit.  I used one coming out of college and it worked like a charm. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 01:19:14 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:58:01 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2007, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 12:49:51 PM
Debt/credit ratio: lower the better - unsued credit shows discipline

Isn't the problem with this that too much readily-available credit can be considered a risk?

IE:  If you have 8 credit cards with $15,000 limits and all have $0 balances, and you make $25,000 a year... that just might not be good for your credit.

That's the part that confuses me.

That's why time is so important - you've shown that you can manage that amount of credit without getting into trouble.  Also, I'd doubt that you'd get $120,000 of revolving credit when you only make $25,000.

Sure, but if you did have quite a bit of available revolving credit but you desire a new loan/card/etc, wouldn't it be smart to close one or two of your least-used accounts?

This whole thing confuses me greatly.  I think it's actually designed as such.

Quote from: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:18:49 PM
FF, I understand where you are coming from, but that is not true.  -  The 3 major credit agencies do not see it as a secure card.  It does act exactly the same way as a credit card would on your credit report.   Thats the whole point of it in the first place.  To be able to build credit.  I used one coming out of college and it worked like a charm. 

That's sweet.  You learned me a good lesson.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:19:57 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on February 08, 2007, 01:17:33 PM
How is that different than a check/debit card?

It is different in the fact that it is viewed as a credit card to the 3 agencies (Equifax, Transunion, Experian).   A checking account or debit card do not report to your credit agencies in that fashion. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhanInDC on February 08, 2007, 01:22:46 PM
Quote from: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:11:48 PM
I agree.  Many times I only make one small purchase on a card (lets say a tank of gas) and just pay that $30 back at the end of the month to keep the card active and showing that the payments are made each month.

I agree with this completely. I have a card I use that has a $500 limit (it's a pain in the ass, as the bank constantly will jack up the limit without letting you know). I use it for gas primarily, and if I run to the local WaWa for a Pepsi and a sandwich. On average, the bill is less than $200 at the end of each month. I do have another card with a larger limit, but I rarely use it unless it is for something that I would rather not pay for with cash, mostly because of the amount. Things that fall into this catergory are car repairs, upgrades to my home, or buying a TV. Again, I only make purchases with this card if this is cash available to pay it off.

One other note, I'm not sure how this affects my credit, but since I have the cards through my bank, I can pay them on the fly from my banks website. As a car repair for say, $600, posts, I can just pay it off by transferring funds from my checking account to the credit card account.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Cerevant on February 08, 2007, 01:24:28 PM
Quote from: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:19:57 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on February 08, 2007, 01:17:33 PM
How is that different than a check/debit card?

It is different in the fact that it is viewed as a credit card to the 3 agencies (Equifax, Transunion, Experian).   A checking account or debit card do not report to your credit agencies in that fashion. 

To clarify - what MURP is describing is called a Secured Credit Card (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secured_credit_card#Secured_credit_cards).  This is different from a prepaid gift card or debit card.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:27:59 PM
Thanks Cerevant.   I think my wording by describing that you prepay first before getting the card may have caused some confusion on the issue.   Secured card is the right term..
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on February 08, 2007, 02:00:03 PM
Quote from: MURP on February 08, 2007, 01:18:49 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2007, 01:12:03 PM
I don't think the prepaid cards do anything for your credit history - since it's not technically credit.

It's just a more "secure" way to carry cash.



FF, I understand where you are coming from, but that is not true.  -  The 3 major credit agencies do not see it as a debit secure type card.  It does act exactly the same way as a credit card would on your credit report.   Thats the whole point of it in the first place.  To be able to build credit.  I used one coming out of college and it worked like a charm. 

While it's viewed as a credit card, the source of the card is also important. It my understanding that secured cards don't build positive credit nearly as well as a full-blown credit card.

Dio, another option is a low-limit card. Something like $500 or less. It keeps you from going nuts with the credit, and if you use the right company (Capital One is one I know of), you can almost immediately transfer money from your bank back to the credit account.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on February 08, 2007, 02:06:16 PM
BTW...the (great) article that Cerevant gave the link to is a little dated (2000). For example:

Quote
Just recently, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure that could boost annual contributions for both IRAs and 401(k) pension plans. If passed by Congress, the bill will raise the $2,000 annual pre-tax IRA contribution to $5,000 by 2003, and increase the yearly salary contributions for 401(k)s to $15,000 by 2005. Currently, annual salary contributions to 401(k) plans max out at $10,500.

The maximum annual contribution for 2007 is now $15,500. So everbody bump up your contributions!
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on February 08, 2007, 02:14:18 PM
Here's something good I found on that CNN/Money site:

http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/news/401k_anniv/5.html
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 02:47:19 PM
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on February 08, 2007, 02:00:03 PM


While it's viewed as a credit card, the source of the card is also important. It my understanding that secured cards don't build positive credit nearly as well as a full-blown credit card.



The source of the card should be from the same credit places you could get a regular card.  For example.  CHASE has regular credit cards and secured ones.   Both build credit. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on February 08, 2007, 02:52:16 PM
I get FHM magazine, its being canceled after march.  What happens to my subscription?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: BigEd76 on February 08, 2007, 03:18:37 PM
Don't secured cards have an annual fee?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 08, 2007, 03:26:32 PM
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on February 08, 2007, 02:06:16 PM
The maximum annual contribution for 2007 is now $15,500. So everbody bump up your contributions!

Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on February 08, 2007, 02:14:18 PM
Here's something good I found on that CNN/Money site:

http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/news/401k_anniv/5.html

Well, I don't make any of those 5 401k mistakes, so I guess I rule.  I invest ever-so-slightly over the maximum employer match, and it's nowhere close to $15k annually.  I could max out my 401k and default on my mortgage and/or stop paying for my daughter's day care to pay for it, but I've never really viewed those as valid options.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 03:30:43 PM
im in the same boat as FF on that one.  Id love to put the max in, but it is impossible.   blah. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2007, 03:54:34 PM
Quote from: MURP on February 08, 2007, 10:59:10 AM
What is the procedure for Policeman to fill up their police cars with gas? 

Asked my mom how they do it.  She's the head of finance for a town in New England, pop. 16,000 or so.  The cops get fuel from the public works garage, where they keep underground tanks just like a gas station.  Towns don't have to pay all the taxes that we do, so they don't use gas stations.  They do have arrangements with a couple gas stations in town, just in case the power fails at the public works garage, but have never needed to exercise those options.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MURP on February 08, 2007, 04:25:32 PM
thanks for the info Phreak and Dio
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on February 08, 2007, 05:31:37 PM
Quote from: MURP on February 08, 2007, 10:59:10 AM
What is the procedure for Policeman to fill up their police cars with gas? 

- Do they pay at the pump and then get reimbursed?
- Do they have a police issued credit card by the county and pay at the pump?
- Do they get a cash per diem every day for Gas ?
- Do they have their own gas pumps at the station and just fill up there every morning?

I believe most either have a credit card issued by the county/city/state that they work for.  Typically, each vehicle will have a credit card specifically assigned to it.  When paying, the driver is required to enter the vehicle id number (which is usually all or part of the license plate number) as well as the mileage on the vehicle.  Depending on department SOP, reciepts are turned in on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. 

Other option is a local gov't fuel station.  Only government type vehicles can fill up there and to my knowledge, no fuel can be pumped into a container without written approval.  These are becoming more and more scarce as I believe most police stations are using the cards now. 

This also applies for any government vehicle, be it federal law enforcement agencies, military, etc, etc.  Basically anything with a government plate on it. 

I'm not sure about local/state level vehicles but I know that all vehicles owned by the federal government have a credit card attached to them that is issued by GSA (gov't services agency) and they are the only authorized means of paying for gas.  They're monitored fairly closely too.  I know several Marines who have been caught trying to use the cards for their personal vehicles.  One of them was only for $5.00 worth of gas too. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on May 14, 2007, 06:23:49 PM
you're on the train.  rolling along.  the lights, AC, and power go out for a few moments....then they come back on.  no one act like this is strange, and it happens all the time.

why?  what's going on when that happens?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on May 14, 2007, 06:30:08 PM
We turned off the lights because we thought the cops were outside. The train you were on is illegal in many states.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Wingspan on May 14, 2007, 06:31:26 PM
It's a little known fact, that all federal, state, and local laws become null and void when the power goes out on a train.

Grope away!
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on May 14, 2007, 06:33:44 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on May 14, 2007, 06:23:49 PM
you're on the train.  rolling along.  the lights, AC, and power go out for a few moments....then they come back on.  no one act like this is strange, and it happens all the time.

why?  what's going on when that happens?

Easy. You were in the southern hemisphere and when water drains, it drains counter clockwise.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on May 14, 2007, 06:37:17 PM
har dee har har

answer the farging question you dickbag fargs
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on May 14, 2007, 06:43:46 PM
You're in the 1800's and everything is coal-powered and they have to get a bigger load every few moments.

You're in that Euro Train and it totally sucks!

The magnetic field around the earth is being bombarded by a sever solar wind storm causing surges and blackouts throughout Earth, causing minor inconveniences like temporary loss of power.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on May 14, 2007, 06:45:46 PM
I accept all three anwers, thank you.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on May 14, 2007, 06:48:28 PM
What's the answer?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on May 14, 2007, 08:17:16 PM
Why do lights turn off when i walk near them?  Streetlights, houselights, its friggin weird.  Sometimes i think i have superpowers, but then realize im an office jockey. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on May 14, 2007, 08:19:46 PM
God doesn't like you and he makes the lights go out hoping that you'll get mugged or trip on something. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on May 14, 2007, 08:21:58 PM
you should probably leave the heavy lifting to the pros Sarge
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on May 14, 2007, 08:23:45 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on May 14, 2007, 08:17:16 PM
Why do lights turn off when i walk near them?  Streetlights, houselights, its friggin weird.  Sometimes i think i have superpowers, but then realize im an office jockey. 

Ha! I have this exact same thought all the time. I swear that shtein goes out just because I'm walking by.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on May 14, 2007, 08:27:52 PM
Quote from: SunMo on May 14, 2007, 08:21:58 PM
you should probably leave the heavy lifting to the pros Sarge

Every time I take a squirt. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on July 30, 2007, 01:14:18 PM
for the golfers...

http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=6139&PROD_ID=1916749

i think this set of clubs looks good for me as a beginner.  it's a name brand, cheap price, and has everything i need.  what do people who know what they are talking about think?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on July 30, 2007, 01:57:36 PM
Good price, the thing about Golf Clubs is you never know what your getting until you've been able to try them out.  That site seems to have a pretty good return policy, you just have to shell out a few bucks, or you could use your corporate account if you dont like the feel of the clubs. 

