One of my friends, Raghavendran from the Mech dept. had a problem when he reinstalled his Windows XP while having a dual boot of XP and Ubuntu. Since,  XP  was not loading he called to me for help in recovering his XP.This was via gchat!

I started of with asking him explicitly “What does your menu.lst” contain? and he replied “Empty” . Well, then i came to realize that his system was majorly screwed up. Hence, i started dishing out a flurry out commands to debug the issue, and asked him to give me the output. This process took half an hour and i constructed an entire new menu.lst for him. Before i was going to send it to him, just out of curiosity i asked him to run a “ls /boot/grub”, and check if a file menu.lst exists. and HE ANSWERED YES!!

I was quite angry then for making him waste my time, but still continued to help him. I asked him to modify his menu.lst so he could boot it properly. His system was yet not booting.

Then came the FINAL REVELATION!! It turns out the the problem was on the DESKTOP, while he was running all the debugging commands on his LAPTOP !!! At that point I did not know whether to LAUGH or CRY ?

Now I understand the reason why newbies get flamed in discussion forums for asking dumb doubts. It is not because of the nature of the question alone, it is prejudice based on their past experiences

Where The Copy Writer is King
By: Dick Donaghue
Article Word Count: 895

Who, in their right mind, would go swimming in an ocean they were told was infested by sharks. Not many, or perhaps only the odd, brave and steel cage protected, researcher intent on a good story. But in todays Internet Marketing vast ocean of opportunity the sea is becoming hugely crowded with newbie surfers intent on making a killing. But it’s not usually them who make the killing. More than likely one “o’ them there sharks” will get them first! The survival of the fittest has never been more tested than for the 3% who finally make it…

What is the attraction? Instant wealth! Overnight millions! Live the Dream Life! Instant millionaire! But they do not see the sharks who are, not just lurking beneath the surface, but right there on top, in their faces, chewing at their wallets, enticing them to spend their dollars, and get rich quicker than they can say “surfboard”.

I do not intend to insinuate that all offers on the wonderful world of the web are operated by shark types that are out for an arm and a leg of the potential buyer! There are many, many, good, honest, real businesses on the web. But for every one that is legit it seems that there are hundreds, if not thousands, that are simply there to skin the starry eyed newbie, searching for instant wealth, of his or her hard earned dollars, that is if they have any dollars at all.

Most newbies on the web are there because of the dream that, if you have a website, you can become rich beyond your crazy dreams. We are told so day after day right there on our screens. In our own homes. You can have it Instantly! You can make it Overnight! Because someone who has a good copywriter and a positive presentation tells us so. “Hey friend, I was an unemployed such-and-such and I found the secret of overnight wealth on the web. You can too. Just buy this magic formula.”

What the newbie is not being told is, that to earn this overnight wealth, the new millionaire probably spent a small fortune getting to this point and many years of struggle and strife. So how, on earth, can you do it overnight? But the copywriting is powerful. I know, I have fallen for it myself. But after reading the rag-to-riches story of hundreds of “new millionaires” I began to see the copywriter himself standing there and not the presenter. The copywriter is the power behind the throne in Internet Marketing.

It’s many years ago since Vance Packard wrote his famous book on advertising, “Madison Avenue”, in which he presented us with the key rule to marketing – “Sell the sizzle, not the sausage.” And it’s powerfully true today still. We are bring sold the “benefit”, not the “product”. The “personality”, not the “merchandise”. The e-marketing books on selling emphasize the “personality” and the “benefits” as the key to selling the product. What is the product? Probably doesn’t actually matter. Gain the buyers friendship and confidence: let them see you are the expert; send them nice chatty emails… (written by the best copywriters, of course.) and wait for them to ask you for your product. “Oh yeah! The product! Well!, funny you should ask, because today it’s not $297, $197, $97, Nooo it’s a special recession price to you my faithful follower, a mere $47… ” (Did you ever wonder why the price has a 7 in it. Is it the marketers lucky number, I wonder? ) And you get, say, a big bonus of 50 or 100 free DVD’s and e-Books thrown in. Will we ever have the time to listen to all, read all, study all, absorb all, that free (oops sorry, that should read Fr*e*e ) stuff we get if we join (buy) up for the dream product that will solve all our worries for the future?

Heck! who knows, maybe I’m missing something here. Maybe I’ve been nibbled at by “one o’ them there” sharks too often. Well, the old saying, “Once Bitten Twice Shy”, on the buyers side of the fence, is as relevant today as, “Sell the Sizzle…” is on the sellers. And like the carpenters advice to the apprentice of, “Measure twice, cut once” , I now take a step back, extra alert, when I see a new, instant riches offer present itself.

But don’t you just love the enticing excitement of the internet. Don’t you just relish in its vast possibilities? I still do. I’m positive it has replaced Hollywood as the big dream. Hey, you can live the big dream right here in front of your PC without even leaving the room! The possibilities of “making it”, not just with the locals, not even on the Silver Screen, but on the Global Market! The ever-expanding, multi-zillion dollar, Global Market. Marketing on that vast ocean of possibilities notwithstanding the sharks swirling around eyeballing you for dinner…

But regardless of the predators; regardless of the marketing wolves; regardless of “regardless”. Some day I’ll probably stumble upon my huge internet market niche and it might be my face you see telling you that, “I was a bum once, but I struggled and finally I found the Secret to Instant Riches”.

