Condraz23

lol, interesting idea.

I saw a picture once on the Internet of what the Titanic might look like if she were to be built again while meeting modern SOLAS safety requirements. The main problems I remember were the amount of wood would create a fire safety hazard and the lifeboats would have to be built closer to the water. Perhaps a good idea would be to build a modern ship with Titanic-style amenities - the "floating palace" look. Most modern cruise ships are built like floating shopping malls with casinos and constant partying so traditional "luxury" is non-existent. A warm, cozy Titanic-style "luxury" ship would definitely find a niche in today's market.

It will be a free service supported by ads (google adsense). I will need a catchy memorable name like "filehostr" or "hamdrive" It will be similar to Yahoo! Briefcase. It will have between 30-50MB of storage space and a file size limit of around 10MB. Hotlinking will be disallowed and the only way to access stored files will be to enter a password and username. The user logs into his/her account, enters the password and username, and has the option to add/delete files. This will insure that users don't use the service as a file sharing service since revealing the password could cause other people to delete the files in their account. In other words, only trusted people can access the files. Instead, it will be marketed as a remote backup service where important files can be stored and/or a way for students and businesspeople to transfer files from their school/work to their home. Multiple accounts are allowed but it will strictly be one email address per account, with disposable email addresses being invalid. This insures something close to a 1 person per account ratio. All file types are allowed, including HTM and MP3 files. The fact that 30-50MB has a value of around 20 to 30 floppy disks and hence the free service is actually worth around $30 will be a selling point. The fact that remote backup of files used to be an expensive option only for high-end businesses will be mentioned. Hence, the website will portray itself as being a "pioneer" in the field. - making available something that used to be considered "exclusive" and cutting-edge to the general public. Included will be made-up testimonials of satisfied users and stock images of scientists wearing white lab coats surrounded by servers. -------------------- Now some questions: 1. Is it legal to call it "briefcase" or is that term trademarked by Yahoo!? 2. Approximately how many visitors will I need in order to prevent the operating costs from exceeding the revenue from ads? 3. Bandwidth will be a problem. If I have 100,000 users who use the service on a moderate basis, how much will the bandwidth costs be? How about 10,000,000 users? 4. Would it be a wise idea to allow MP3 files, or do you think the RIAA will not allow it? 5. What are the risks? I heard that online businesses are a relatively risk-free because if things start to go wrong, the site can be quickly shut down but if everything goes well, it has the potential to grow into something as big as facebook (ie. worth billions). 6. Would you use it?

Hey everyone. Just wanted to tell you all that I bought a new watch and it has a built-in camera, making it a camera watch. It's a Casio WQV-1 watch, and the first of its kind... Obviously, it can have a few practical uses too. I could use it to memorize notes and stuff like that. Its also always nice knowing that you've got a camera on hand. My old watch, which was a Casio W-59, didn't have these functions. So it's very new for me. By the way, it was bought for around $28.00 in American dollars.

I've just recently found out that neurosurgeons earn over $18,000 a week, or roughly $1,000,000 a year. Every day, the neurosurgeon earns enough money to purchase any one of the following... 1 used car. 1 plasma television. 4 new computers. 2 new water-cooled gaming computers. 13 new PlayStation 2's. 42 new games for his PlayStation 2. 1 ton of grocery shopping. 1 luxury cruise. 3 days at a resort hotel. Every week, the neurosurgeon earns enough money to purchase any one of the following... 1 new car. 2 ultra-large plasma televisions. 30 new computers. 10 new water-cooled gaming computers. 90 new PlayStation 2's. 300 new games for his PlayStation 2. 9 tonnes of grocery shopping. 8 luxury cruises. 3 weeks at a resort hotel. What we have got to realise is that there are people who live their lives like this and earn so much money while doing so. Sure, they may have to study for 12 years at university and work over 90 hours per week but in the end, it's the money that counts. So, the question is... Would you become a neurosurgeon if you were accepted to become one?

That's funny. I always pictured Steve Jobs as a young, good-looking, prospective entrepreneur.

That's so 1970's. Who would've known that guy on the left would later make a billion dollars.

That's so 1970's. Who would've known that guy on the left would later make a billion dollars.

Thanks for the feedback. I've never personally travelled on any ship before so I guess I don't have much to compare anything with.

Congratulations! It'll definitely come in handy one day.