I bought some knock off XL-8 Callways by Turin Golf (http://www.turingolf.com/).  They have a small place right off I 95 in Newark, DE.  The best thing was trying each club type that they had and getting a feel for which would fit my style of play best. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on July 30, 2007, 02:09:05 PM
these Wilson's look pretty nice too

http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=9616&cmpState=Y&cmpLimitPrice=Under%20%24240&cmpStack=P&cmpSubcats=6139%2C9038#
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on July 30, 2007, 02:15:04 PM
The Dunlops might be better just based on teh reviews.  Wilson makes me think of (http://www.geocities.com/imokproductions/WilsonDiscovered.jpg)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SunMo on July 30, 2007, 02:17:42 PM
ha
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Rome on July 30, 2007, 02:23:03 PM
I still play Taylor-Made 300 Series Irons with graphite shafts.  They're the best set of clubs I've ever owned.

If I were you I'd go to a store that sells used clubs and look for used top-of-the-line sets and have someone who knows what the farg he's doing go with you.  The guys who own those places are usually pricks and will sell you shtein you don't need or can't handle at your current skill level.

PS: Don't buy new.  New clubs are a farging rip-off.  Even the shtein ones you can buy at Target or Modell's.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on July 30, 2007, 02:51:41 PM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on July 30, 2007, 02:23:03 PM
I still play Taylor-Made 300 Series Irons with graphite shafts.  They're the best set of clubs I've ever owned.

If I were you I'd go to a store that sells used clubs and look for used top-of-the-line sets and have someone who knows what the farg he's doing go with you.  The guys who own those places are usually pricks and will sell you shtein you don't need or can't handle at your current skill level.

PS: Don't buy new.  New clubs are a farging rip-off.  Even the shtein ones you can buy at Target or Modell's.
Romey, thats why i went to the knockoff place.  I went there to see how much it would cost to have my old 1972 Ben Hogan irons refinished.  It would have run me about 300 bucks, we started looking at the callaway knockoffs and i tried them out.  I tried a taylor made knockoff too, but really liked the swing of the callaway's. 

The best thing about those little places is getting measured for an exact fit to your swing.  Makes your swing effortless when your are connecting at the correct arm length. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on July 31, 2007, 03:34:43 PM
If we are just a lucky biological accident and there is no other life in the universe, no god, just us, does that make each of us a god in our own right during our lifetime?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 31, 2007, 05:30:50 PM
No.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Eaglez on July 31, 2007, 06:26:34 PM
Why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on July 31, 2007, 10:39:48 PM
Quote from: Yeti on July 31, 2007, 03:34:43 PM
If we are just a lucky biological accident and there is no other life in the universe...

Given the size of the universe, this is quite unlikely.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on July 31, 2007, 11:04:37 PM
Quote from: Yeti on July 31, 2007, 03:34:43 PM
If we are just a lucky biological accident and there is no other life in the universe, no god, just us, does that make each of us a god in our own right during our lifetime?

Of course it does. Arguing that it does not is idiotic. I would be comfortable proclaiming myself a god even if God did exist. 

Discuss.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on August 01, 2007, 08:16:51 AM
I'm going lake fishing in Maine and wanted to know what type of rig setup i should use to get Trout and Salmon?  They hang out supposedly in the 40-60ft water in the lake.  in the Butter Joint thread i posted the fishfinder i just purchased.  I just want to see what setup would work for fish like these. 

Last year we used what was called a moose hook to catch pickerel, and perch.  This year i want the big fish. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: phattymatty on August 01, 2007, 08:59:24 AM
all i read right there was moose knuckle and stink fist.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on August 01, 2007, 04:44:50 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on July 31, 2007, 11:04:37 PM

Of course it does. Arguing that it does not is idiotic. I would be comfortable proclaiming myself a god even if God did exist. 

Discuss.

:-D
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhanInDC on August 14, 2007, 11:14:46 AM
Why are some names highlighted in gold/yellow in the "Who's Online" list at the bottom of the CF Board main page?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on August 14, 2007, 05:41:15 PM
Red for admins, Yellow for anybody with a super cool awesome STAFF logo under their name.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyGirl on March 02, 2008, 03:19:28 PM
Why do closed down gas stations in NJ get painted ALL black. Bricks, signs, EVERYTHING?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MDS on March 02, 2008, 03:19:54 PM
Why do you live in New Jersey?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyGirl on March 02, 2008, 03:21:02 PM
Farther away from you while still being close enough to the stadium.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on March 02, 2008, 03:22:50 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on March 02, 2008, 03:19:28 PM
Why do closed down gas stations in NJ get painted ALL black. Bricks, signs, EVERYTHING?

PG...if you ever get a chance...take a pic and post it...I'm curious to see what that looks like (not that my imagination can't conjure up that image).
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MDS on March 02, 2008, 03:30:06 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on March 02, 2008, 03:21:02 PM
Farther away from you while still being close enough to the stadium.

I live 10 minutes from Jersey. The smell seeps in. It's awful.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyGirl on March 03, 2008, 06:48:50 PM
no one knows?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on March 03, 2008, 06:57:57 PM
I guess not

Why don't you stop at an open gas station--maybe one across the street from a blacked out one--and ask someone who works there, like the manager?

We can't wait to hear the reason.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on March 03, 2008, 07:29:16 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on March 02, 2008, 03:19:28 PM
Why do closed down gas stations in NJ get painted ALL black. Bricks, signs, EVERYTHING?