When it happens, please be kind. (I’ll be looking out for a good copywriter.)
Dick Donaghue

Given that it is a “holiday” week, Unique Goddess does not have the time to give DXS Rapture the review it’s due. It was such a grand and diverse crowd with high level action that continued through to the wee hours of the morning. One very talented professor performed his rope magick, suspending two delicious hotties in the sixty-nine and sixty-nine they did! Mmmm, mmmm good!

The ever fabulous Mistress Leianya was in attendance with a body that would knock a blind man off his feet! Unfortunately, The Goddess missed her scenes, as She was busy supporting DXS with other duties. Although, The Goddess had opportunity to feast Her eyes on a beautiful new Domme learning the ropes, which is always a delight. This young Woman has the right look and right attitude! This is the type of Woman Unique likes to see join Her community.

There were also a lot of other new and beautiful faces of all ages. It’s nice to see Our community so seamlessly combine those of all experience levels and age ranges. With Our tight-knit DXS Fetish Family, people feel free to be themselves and play as they please. It’s a wonderful place to go to openly and erotically express O/oneself; only O/one’s imagination is the limit!

This was the last DXS Rapture for the year, so if you missed out, the next one will be in January. Unique will surely post word when the time comes, so keep your eyes peeled. Of course, there will be a ton of other Wintry Wiles going on in December, so don’t get blue so quickly; The Goddess is always up to something naughty and devious!

The Goddess still has time available next week, so hurry and get on Her schedule, because you know that can change quickly!

BTW, The Goddess has a new secret hideaway playspace available, although She is still available for session in Rockville too, email for details! Have a Happy Turkey Day, you filthy cockgobblers!
–
Sweetly Sadistic,
Unique Goddess
www.UniqueGoddess.com

Sensual, Sadistic, Surreal
Have you had The Unique Experience?

….. und über Nacht hat es geschneit…

Die sonst eher sommerliche World of Style ist überzogen von einer Schneedecke und unser Meer teilweise von eis bedeckt…

Und damit der kleine Schneemann dort nicht alleine seine Runden auf dem Eis drehen muss, sind alle herzlich zum Schlittschuhlaufen eingeladen. Wer keine Schlittschuhe hat, braucht sich keine Sorgen zu machen…. es gibt Gratis-Paare:)) Und für diejenigen, die nur romantisch tanzen wollen, es gibt auch einen Couple-danceball…. dann stellt aber die Umwelt auf Mitternacht um und genießt den Tanz der Schneeflocken….

Und die World of Style möchte in der Weihnachtszeit auch mit einem Weihnachtsmarkt die vielen Reiselustigen unterhalten…. es gibt M;arktstände zu mieten…. also mal schnell hin…

Ich möchte auf diesem Weg allen auch noch mitteilen, dass meine Designs künftig nicht mehr auf x-street erhältlich sein werden.

Die Konditionen auf x-street werden geändert und auch das Einstellen von Freebies wird kostenpflichtig.

Zu Info:

http://www.fashionwithoutfreebies.com/

in English

http://www.fashionwithoutfreebies.com/news/why-we-say-no.aspx

in deutsch

http://www.fashionwithoutfreebies.com/news/why-we-say-no-%28german%29.aspx

Damit bin ich nicht einverstanden und ziehe meine Konsequenzen. Mein x-street Shop wird geschlossen, sobald das umgesetzt wird.

Designen ist für mich überwiegend der Spaß daran kreativ zu sein und ich gebe meine Dinge auch gerne kostenlos ab, z.B. mein Geschenk an alle Newbies. Für mich ist das Geld, das ich hier verdiene nicht vorrangig und ich horte es auch nicht unter meinem Bett. Der Spaß an Sl ist das, was mich motiviert, nicht der Profit.

Ich selber habe schöne, kreative, witzige, nützliche …Dinge als Freebie über x-street erhalten und hatte viel Spaß damit. Danke an all diejenigen, die ihre Kreationen frei weitergegeben haben.  Gerade auch als Newbie habe ich auf diesem Weg viele gute Dinge erhalten. X-street hat den Vorteil leicht das zu finden, was man sucht, aber ich denke, dies gehört bald der Vergangenheit an.

Schade ist, dass viele neue Jungdesigner und Hersteller nun völlig chancenlos gegen die großen Konkurrenten sind, weil mit den Gebühren ein wichtiger Marktzweig als Startpunkt fehlt. Ich wünsche allen aber trotzdem viel Glück.

Ich selber habe die Petition mit unterzeichnet, die gegen diese Umstellung ist und hoffe und wünsche, es werden mehr die sie unterzeichnen.

Abia

Long ago (last year, give or take) in a far away land (the Design District) lived a restaurant called Sheba, serving some of the most flavorful, spice-driven food in Miami.  The Ethiopian restaurant closed abruptly much to the dismay of most anyone who had dined there.