I do not believe that the UFO conspiracies are real. Nor am I religious. Just wanted to clear that up before people start misinterpreting me. Okay, if the purported UFO landings and "humanoid-looking aliens" are actually real, then here is my theory... Let's see the various reasons. Why would aliens want to come here? 1. Researching our species. Seems the most probable. They may research our species in a similar way to how we research the Kakapo. 2. Destroying the world and using it for themselves. Extremely unlikely. They would already have the technology capable to destroy us easily with a teraton bomb. However, seeing as though they are not doing this, our species must hold a significant value for them. That leads us back to the first reason. 3. Creating a human-alien hybrid. Seeing as though most animals aren't even able to breed with each other, it is extremely unlikely for an alien to achieve this. They would most rather spend their time making a whole new species out of scratch instead of trying to incoporate us into their genetic makeup. The Kakapo is a flightless green bird native to New Zealand. It is an endangered species... "All surviving Kakapo are kept on two predator-free islands, Chalky Island in southwest Fiordland and Codfish Island near Stewart Island, where they are closely monitored." Assuming that the first reason is correct, this means that our species is in the same unfortunate scenario. "All humans live on Earth, located near the Sun, where they are closely monitored." However, since the aliens are capable of long-distance space travel, they must be many millions of years more advanced than us, much more than the Kakapo. Maybe they assume we're just a bunch of insignificant living organisms in a intergalactic petri dish. Well, there you go. There's my opinion. However, seeing as though I don't believe in the UFO landings and abductions, the former statements do not represent my view in an overall perspective. In actual fact, I do believe in the existence of aliens. Albiet, I think of aliens as single-celled organisms floating in pools of hydrogen peroxide rather than the science fiction-inspired "little green men". Thanks.

I hate dogs. I've disliked them all my life. I could probably come up with a hundred reasons to justify my claim. However, I won't. In short, a cat is cleaner, less expensive to purchase and maintain, and substantially more adorable. On the other hand, dogs are disguisting, expensive to purchase and maintain, uglier, and smellier. They do all sorts of things with feces and are impossible to toilet-train. They require walks and daily exersises. Dogs are also notorious for biting children, scaring visitors, barking, and running away. Plus, they're scary-looking too. However, having myself never own a dog before, it is understandable for such claims to make fault. As for cats, I like them. For as I am the current owner of a happy, healthy white cat, albiet much to my haste, unnamed.