So it matches the ocean? 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on July 02, 2009, 01:41:27 PM
Ok....I was brushing my teeth and this came to mind:

Is the guy who played the captain on 21 jumpstreet, the same guy that played the government guy from the X-files? (episode where Mulder thought he was seeing a hanger full of aliens)?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on November 08, 2010, 06:03:20 PM
Bank question:

Why do some ATMs have armed guards standing out front of them and others don't?  I see one ATM at a Bank of America that has an armed guard standing outside a lot, but other ATMs nearby never have a dude with a gun standing watch.  And why is the guard there a lot of the time, but not all the time?

Can anyone shed light on this?

I would ask the guard himself, but that seems like the kind of question he should probably not answer, so I haven't asked.  Besides, dude has a gun, I just as well steer clear.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: mussa on November 08, 2010, 06:38:20 PM
Are you in the ghetto? Even my few years in Philly I have never seen that. Only thing I can think of is they are taking money in or out of the bank.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on November 08, 2010, 06:40:24 PM
I've thought of that too, but never once seen a truck.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 08, 2010, 06:49:35 PM
That's because they don't use trucks any more, dumb dumb.  It's all about armor plated Pruises these days.  Criminals don't know to look for them and it's a great way to help save the environment while toting around bags of dead trees. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on November 08, 2010, 06:51:21 PM
not helpful
not even funny

to the stockade with you shteinbag
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 08, 2010, 06:54:26 PM
Did I pluralize Prius incorrectly?  Is it supposed to be Pri'i? 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on November 08, 2010, 10:50:27 PM
Pri'i lol
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on June 28, 2011, 05:58:22 AM
Why do people put a piece of clothing in the rolled up window of a car they have left by the side of the road?  I see this all the time..usually something white but I've seen red and black too... 

What's the point? 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: reese125 on June 28, 2011, 08:04:02 AM
Signal to show that the car wasnt just abandoned to motorists or police and the driver needs assistance to that location. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on June 28, 2011, 09:36:37 AM
dio taking the thread title literally
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: reese125 on June 28, 2011, 09:46:05 AM
Even when I saw someone do that for the first time I thought it was pretty self-explanatory, but Dio gets a one time only pass for the question because he's the godfather and he's in the right thread.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on June 28, 2011, 10:11:50 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on June 28, 2011, 05:58:22 AM
Why do people put a piece of clothing in the rolled up window of a car they have left by the side of the road?  I see this all the time..usually something white but I've seen red and black too... 

What's the point?

According to Dio, the cars are abandoned
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: paco on June 28, 2011, 10:15:53 AM
Why did the two actresses who made out in Black Swan both come out with friends-with-benifits movies?  More importantly, is this going to be like the superhero movies coming out that are leading to up to an Avengers movies where these will be the two prequils to a friends-with-benifits movie between said two actresses?  Because that would probably be the highest grossing movie of all time.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on June 28, 2011, 11:59:12 AM
I don't know what a prequil is but it sounds communist to me. Someone, arrest Paco. Now.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on June 28, 2011, 12:01:15 PM
fwiw the trailer for the timberlake kunis version was pretty farging funny
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: paco on June 28, 2011, 12:04:21 PM
Sorry, Prequel.  And instead of arrested, I should be put down for that.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on June 28, 2011, 12:05:34 PM
I don't get it...the movie was just done. This is bad.

farg Hollywood and their uncreativity. Any schmuck that pays to go and see this movie deserves their heads to be guillotined off. That said, I can already see myself being forced to watch this.

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on June 28, 2011, 12:06:14 PM
Quote from: paco on June 28, 2011, 12:04:21 PM
Sorry, Prequel.  And instead of arrested, I should be put down for that.

Let's meet in the middle...how about waterboarded for a couple of months?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on June 28, 2011, 12:11:02 PM
if the reviews are as good as the trailer....and lets be honest trailers mean next to nothing...then id take a flyer on it...it really did look good even if kunis' body reminded me of a chubby thirteen year old boy...how can you be as hott as she is and have a gross awkward body
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: phattymatty on June 28, 2011, 12:15:35 PM
if its half as good as the natalie portman ashton kutcher movie then it will be half a pile of shtein.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on June 28, 2011, 02:57:52 PM
If it's half as good, wouldn't it be twice the pile of shtein?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on June 28, 2011, 03:01:03 PM
Unless the other one was only a quarter pile.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on June 28, 2011, 05:35:43 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on June 28, 2011, 10:11:50 AMAccording to Dio, the cars are abandoned

Tomahawk gets the reading award.

Not thirty minutes after posting this question, I saw a car parked on the shoulder of 295 right before the interchange with 695:  White plastic bag flopping in the wake from traffic, pinched in the closed driver side door window.  No driver in sight.  Why do people do this?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: reese125 on June 28, 2011, 05:59:06 PM
Cmon man-I couldn't of been any clearer.

It's to say the car is not just abandoned and the driver intends to take care of it. It's police policy that of a car is sitting there for a certain period of time to have it towed. The bag or shirt is to prevent that from happening and a signal for help. There is probably a note on the dash too. The driver could of very been picked up or walked to an exit to get help or something.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on June 28, 2011, 06:42:20 PM
The first part makes some sense, kind of.  Obviously the car hasn't been abandoned if it's still got plates on it, but okay, put a tee shirt in the window.  The latter part makes no sense because no one is there to receive "assistance."

I grade your answer a B- for decent if partial explanation of idiot reasoning.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on June 29, 2011, 10:25:12 AM
If the policy is to tow the vehicle after 24 hours, a plastic farging bag isn't going to stop them.

It's a stupid thing to do which is why I've never seen it in ILL.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: reese125 on June 29, 2011, 10:37:29 AM
You guys are kidding right? How can't you grasp this concept? It's like a distress signal.