Well, according to Sheba’s website (hat tip: Chowhound post), Sheba is relocating to Hollywood, Florida.  And this place is worth the trip.  Check it out.

In related news, Fin, one of Jonathan Eismann’s (Pacific Time, Pizzavolante) two new restaurants, is opening in the old Sheba space on North Miami Ave between 40th and 41st.

I am going to write some pages to share with those witter newbies, how we get about 1000 twitter followers within half month, and all the first, is the google search helps me most, i did sit down quietly(as quiet as i can, coz of the slow bandwidth) to see youtube loading those “sucsessful” videos, and i wana say one word,Bullshit. Now i am going to tell you what is the real thing, of course you might use my methold already, if so, please skip. As i have said, just for newbies.

According to the thorough, well-designed, well-executed Eater Miami, Jonathan Eismann (Pacific Time (#17) and Pizzavolante (#12)) is planning two, yes two, new restaurants within walking distance of his other two restaurants (which are in the Design District).

More from Eater: “[T]he first [restaurant] is Fin, a sustainable seafood spot where Miami meets Nantucket, and the the other is Q, a classic American smokehouse where it’s ok to eat with your hands. Both will be located around the corner from [Pacific Time] and are said to open at some point in December.”

Smartphones challenge Mobile PCs – the users speak

A TUPdate from MetaFacts by Dan Ness, Principal Analyst

You can’t go out for coffee these days without sharing space with legions of dedicated smartphone users doing everything from texting their friends to checking the latest NFL or soccer scores. With smartphone functionality and the number of available apps increasing at hyper speed, could this trend foreshadow the decline of the mobile computer and relegate all those laptops, netbooks and tablets to the land of the Atari? Will Apple iPhones, Blackberries, Winphones or the Android-powered grab the fingers of the most-mobile among us?  Our new MetaFacts Technology User Profile, 2009 Global Insights Edition polled over 22,000+ online PC adults in 10 developed countries and found some surprising answers.

Why is this important?

Makers of mobile computers, smartphone manufacturers, wireless carriers and application developers should all be watching these trends closely both from an R&D standpoint and a marketing perspective. OEMs of desktop computers should also take heed if more and more users opt for portables even if they don’t use them in more than one location.

First let’s look at who’s using mobile PCs these days and where they are using them. Not surprisingly, this is a younger group overall. The average age of online adult mobile PC users is nearly seven years younger than the average desktop user. Nearly a third of the mobile computer users are in the college age to early career category of 18-34 year olds.

Just where are mobile PCs being used? The age of the user is also a factor here. The younger users are, the more likely they were to report using their mobile computers in four or more locations, a finding that is likely reflective of the more mobile lifestyle of this segment.

But desktop and mobile PC manufacturers take notice: Nearly half of mobile PCs are used in only one location. This begs the question of why these homebody mobiles are stuck in their desk job. If this trend continues, will the pendulum swing away from netbooks and ever-lighter notebook PCs back to full-featured desktop replacements?

And the mobile PCs seem to be working harder than desktops. The portables are logging more hours than their desktop cousins with nearly 25% being used for 40 or more hours per week versus 18% of desktops being used that much.

So what are these mobile computer users doing with their portables? While their activities are generally the same as those performed on their desktops, the survey showed that mobile PCs which are used in multiple locations appeared to be much more integrated into the user’s life. These younger multiple-location PC users reported performing nearly double the number of activities on their mobile PCs than the group reporting that their mobile PCs remained tethered to one location.

The more years people use computers, the more activities they add to their list of things to do with their machines. PC Veterans, people who have used computers over a quarter of their lives, use their mobile PCs for more activities than PC Newbies, regardless of their age. Not surprisingly, users in the 18-24 age category use their mobile PCs more often for entertainment and communication than older mobile computer users.

Now let’s turn to the role that cell phones play in the mobile PC world. With the ever-increasing functionality of phones, is the choice of mobile connectivity an either/or when it comes using mobile computers and smartphones? Our survey showed quite the opposite. Even the savviest of smartphone users are not likely to give up their mobile computers. Interestingly, the adults who reported using the most functionality on their phones also reported using their mobile PCs in more locations, nearly twice the number of those who used their mobile phones only as basic phones. Bottom line: When it comes to the question of whether to take the smartphone or the mobile PC to the cybercafé, the current answer is often “both.”

If today’s mobile PCs could talk, they might paraphrase Mark Twain’s famous quote, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”

Further Resources

MetaFacts Technology User Profile – 2009 Global Insights Edition – a syndicated survey of 30,889 representative respondents in 16 countries

MetaFacts Technology User Profile – 2009 Global Insights Edition – Developed Economies – a syndicated survey of 22,072 representative respondents in 10 countries

MetaFacts Mobile PC Brand Profile Report – analysis of the mobile market based on results in MetaFacts Technology User Profile 2008 Annual Edition – a syndicated survey of over 10,000 representative respondents in the U.S.