You make it look like the only way to get "assistance" is you have to physically be there at your car. If it's 10 degrees or 100 my ass is trying to walk to thd next exit if I don't have my cell. Maybe if a cop comes I can tell him by a note that I'm trying to get help with the car. Or maybe its to let other motorists know that there is a broken down car on thd side of the road.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on June 29, 2011, 11:05:33 AM
I've seen this and I understand the logic behind it.  But I thought is what hazard lights are for. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on June 29, 2011, 11:07:35 AM
Unless its going to take you time so you dont want to leave the hazards on because your battery will die.

Short term = hazards

Long term = dirty underwear to show your shteins broken
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on June 29, 2011, 11:10:53 AM
I just don't get the point. What the farg is a note going to do? You have a certain amount of time to get the car fixed or towed, or they'll tow it for you. A note is not going to prevent this. Is the retardedly left note supposed to persuade the officer to form a search party? If you're already walking, the cop or other passing motorists are going to see you. If they don't, it's because you already made it to the next exit.

I'm pretty sure most states give vision tests before granting licenses...the broke down car on the side of the road probably alerts them there's a broke down car on the side of the road better than a flagging device.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on June 29, 2011, 11:53:41 AM
Maybe it's akin to putting socks on the door knob in college. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: phattymatty on June 29, 2011, 12:06:39 PM
how about just spending the $20 a year and get AAA. t-shirt problem solved.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Dillen on June 29, 2011, 01:56:18 PM
more importantly, how come so many people carry spare white t shirts wherever they go?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on June 29, 2011, 07:06:24 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on June 29, 2011, 11:10:53 AM...supposed to persuade the officer to form a search party? ...the broke down car on the side of the road probably alerts them there's a broke down car on the side of the road better than a flagging device.

lol
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 09:51:25 AM
Here's one that MMH might be able to answer: how come we don't have Frontline for humans?

I've had four tick bites already this year, and pulled several ticks off before they bit me.  My dogs are protected by Frontline...how come I can't get a human version of that?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: mussa on July 03, 2011, 11:05:08 AM
Thats a good question you'd think these pharm companies would be all over that.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: QB Eagles on July 03, 2011, 11:27:58 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 09:51:25 AM
Here's one that MMH might be able to answer: how come we don't have Frontline for humans?

I've had four tick bites already this year, and pulled several ticks off before they bit me.  My dogs are protected by Frontline...how come I can't get a human version of that?

I'll make an educated guess, maybe MMH can drop some more detailed knowledge.

I don't think that Frontline prevents ticks from biting. It just kills them over the course of a few hours. It generally takes about a day or more for an infected tick to transmit Lyme disease to something it attaches to, so Frontline squashes that health risk.

I would guess that approval for human use would require a lot more (expensive) regulatory scrutiny than creating an animal product, and I don't know that Frontline is such a big step up over other commercially available tick repellents for humans. So marketing the product for humans wouldn't necessarily be a money-maker for the company.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: SD on July 03, 2011, 11:28:25 AM
There's an ingredient in frontline that's carcinogenic to humans. I think it's dangerous to dogs too but they only live 15 years as it is. Off works for me when I'm in the wilderness but it is a pain in the ass to spray and it smells like shtein.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MMH on July 03, 2011, 12:17:42 PM
Quote from: QB Eagles on July 03, 2011, 11:27:58 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 09:51:25 AM
Here's one that MMH might be able to answer: how come we don't have Frontline for humans?

I've had four tick bites already this year, and pulled several ticks off before they bit me.  My dogs are protected by Frontline...how come I can't get a human version of that?

I'll make an educated guess, maybe MMH can drop some more detailed knowledge.

I don't think that Frontline prevents ticks from biting. It just kills them over the course of a few hours. It generally takes about a day or more for an infected tick to transmit Lyme disease to something it attaches to, so Frontline squashes that health risk.

I would guess that approval for human use would require a lot more (expensive) regulatory scrutiny than creating an animal product, and I don't know that Frontline is such a big step up over other commercially available tick repellents for humans. So marketing the product for humans wouldn't necessarily be a money-maker for the company.
The last part is correct, it would cost a lot more to get it approved for humans.  And I don't know the answer.  It's possible humans and dogs process the drug differently, and it only accumulates enough to be effective in dogs.

But if I had to guess, it's likely because there isn't enough money in it to make it worth-while.  If someone did get it approved, it would require a prescription, most likely.  Who's going to do that?

EDIT:  Found it.  The active ingredient is an insecticide called Fipronil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fipronil
At the bottom you'll find that while there is no direct evidence, it has been classified as a class C carcinogen.  Carcinogens are autmotically banned from use in people.  Think the red dye #3 problem when they yanked red M&Ms off the market.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 12:23:19 PM
Ditch diggers who have to perform tick checks every night might.

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MMH on July 03, 2011, 12:25:20 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 12:23:19 PM
Ditch diggers who have to perform tick checks every night might.

See above.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 12:32:30 PM
How can cigarettes be legal but pharmaceutical products can't contain any carcinogens at all?  No makey sense.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MMH on July 03, 2011, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 12:32:30 PM
How can cigarettes be legal but pharmaceutical products can't contain any carcinogens at all?  No makey sense.

I believe cigarettes are grandfathered, but yes, it makes no sense.
Particularly since the red dye #3 in question, was given to mice at such a high dose their hair turned pink, before they got cancer.  Someone once did the equation of how many M&Ms you'd have to eat to reach that dose, and all I can remember was it was ridiculously high.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 03, 2011, 01:14:01 PM
They probably gave the mice 8 pure fluid ounces of the stuff every six hours for 16 weeks and voila.  Cancer.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 10, 2011, 08:58:39 PM
Ok, here's another one. 

I don't generally buy things like matching sets of silverware, coffee cups, etc.  A lot of my drinking cups are jelly jars.  Recently I've taken to re-using votive candle glasses for drinking brown liquors.  It's a nice size. 

Are these things probably full of lead and going to kill me?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: MMH on July 10, 2011, 09:32:16 PM
Smoking is much more likely to kill you.  Not trying to be preachy, just honest.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 10, 2011, 10:00:43 PM
Well I quit smoking a year and a half ago, so I'm good to go.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on July 11, 2011, 07:22:05 AM
You're probably not going to live forever so go for it
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on July 11, 2011, 09:41:29 AM
You don't sound too sure t-hawk.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on July 11, 2011, 10:06:48 AM
Diomedes is a badass (http://www.badassoftheweek.com/diomedes.html)
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Eagaholic on July 11, 2011, 03:56:54 PM
Judging by the statue, you probably look less badass after somebody chops off your arms, legs and dick, and sticks a pole up your ass.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on July 11, 2011, 06:49:07 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on July 11, 2011, 10:06:48 AM
Diomedes is a badass (http://www.badassoftheweek.com/diomedes.html)

That was awesome.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 11, 2011, 07:53:40 PM
He was my favorite character in the Iliad.  Hektor was extremely compelling as well.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on July 12, 2011, 02:16:16 AM
Dio hearts Chuggie?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on July 18, 2011, 10:10:56 AM
why do credit cards expire every couple years or whatever it is
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 18, 2011, 10:13:21 AM
because the ID strip on the back fails?
as a way to indentify/control active/inactive accounts?
as a way to prevent fraud (if all cards had no expiration, that would be one less data point to use when verifying validity of credit?)

I don't know
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on July 18, 2011, 10:14:02 AM
It's not that they expire, but it's the credit card company's prediction of your death, within the month. They too play ghoulpool.

If you survive, you are awarded a new, shinier card.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on July 18, 2011, 12:45:52 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on July 18, 2011, 10:13:21 AM
because the ID strip on the back fails?
as a way to indentify/control active/inactive accounts?
as a way to prevent fraud (if all cards had no expiration, that would be one less data point to use when verifying validity of credit?)

I don't know

You googled it, liar:

QuoteThe two main reasons are fraud protection -- the date is an extra layer of security -- and regular replacement of magnetic strips, which deteriorate over time.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 18, 2011, 01:15:22 PM
I guessed but if you prefer to think not, roll with it baby.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on July 18, 2011, 01:17:07 PM
FEAR DIO! HISTORIC BADASS!
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on July 18, 2011, 01:18:23 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWptXUblA4E
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on August 03, 2011, 07:08:08 PM
Was just looking up the prayer scene in the movie Glory...and it dawned on me....

I don't know if I know what a young Morgan Freeman looks like? As early as I can remember until present day...he just looks a little grayer. Dude doesn't age.

Anyone remember seeing or watching a young Morgan Freeman?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on August 03, 2011, 07:09:34 PM
There is no younger Morgan Freeman. There's just the Morgan Freeman from before, and the current one with the bloated hand he can't use and the granddaughter farging.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Geowhizzer on August 03, 2011, 07:11:04 PM
Quote from: hbionic on August 03, 2011, 07:08:08 PM
Was just looking up the prayer scene in the movie Glory...and it dawned on me....

I don't know if I know what a young Morgan Freeman looks like? As early as I can remember until present day...he just looks a little grayer. Dude doesn't age.

Anyone remember seeing or watching a young Morgan Freeman?

I believe he started out on the kid's show Electric Company in the 1970s.  He did the character "Easy Reader."

(http://www.tvparty.com/bgifs14/easy-ec.jpg)

(http://images.askmen.com/video/2006_mar/mar07_morgan_kidsshow.jpg)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kuKcX8QrOM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K00rz73s_zU&feature=related
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on August 03, 2011, 07:19:17 PM
Remember the old TV show "The Electric Company"  He was a main member of the cast. 



Edit....guess I should have read the rest of the thread first. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on August 23, 2011, 12:47:17 PM
When you plug something into an electrical outlet, does it matter what side of the plug goes in if they both fit? Usually, there's a bigger side on a plug and that goes on the bigger slit. I have heard that if the wires are crossed,  it affects electronics and can cause damage to them. Just wondering if this is the same thing or it doesn't matter as long as the positive and negative wires are connected properly at the outlet.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on August 23, 2011, 03:25:38 PM
Typically, you're only going to see that on small electronics like a phone charger or something.  Anything that draws significant power will have the big/small prongs on them.  But if the prongs are the same size, I don't think it matters at all which way you plug it into the outlet. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 02, 2011, 07:32:08 PM
Any legal nerds here? 

I have a friend who works at a law firm as a secretary or paralegal or something.  About 2 hours ago she posted on facebook that she was waiting on a phone call from the mediator and hoped it would be a settlement offer.  About 20 min ago she posted that they got a $10mil settlement. 

While that's certainly good news for the firm and the client, I commented on her page that she probably shouldn't be giving out any details on facebook about cases or settlements that her firm is working on.  Naturally, I got bombarded by other friends of hers who say the matter is closed because settlement has been reached.  I contend that an agreement on a settlement has been reached over the phone but no paperwork has been signed or filed with the courthouse, so it's still technically an "active case."  There simply wasn't enough time for all that to happen given the timeline of her posts. 