About this TUPdate

MetaFacts releases ongoing research on the market shifts and profiles for Windows Vista, Mobile PCs, Workplace PCs, Home PCs, Moms and Dads, Web Creators, Broadband, and many other technology industry topics. These TUPdates are short analytical articles in a series of specific topics utilizing the Technology User Profile Annual Edition study, which reveals the changing patterns of technology adoption around the world. Interested technology professionals can sign up at www.metafacts.com for complimentary TUPdates – periodic snapshots of technology markets.

About MetaFacts

MetaFacts, Inc. is a national market research firm focusing exclusively on the technology industries. MetaFacts’ Technology User Profile survey is the longest-running, large-scale comprehensive study of its kind, conducted continuously since 1983, the year before Apple released the Apple Macintosh. The detailed results are widely recognized as a primary market sizing and segmentation resource for leading companies providing consumer-oriented technology products and services, such as PCs, printers, software applications, peripherals, consumer electronics, mobile computing, and related services and products. For more information about the syndicated research service, publications and datasets, contact MetaFacts at 1-760-635-4300.

Now more than not I remember when,

We fought a war we could not win.

We were so young, barely old enough to shave,

Like warriors before us we wanted to be brave.

You had to learn fast or end up dead,

You listened to old timers, every thing they said.

Stay off the trails; try not to make a sound,

When the point gave the sign kneel quickly to the ground.

After several missions it’s your big day,

This is when you’re awarded your Black Beret.

Everyone thinks their unit was the best, all did their part,

But you were in the Rangers; you knew it in your heart.

As months passed and the missions went bye,

You saw many a friend leave, many you saw die.

You may have carried the pig, walked point or slack,

The only way to survive now is to not look back.

You became an old timer at 19 years of age,

You lose a close friend, your heart filled with rage.

We cared for the new guys; we showed them the way,

For we were the Rangers, “We led the way.”

Michael D. Monfrooe

Just a few blocks from OLA, Douglas Rodriguez is set to debut a new restaurant “D. Rodriguez Cuba” at The Astor hotel on Miami Beach.  A few questions to be answered:

1) Is the use of initials and/or abbreviations the new fad in restaurant names?  See, e.g., Sra. Martinez.

2) Should Douglas Rodriguez open a second restaurant so close to his first?  (At least Michelle Bernstein’s two places are 29 blocks apart, right?)

3) Isn’t The Astor where restaurants go to die?  See, e.g, Joley.

Eater Miami, which is the greatest thing to happen to Miami food blogs since Menupages: South Florida (R.I.P.), is much more bullish on this endeavor than I am.  I guess I’m just a pessimist.  I see the restaurant as half-empty.

Link: Eater Miami

Here’s a little commentary over at CakeBaker on people apologizing for being a newbie.

On mailing lists or in private mails I sometimes read statements like “I am sorry, but I am a newbie” or “Sorry for this newbie question”. And I always wonder why do those people apologize for not being proficient?

I think the apologies come from the fact that most communities has their fair share of snarky members. Case in point: I was on IRC the other day to ask a question about a new language/framework I’m learning… it was a REALLY easy answer for the experienced developer, but for whatever reason I wasn’t sure if I fully understood the concept. Among the types of responses I received, most were fairly typical:

• A couple genuinely helpful answers
• The “What do you mean you don’t get it? How can you NOT understand?” type response.
• That I should stop what I’m doing now, close the book I’m trying to learn from, and read through another book on a different subject. In this case it would be like (not the actual case) being told to stop reading the Agile Development with Rails book in favor of reading Programming Ruby 1.9.
• The non-response – nobody responds to your request for help. Mind you, I do a lot of extra work to make the barrier to helping me as small as possible.

After my experiences, I’m not surprised that people apologize for being noobs. It’s embarrassing to be made to look like a fool in public, especially when you have to ask for help because you can’t get it on your own. Now of course, I have less sympathy for people who don’t read the documentation and at least try, but if you’ve done that and it’s still a cloudy mess in your brain, ask away.

What do you need to know in sewing, or beginning cooking?

The thing to learn/ believe/ understand is that we all are new at something sometime in our life. I have a friend who keeps learning something new, so she never is out of the ‘newness’ mode.

She receintly learned how to decorate a cake with Wilton kits and now is in a new class.

I have learned how to: sew, cook, bake, brade 8 strand leather, paint ceramics, stencil on walls, make Lemon Curd, Scones all for a Tea Party.

I have learned because I was interested, some I keep on hand for something to do or even Christmas gifts. If I really liked the project, I would sell them at a craft bazaar.

I wanted to tell you, to keep learning, even if its small, or seemingly small.  i.e., how to not burn the pancakes, how not to make the scrambled eggs brown, or how to fry the perfect eggs. Small accomplishments, but still worthy of  your time.

If you need to know something, let me know, I am going to post my videos this weekend, I am driving to Malibu this week.

Let me tell you, I do not want to drive in that commute traffic forever. I don’t know how people do it, day after day.

So for now, post your questions and I can get you started.

If you need a certain fabric, I can get almost anything in LA, at the Garment District. If you need I will fly to NY ( your cost, my time and effort).

Thanks for listening,

Frugal Living

Hot off the press from DXS!

November 21^st will be the last DXS Rapture of 2009!

So come out and party like it’s… Oh, yeah. Some of you weren’t of age yet in 1999… OK, well come out and party with us anyway.

Some of the things happening just for this party:

Pot-Luck feast of finger food (but only if you feel like it. We won’t turn you away at the door if all you want to eat is people…) Show off your culinary talent! Or make something you’ve never tried making before. Please label your munchies so that folks with dietary concerns are forewarned. On the other hand, if you want to bring something for us to eat off of you, I’m sure arrangements can be made… Hot mulled wine and mulled cider (with optional rum) will be on the stove.

Mistress Leianya is back! If you are already a fan of hers, you know why it is so exciting for us to have this scintillating power Domme bring her professional skills back after taking a few months off. Not only is she thrilling to play with, she is extraordinary to watch. Her Florentine double-flogging technique is truly fantastic!

Fuck machine upstairs in the barn. This is not your ordinary fucksaw; this is a floor-stand, chrome-shafted wonder that has speeds varying from tantalizingly slow and smooth to feverishly fast. (OMG!)  Quality tested by Madame Ember herself! Bring your own sleeve-style dildo, or borrow ours. Condoms required if you use ours.

Rumor has it that the exquisite Mistress Dolphy may make an appearance (if we’re really good and behave ourselves… Sort of like Santa, right?)

The DXS vending table will be freshly stocked with newly-made goodies for your holiday gift-giving (or for that Christmas Eve surprise spanking…) Stop by and see what lovely evil we and our shop apprentices have been cooking up… If you just can’t decide, our gift certificates make wonderful stocking-stuffers, available in $5 and $25 denominations. They can be used for toys or furniture; or if the recipient is vetted, for DXS Rapture membership dues. Bring your cash, check, or credit card… Heck, we even barter, if we really like you…

The party will be at Dark Electric’s, AKA the Electro-Ranch in Sterling, VA. That means you will have access to the sauna, hot tub, fully heated Bondage Barn, and all the electric play your skin can stand! Coat check and open bar (but bring cash for tips, please. Show your love!) 9PM to 3 AM or thereabouts… Plenty of  free parking. A limited number of half-price memberships are available through work-study, but you must arrange this more than 4 days before the party! This means the deadline for work-study is November 17^th. No exceptions. Smoking is permitted downstairs in the Barn or in the lovely outdoor courtyard. $35 membership dues if you’re not already paid. RSVP to dxsrapture@gmail.com.

So, wadda you say, Pilgrim? Yes or no?

I’ll be there…

;->

Madame Ember

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There you have it folks!  If you’re not spankful, then you’re stankful! HAHAHA! Seriously, you don’t want to miss out on this event, it’s the hottest kinkfest in town! For vetting process, read towards the end of The Goddess’ previous blog, “Another Electrified DXS Rapture!”

–
Sweetly Sadistic,
Unique Goddess
www.UniqueGoddess.com

Sensual, Sadistic, Surreal
Have you had The Unique Experience?

What was that noise?

No, that noise. In the distance. Not fireworks, it wasn’t a thunder or boom. Did you not hear it? Hmmm.

Care for a drink? Yes, I think we have some of that in the cabinet. I prefer cognac, myself, find it warmer and more tasteful. But whatever, each to his own, as they say. Settle yourself by the fire, that’s it.

It’s awfully quiet on the Forum these days. I can remember when the Forum was busy all day, every day. But people don’t have as much time as they used to, it’s true. Even I cannot get online half as much as I’d like to. Then again, everyone’s doing NaNoWriMo, so they’ve got plenty on their minds. Life will resume to normal in December.

There it is again. A kind of… I don’t know. Cold. Creaking. Sort of. But nothing in here creaks. Not normally, anyway.

I tried to do NaNoWriMo last year. Failed miserably, it’s just not in my style of writing. I like to take my time, edit in stages as I go along. Revise and change as I get ideas. Writing is a fluid thing, it is always changing and evolving as you write, I find. Others will disagree, of course. Some people can just hammer out words like there’s no tomorrow and not worry about all the crap that gets in.

Would you like another? It’s all right, I’ll pour. A little more? There you go.

I like to think of writing as being akin to panning for gold. You sit there for hours, scooping up the water and the mud, shuffling and shaking the pan, shifting shit by the tonne until you find a few tiny little nuggets of gold. Words are that shit, and you have to plough through lots of them to find those little nuggets. So I sit and shuffle, checking carefully as I go along, searching for that little glimmer of gold.