So given the sensitivity that surrounds attorney/client privilege, is this something she could get fired for?  I'm assuming that since the case was handled via mediation, it wasn't open to the public like a regular court case would be, right? 

Even if I'm completely wrong on this, I still told her not to post anything work related on FB.  No good can come of it.   
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on November 02, 2011, 07:33:47 PM
This thread is for dumb questions. 

Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on November 02, 2011, 08:14:44 PM
How about we let people who are dumb enough to post work-related shtein on their FB page dig their own hole and not worry about it?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on November 02, 2011, 08:21:11 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on November 02, 2011, 08:14:44 PM
How about we let people who are dumb enough to post work-related shtein on their FB page dig their own hole and not worry about it?

seriously...especially when its an adult we are talking about here...its not like you are teaching your 13 year old kid not to take candy from a creepy obese sweaty guy whose crawl space smells like death

in fact im all about facebook taking down as many people as possible....then perhaps people wont post on it anymore...let em all hang themselves gat dammit
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on November 03, 2011, 08:09:17 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on November 02, 2011, 07:33:47 PM
This thread is for dumb questions. 


I need pictures of the Paralegal before i can Rule on this.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: charlie on November 03, 2011, 10:18:06 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on November 02, 2011, 08:21:11 PM
in fact im all about facebook taking down as many people as possible....then perhaps people wont post on it anymore...let em all hang themselves gat dammit

the best part about facebook is watching a fringe "friend" of yours completely melt down and post something incredible stupid on facebook.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: shorebird on November 03, 2011, 01:57:58 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on November 02, 2011, 08:21:11 PM
Quote from: rjs246 on November 02, 2011, 08:14:44 PM
How about we let people who are dumb enough to post work-related shtein on their FB page dig their own hole and not worry about it?

seriously...especially when its an adult we are talking about here...its not like you are teaching your 13 year old kid not to take candy from a creepy obese sweaty guy whose crawl space smells like death

in fact im all about facebook taking down as many people as possible....then perhaps people wont post on it anymore...let em all hang themselves gat dammit

For real, the only thing I say about my job of FB is how much I love it!
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on November 08, 2011, 09:59:58 AM
I automatically get the week of Christ-mas off work, and have a total of 9 vacation days left. 5 are definitely going to be used the week before xmas; do I use the other 4 the week before that or take the week of Thanksgiving off?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on November 08, 2011, 10:10:45 AM
Take Thanksgiving week off.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on November 08, 2011, 02:14:01 PM
I was driving by an elementary school today...and I started thinking, why are the overwhelming majority of pedophiles male? Or is it that male and female pedophiles are equal in numbers, but only the male cases make headlines?

I'm sure there's a statistic somewhere, but that can't be right.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Munson on November 08, 2011, 02:14:40 PM
DOn't you watch South Park?


"....Niiice!"
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on November 08, 2011, 02:35:15 PM
Quote from: hbionic on November 08, 2011, 02:14:01 PM
I was driving by an elementary school today...and I started thinking, why are the overwhelming majority of pedophiles male? Or is it that male and female pedophiles are equal in numbers, but only the male cases make headlines?

I'm sure there's a statistic somewhere, but that can't be right.

Maybe women don't want to stuff things back up in there that came out recently.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on November 09, 2011, 09:19:09 AM
How many times do you have to go out with a lady before you can use a gift card for dinner without appearing cheap?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: charlie on November 09, 2011, 09:21:57 AM
Quote from: Tomahawk on November 09, 2011, 09:19:09 AM
How many times do you have to go out with a lady before you can use a gift card for dinner without appearing cheap?

0

Just offer to pay and slip the gift card in the check holder thing under your credit card.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Eagaholic on November 09, 2011, 05:50:48 PM
Quote from: hbionic on November 08, 2011, 02:14:01 PM
I was driving by an elementary school today...and I started thinking, why are the overwhelming majority of pedophiles male? Or is it that male and female pedophiles are equal in numbers, but only the male cases make headlines?

I'm sure there's a statistic somewhere, but that can't be right.

I don't know the stats, I'd assume males >> females, but when I've heard about it in the news it seems just as often to be a woman, usually a school teacher or a mom with a son on a hockey team or in boy scouts. Wasn't there a story some years ago of a teacher that did one of her hs students and she went to prison. Then when she got out years later and the kid was grown, they got together and married? Guess they finally beat the system.

But anyway, I think predator women like that should get just as harsh a penalty as a man would, unless they are smokin hot.

Same with these women

QuoteWomen Who Raped 17 Men Wanted More Than Just Sex

Admit it -- when you hear the term serial rapist, you tend to picture a man, right? But in Zimbabwe, a trio of women in their 20s are being charged for sex attacks of 17 men. When their car was involved in an accident on Friday, police found the women -- Rosemary Chakwizira, 24, Sophie Nhokwara, 26, and her sister, Netsai Nhokwara, 24 -- had a stash of 33 condoms containing semen. Ughhhh. I know!

It seems the women had been targeting male hitchhikers over the past two years, either giving them a drink with a tranquilizer or raping them at gunpoint. Terrifying! And 17 men have come forward to positively identify the three women as having raped them, so it's not just like one or two guys are telling some cockamamie story. Yeeesh. At first glimpse, you might think these women are a.) out of their minds and committed these rapes as a string of senseless acts, or b.) one of them was a totally wacko ringleader forcing the other two to go along for the ride.

But, I'm not so sure. It seems like they all had an ulterior motive.

CNN spoke with a professor of sociology at the University of Zimbabwe who said:

    Some sections of the society use these sperm for ritual purposes. The thinking is that it can be used for regeneration of life since they are source of life (biologically). Some people think that they can have their bad luck gone by using semen. I am sure that explains all this we have been witnessing (men being forced).

Not that this makes what the women did any less horrifying or completely wrong, but hey, at least there's an explanation. It's still mind-boggling, because how on earth could anyone think they'd be able to rid themselves of bad luck by committing these acts? But clearly, there was something going on here -- with these women's beliefs and/or mental health -- that we just can't understand. Motive aside, these women obviously need to know what they did was totally abhorrent and should face serious punishment. The same as anyone else who had committed these crimes, male or female. Hopefully they will be brought to justice, which might bring their victims at least some peace of mind.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Yeti on November 09, 2011, 07:30:12 PM
I just made travel arrangements to Zimbabwe.  :paranoid
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: General_Failure on November 09, 2011, 07:36:29 PM
Someone has not seen pictures of Zimbabwe women.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 10, 2011, 10:38:49 AM
Quote from: Eagaholic on November 09, 2011, 05:50:48 PM
Quote from: hbionic on November 08, 2011, 02:14:01 PM
I was driving by an elementary school today...and I started thinking, why are the overwhelming majority of pedophiles male? Or is it that male and female pedophiles are equal in numbers, but only the male cases make headlines?

I'm sure there's a statistic somewhere, but that can't be right.

I don't know the stats, I'd assume males >> females, but when I've heard about it in the news it seems just as often to be a woman, usually a school teacher or a mom with a son on a hockey team or in boy scouts. Wasn't there a story some years ago of a teacher that did one of her hs students and she went to prison. Then when she got out years later and the kid was grown, they got together and married? Guess they finally beat the system.

You're probably thinking of Mary Kay Letourneau.  She was the school teacher near Seattle who had a relationship with one of her students, got knocked up and gave birth to one of their children while serving her prison sentence.  Ultimately, they ended up getting married and had 2 kids together. 

And yes, there are stories on the news about female teachers having sexual relationships with their male students, which is statutory rape, so I guess it is technically rape, but the big difference here is that the boys are usually willing participants and their balloon knots aren't getting torn apart.  I can't imagine those kids suffer from the same type of lifelong trauma that Sandusky's rape victims will. 
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on October 16, 2012, 03:47:25 PM
Why does the letter 'j' show up at the end of email messages? Usually from people from work emails.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: rjs246 on October 16, 2012, 03:50:23 PM
It's a smilie. Some email programs have difficulty translating a smilie face from Outlook so it comes across as a J.

And yes I want to kill myself for knowing that.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: hbionic on October 16, 2012, 03:51:48 PM
Wow...that is sad that you know that. I'm also depressed to know this was the actual explanation.

You just lost the points you just gained for sackmagnet.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Eagaholic on October 16, 2012, 10:39:40 PM
You can also put angel wings on a J, which is considered a mark of professional acumen when sending emails, memos etc. to clients or your boss, or at the end of formal business proposals. Try it!

^j^
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on December 31, 2013, 09:38:03 AM
Sometimes small stores accept gift cards from their national chain competitors. 

Anyone know how they do this?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on December 31, 2013, 11:20:39 AM
Probably just eat the cost of whatever is bought with the gift card with hopes that you'll come back another time and then they'll have a long term customer.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on December 31, 2013, 11:21:35 AM
I'm looking for answers here, not probablies from your ass.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on December 31, 2013, 11:23:13 AM
It's a logical guess, Sir Saltyass
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Tomahawk on December 31, 2013, 11:24:44 AM
Probably exchange the cards with other stores
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on December 31, 2013, 11:26:50 AM
My guess is that the proprietor takes the card into his/her personal books and puts the value in cash into the business books, then when he or she needs something at the chain, the card is used.  But how do they verify the card value at the point of transaction?  And how do they do this in volume.  Even a small shop might get a couple dozen of these transactions after the holidays, when lazy fargers give everyone gift cards.

And my ass, it is sweet.  It's my balls that are salty.  Your mom would know.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on December 31, 2013, 11:29:40 AM
That is a decent guess too...I guess they'd call the number on the back to verify an active balance on the card and then accept it from the customer.

Since small businesses are dying they have to do anything to reel in customers.

lol
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: ice grillin you on January 01, 2014, 12:35:56 AM
theres a thing called barter where local businesses do this kind of thing...im guessing national biz do it too or another version of it

a friend of mines pop owns a local picture framing store and he gets me these 50 dollar gift certificates for a bagel place near me for free
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Diomedes on February 02, 2014, 08:40:43 AM
how do computers understand different languages?  that is, I think it's possible to program a computer to do a certain task in many different languages.  is there some kind of base language that all these different protocols are translating to?
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on February 20, 2014, 08:23:11 AM
Two questions, both chicken-and-the-egg things:

1. Why does bodybuilding attract such plug-ugly women? Or is it the bodybuilding itself that tends to uglify them?

2. Whenever I see a morbidly obese person on one of those little electric chair scooter things, I wonder if the chair is a help for - or the cause of - their obesity.
Title: Re: Ask dumb questions here!
Post by: Dillen on February 20, 2014, 10:29:56 AM
Easy answer for ugly ass women bodybuilders is self-esteem/vanity issues. It's not true in all cases, but pretty common.