That’s starting to bother me, now. It’s more of a groaning, creaking noise. Wonder what it is? It’s coming from down the hall. There’s no-one else in the Forum this evening, though. Well, no-one consequential. Just a few newbies, wandering lost and lonely down in the lower levels. Awfully close to the cellar, actually. Oh, and you and I, of course.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, writing and panning for gold. It can also be likened to any other art, where you are creating something. Take the master carpenter, for instance. In his workshop lies a masterpiece. Everyday he scrapes a little at it, takes his chisel to it lovingly and carefully, crafting the intricate designs and edges. When it is finished, it will raise him a few hundred, of not thousands of pounds. But to be able to bring that masterpiece to the world, he must also work. His Dreaded Day Job must suffice to pay the bills and keep his family fed. The smaller, ordinary chairs and tables he crafts for smaller amounts of money. The worktops and window frames and floors he installs. He takes pride in each and every one of them, yes. But they are merely his DDJ, tiding him over while he finishes that masterpiece. And when he finishes it, he will begin the next one. Sometimes it takes years…

Time to investigate that noise, I think. Let’s see what’s down the corridor. Careful as we go, don’t want to fall on any of the old loose floorboards. They can be quite treacherous at this time of year, as the cold settles in and everything shifts a little.

Now then, just this way… there! Did you hear it? Yes, yes! Just like a shriek or a yell. I wonder…

Yes, writing can take years. No, not down that way. And even then, a writer may not find all of those little nuggets they were looking for. So many slip through our fingers, it is heart-breaking. Don’t open that door. No, it’s the cleaning cupboard. All the mops and buckets will fall out on the floor. This way…

Down there is the cellar. The beating heart of the Forum. Literally, of course. Reginald is down there now, working hard away. Nearly time for his supper, actually. He keeps the whole Forum powered. Oh yes, he’s a trooper, all right. Never complains. Well, not overly much, anyway.

In fact, I think that noise is coming from down there, in the cellar. Let us go and see. Now, do be careful on the stairs, they are even more treacherous than the floorboards. Yes, that one is a little loose.

Ah yes, definitely down here, that noise. Horrible squealing noise. Guess we need a little WD40, I think. What’s that you say? The loud noise? Oh that’s the generator. And that other noise is the wheel, that turns the generator. Reginald is round the other side, over there. You won’t see him till you get round there.

You go look over there. I think the noise is coming from one of the gyrators. Let’s see… aha! Something stuck in the back of the wheel, causing the shrieking. Pass me that big crowbar, would you? Yes, you can go and see Reginald in a moment. Let’s just get this wheel spinning properly first. That’s it, just lean on there a little…Dear me, that’s stuck fast.

Yes, the cage is most definitely necessary. It took us two days to get him in there. Several people lost limbs, unfortunately. I was lucky, I must admit. How else do you think I lost the ear? Haha! Only kidding.

Now, lean on there again… a little more… that’s it! Just like that! Look at that thing go now, much smoother. What was it you say? Oh, just a…well, a bit of bone, I think.

Yes, you can see Reginald now. Just round there. Don’t get too close now.

My, you look like you’ve seen a ghost! He is big, isn’t he? We’ve measured him as best we can, at about six feet tall. Oh yes, super sized. But so useful.

And what do we feed him on? Oh that’s easy. He’s never fussy. Look over here, in this pit. Yup, that’s where all the lost newbies end up if they don’t contribute on the Forum. Can’t have them cluttering up the place, now can we? If they’re not going to be useful and join in the conversation, in they go. They keep for a few days at least. One young lad survived a whole fortnight before he finally gave in.

Oh no, of course not! I feed them to him alive, my friend! What do you think I am? Cruel to hamsters? Dear oh dear, no. They must always be alive. Only just, can’t have poor Reggie chasing them around his cage, that would put him off his appetite. No, alive but weak and frail, that’s always best.

Feeding time, then! Would you like to help me? It’s always better with two people, they do always like to wriggle as you pull them out…

No? Oh well, just hold that cage door lock for a moment. You don’t want to do that either? Where are you going? There’s no rush! Come back? What’s that? The police?

Oh no, can’t have that. Where’s the switch. Oooh! I bet that hurt. Yes, we had that put in as a safety mechanism. All the steps move as one, bring you down with a crunch, I am sorry if that hurt. How’s your leg? Is it broken… oh yes, definitely broken. Oh well, you’ll be on the menu tomorrow night then. Now come here.

It’s no use trying to crawl away, now! Come back, I’ll have to use the meat hook if you keep struggling. No, this way… that’s it… a little closer… my, you are a strong one, aren’t you? A little further… down you go! Now, isn’t that more comfortable down there with everyone else?

Now then, dinner’s coming, Reggie! I’ll just fish one out for you. Yes, this little lass will do. Bless her, she’s been down here for three days crying that she wants her mummy. Shame. Anyway… yeah, come here, darling!

Back up now, Reggie, that’s it, away from the cage doors… In you go, sweetie! Woah! Nearly got loose, then Reggie! Can’t be having that. You crunch on her. That shirt might get stuck in your teeth though. Make sure you chew your food. Starting with a thigh? Good lad!

Now then, must be off. I think another newbie has arrived.

G’night, Reggie!

Good night, dear visitor. Hope you don’t get too cold down there…

ALL Newbies and Transitioners should take the time to check out Curly Nikki.
This site is Amazing! There is tons of information for individuals at all stages – Transitioners, Newbies, Naturals…Love it.

Unique Goddess had a fabulously awesome day today.  A good lil boi came by and assisted in bringing several loads of boxes to The Goddess’ new domain.  The creature worked very hard and very well, so at the end of the day, The Goddess decided to give it a treat.  It had never experienced an impact scene, so She gave the boi a good introduction that left a nice visible reminder all over it’s back and ass, which will undoubtedly last for several days to a week.  The Goddess knows those memories will never fade away though, which is why She so loves being the first!  She then finished off with a dynamic ball-busting scene; She smacked, punched, kneed, kicked and more, making sure those balls are raw, blue and sore. What a great way to end a laborious day!

The Goddess is now so amped up on adrenaline, She could bust balls all night long!  Who’s next? Let’s turn that nutsack into a miniature set of speedballs! Haahaaahaaahaaaa!!!!!!!

–
Sweetly Sadistic,
Unique Goddess
www.UniqueGoddess.com

Sensual, Sadistic, Surreal
Have you had The Unique Experience?

Recentemente recebi um e-mail de uma das listas de discussão das quais participo e, um dos tópicos discutidos era a sugestão de sites que fossem fontes de referência úteis para quem estava começando a aprender a usar o sistema. Algumas pessoas sugeriram sites bem interessantes, de instituições sólidas e consagradas.

Resolvi então, colocar neste post links para os melhores sites que encontrei sobre o assunto e alguns links relevantes a mais.

Esta lista será atualizada regularmente, sempre que eu souber, ou lembrar de um site ainda não listado, portanto, fique de olho.

Guia Ubuntu PT – Um site que pretende ser uma fonte de informação sobre Ubuntu em Português, onde seja possível partilhar informação e ajudar toda a comunidade. A informação encontra-se disponivel pelo Wiki, – http://www.guiaubuntupt.org/?q=node/5

Apostila de Ubuntu – Apostila do Ubuntu para ajudar a comunidade, usuários novos e para a maior popularização do Ubuntu. – http://ubunteiro.wordpress.com/apostila-ubuntu-ygor-abreu/

Por que Linux é melhor para a humanidade? – Apesar de um título ideológico, a página é prática e didática, além disso é hospedado pela Universidade Federal de Santa catarina. A página mostr,a passo a passo, com imagens como instalar, configurar, personalizar e rodar programas (inclusive programas Windows) no Ubuntu 9.04. Vlae a pena começar com ele por agora e daqui um mês, mais ou menos, fazer a atualização automática para o Ubuntu 9.10. – http://www.inf.ufsc.br/~guii/linux/

Guia Foca Linux – Um guia genérico do Linux (independente de distribuição), abordando em detalhes os meandros do sistema. É uma das melhores e mais utilizadas fontes de referência para Linux em português. – http://focalinux.cipsga.org.br/

Documentação Oficial do Ubuntu – Site com a documentação oficial do sistema Ubuntu. Está em inglês, por isso pode não ser acessível a todos. – https://help.ubuntu.com/

Linux no PC – Site com dicas e truques de instalação e configuração para iniciantes. Eles fornecem uma versão modificada do Ubuntu com os principais programas e pacotes para que o iniciante não se perca tentando instalar coisas como codecs de vídeo, drivers de dispositivos, java ou flash – http://www.linuxnopc.com.br/lpc/index.php

Aulas grátis do projeto Fedora – O projeto Fedora oferece aulas online gratuitas. As aulas são em inglês, o que limita para a maioria, mas se você arranha um pouco o idioma do tio Sam, vale a pena dar uma olhada no site. – http://www.projetofedora.org/aulas-gratis-com-o-projeto-fedora

Centros de treinamento Mandriva – Se você prefere pagar por um curso mais estruturado e profissional, experimente dar uma olhada no site da Mandriva. Há diversos centros de treinamento espalhados pelo país e você pode escolher um mais próximo a você. – http://www.mandriva.com.br/treinamento.php

Video blog do Krecheu – Para quem é mais visual, existe o Video Blog do Krecheu que dá dicas de instalação, configuração, segurança e outros assuntos relacionados ao software livre em vídeo. – http://www.kretcheu.com.br/

Guia do Hardware – Não é um site voltado especificamente para o Linux, mas possui várias dicas e listas de discussão sobre o assunto. – http://www.guiadohardware.net/

Comunidade Ubuntu no Brasil – Aqui sim, você pode ter documentação e suporte gratuito em português. O suporte é feito na forma de listas de discussão, nas quais você faz uma pergunta e os voluntários que puderem responder o farão. Procure sempre ler o código de conduta dessas comunidades antes de fazer uma pergunta. – http://www.ubuntu-br.org/

Comunidade Linux na Rede – Se você não tem ideia de qual distribuição Linux escolher, o site Comunidade Linux na Rede pode ser uma boa referência. Lá tem uma lista enorme de distribuições disponíveis para você escolher. – http://www.comunidade-linuxnarede.eti.br/

Comunidade Under Linux – Comunidade de usuários Linux que tem vários fóruns onde podem ser solucionadas dúvidas. – http://under-linux.org/

Comunidade Viva o Linux – Comunidade de usuários Linux que tem vários fóruns onde podem ser solucionadas dúvidas. – http://www.vivaolinux.com.br/

Ubuntu Hardware Support – Se você não sabe se sua máquina vai funcionar com o Ubuntu (o que é uma possibilidade bem remota), você pode verificar o suporte oficial. Mas, mesmo que algum componente da sua máquina não esteja na lista, é muito possível que funcione assim mesmo. – https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupport

Linux Drivers – Ainda sobre o suporte a hardware, o site Linux drivers possui uma lista de hardware suportado pelo Linux em geral (independente da distribuição) – http://www.linux-drivers.org/

I loathe weak human cattle. I detest fawning sycophants who squirm and grovel at the feet of their masters, singing the praises of those who make their lives a misery. And I vomit upon all those pathetic drones who just do as they’re told, never seeking a better way, and worship anything they see as greater than themselves, which is basically everything.

I like rebels. I respect warrior-poets who value intelligence and the search for knowledge as much as they do bloodshed. I admire those who have the strength and determination to forever banish their false gods, and even to battle against them vigilantly. I vigorously cheer those who accept the calling to free heathens from the bonds of ignorance, and shout a hearty “Hail!” to those who manage to survive the ordeal of breaking away from their miserable pasts!

We all know of one opposition to the evil Microsoft Empire and its false god WinDOH!s, the Macosians, but they are laughably small in number, hidden away in offices and basements, and mostly comprised of artists and other lowlife degenerates, like conscienceless advertising scum. And they’re actually worse when you look at it, because they pay a hell of a lot more to their church than WinDOH!s worshippers.

Many of us have heard of Linuxians, but think they are probably mythical. But they actually exist, albeit in numbers perhaps matching the Macosians, and are the true intellectual zealots of the modern age. Only the most intelligent, and those not pathetically fearful of change, become Linuxians. And that’s why most people think Linuxians are a frolic of the imagination – because most people are stupid.

But recently, a wave of conversions has swept the world, carried out by a sect of Linuxians known as the Ubuntunese. These magnificent warriors bow down to Ubuntu, now the chief deity in the Linux Pantheon. Ubuntu is a much more friendly god to his neophytes (affectionately known as “Newbies”) than the majority of his brethren – deities like Gentoo and Arch require much more dedication, and acolytes must feverishly pray weird incantations several times a day to appease them.

Valiantly the ever-growing army of Ubuntunese crusaders has fought a relentless jihad against the Microsoftites over the last three years, especially since the end of October, when Ubuntu entered his “Karmic“ phase. The fact that while he is in this particular half-yearly cycle (which was long prophesied, I should add) he is “cuddly as a koala” has seen mass conversions take place all over the globe. While he is even friendlier than usual, he is still a god of awesome power, and of course is not money-grabbing like WinDOH!s and Mac’os’X. So with each conversion comes a new stormtrooper, fighting against the corruption of false gods, and freeing those too terrified to escape the bondage they pay for.

I too have been converted, and now proudly proclaim I am a devout Ubuntunese soldier of enlightenment. I shall ridicule Microsoftites at every turn (I won’t bother with Macosians, since they’re so horrifically self-deluded it’s almost terrifying), and with my comrades emphasise the inadequacies of their religion, while expounding the freedoms we enjoy. I shall convert blaspheming, idolatrous infidels en masse, spreading the message of “Humanity to others“ to the ignorant and morally wretched.

If you want to find more about the road to Truth and Freedom, you can go to the church’s official site, or better yet visit the portal to the mind of my “maker”, the one who baptised me into the ways of Ubuntu. He is a man of great intellect and inscrutable character, which you can obviously tell from the fact that his name is also Frank (although, admittedly, with the grip the Microsoft Empire has on the web, he could be using an alias to avoid persecution, but in that case he has proved himself even more awesome by choosing that name).

Oh, and by the way, my ultimate god, Cthulhu, has no problem with all of this. In fact, he’s quite fine with it, especially since he’s sort of busy lying dead but dreaming in sunken R’lyeh. And, if you want to get technical, he’s more of a massive and horrendous alien with powers far beyond our understanding than a god, and actually he’s the high priest to the Elder Gods (but godlike enough for most of us mere mortals). He telepathically communicated to me simply that I should have a shiny black plastic, white-on-black theme for my desktop, and grab a kickass picture of him for my wallpaper.

Sherrie has finally given in to our persistent invitations to come out and pedal! First ride out she did 10 miles in rainy and muddy conditions.

You can’t see it very well in the picture, but she had mud splattered all the way up her back – coolio!

She’s definitely on her way to the MS150!

Welcome the the clan, Sherrie!!

Regen, Regen, Regen – verschoben!

Für nächsten Samstag, ab ca. 13 Uhr ist eine “Ausprobiersession” geplant für alle, die das Freeborden gerne testen möchten. Bis jetzt steht ein 80er Board mit S2 zur Verfügung, ich hoffe, dass André auch kann, dann haben wir noch ein 85er dabei. Näheres, wie Spot, genaue Uhrzeit etc. klärt sich noch und wird dann natürlich auch hier ergänzt.