Today, we shall be comparing the modern cruise ship with the Edwardian ocean liner. Yes, they ware intended for different markets. With the exception of the Queen Mary, ocean liners were designed to transport people from one country to another. Cruise ships are designed to provide a fun place to go during the holidays. But due to their similarities in construction, design, and evolution, I shall be comparing them together... Safety Modern cruise ships win on this one. Better lifeboat technologies, crew management, lifeboat drills, extensive planning, and watertight compartments ensure a modern cruise ship does not easily sink. SOLAS regulations have also ensured that modern cruise ships are safer than ever before. 6/10 Ocean liners 9/10 Cruise ships Luxury The old ocean liners definitley win on this catagory. You would be lucky to get hand-crafted ornate mahoghany walls and an ultra-large smoking room on today's cruise ships. Also, modern cruise ships imitate the interior of a shopping mall. With tons of shops, takeaway venues, noisy people, and flurescent lights. Balconies are cheaper though, with the sacrifice in style. Meanwhile, ocean liners are mirrored on the warm, relaxing, and enjoyable lifestyles of yesteryear. 9/10 Ocean liners 7/10 Cruise ships Style Once again, the ocean liners remain triumphant. The top-heavy look on today's modern cruise ships lag far behind the sleek, elegant lines of ocean liners. Modern cruise ships look like huge warehouses stacked onto each other, ocean liners look much better. The interiors of ocean liners combine different styles from different periods, from medieval styles to then-considered modern styles. Passengers can choose which style of cabin they want, with a suitable price according to their option. The public areas fo the ship may be decorated in various styles depending on the ship-builder's preferences. In short, modern ocean liners have bare walls and ugly exteriors. However, the design of modern ocean liners are also somewhat more practical. These may include easier access routes and shortcuts. 8/10 Ocean liners 5/10 Cruise ships Options Hard to decide, a clear indication that they are both meant for diffferent markets. An ocean-liner would have more "luxurious" options, such as a smoking room, bar, cinema, grand dining room, indoor gymnasium, turkish baths, card room, library, and reading room. Cruise ships would have different options, focusing more on "fun" than "luxury". These would include Internet cafes, takeaway shops, a cinema, small cheap restraunts, bars, night clubs, and discos. In other words, cruise ships would appeal to those who like to do things fast and cheap. It all depends on your preferences. 7/10 Ocean liners 7/10 Cruise ships Cabins Again, very similar. Most modern ocean liners have cabins which feature balconies. Many ocean liners do not feature balconies. All ships also offer window-accessible cabins at an extra cost. Modern cruise ships have smaller cabins, similar to the size of a second-class suite on the Titanic. In terms of aesthetic appeal, the cabins imitate that of third-class on the Titanic. 7/10 Ocean liners 8/10 Cruise ships Food Depends on the passenger's preferences. Cruise ships offer quick cheap meals to satisfy today's fast-paced lifestyle. Think of McDonalds, ice cream venues, and small cafes. Ocean liners offer extensive courses of rich expensive meals, complete with live music and waiters. These can take up to three hours to finish. The dining rooms are huge grandoise rooms and are suitable for friendly socializing. The dining rooms of modern cruise ships are small and efficient. Luxury is almost non-existent. There's no live music here, only the latest songs from the ship's stereo or radio are available for listening. That is, if you like that sort of stuff. But keep in mind that you can also get the same thing from a cheap takeaway shop in the middle of the sprawling city. 8/10 Ocean liners 7/10 Cruise ships Atmosphere As I said a few paragraphs before, it all depends on your preferences. In short, ocean liners offer live music, natural lighting, and a rich formal atmosphere. Modern cruise ships offer cheap takeaway shops, stores, and artifical fluroescent lighting. If you're prefer an affordable, efficient, no-frills lifestyle then a cruise ship is the one for you. If you would rather prefer something more comfortable and relaxing, an ocean liner would be the better bet. 8/10 Ocean liners 7/10 Cruise ships Other factors For men, an ocean liner generally requires you to dress in appropriate formal-wear, such as a lounge suit. This may appeal to some people. However, this does not matter inside a cruise ship, as anything goes. Just don't turn up naked. 8/10 Ocean liners 8/10 Cruise ships And totaled up, the scores are... 61/80 Ocean liners 58/10 Cruise ships Gosh, that was closer than I expected!

Originally posted by: Anung Mwka I have a notebook with AMD Athlon 3800+(2.4 ghz), a gig of ram, a x200 w/ 128 of its own memory, and I run everthing at high with no problems too. The only problem is she can get a tad bit hot when its sitting on the lap. And yes, I can upgrade the ram to 2 gigs, and the cpu might be upgradeable to one of those dual core ones. And, this processor is an equivalent to a 3.8 ghz Pentium 4 in terms of performance quote> Whoah. A 2.4GHz processor running at an equivalent to a 3.8GHz Intel Pentium 4? That's amazing.

Originally posted by: paperboy15 Originally posted by: Condraz23 Regional terraforming would be a major plus. Because of SimCity 4's non-existent regional terraforming options, it's very hard for me to make a fully-functional region. Too many blank black boxes everywhere. Also, if SimCity 4 was released as open-source software, we would probably have over a hundred variants and millions of modifications done to the game, to the point where Maxis will lose control of its own game and be unable to release the next version.quote> I don't see why this would cause Maxis (EA) to lose control of its own game. Sounds a bit ridiculous, eh? Just because there might be over a hundred variants, that would have little effect on Maxis' ability to create a new version. Besides, even if there were over a hundred variants there would only be a few that would be widely-used.quote> Travold Linus lost control of his own operating system as other companies and organizations continued to sell and release different versions of it. Once a piece of software is released as open-source, no-one can actually own it. Maxis will be dealing with quickly-advancing software and over a hundred different competitors, most of the variants will also probably be free. The original SimCity 4 from Maxis would be nothing more than easily-downloadable abandonware. Plus, as each different version continues to be upgraded every month with better graphics, better gameplay, and a new selection of options, how would Maxis be able to keep up? Anyway, another thing I would like to see on SimCity 5 is the option to actually see the time progress within your city. Such as street-cars, steam trains, and wooden ocean liners in the early 1900's. Weather options and improved graphics would be nice. A full 3-D first-person walk around the city would also be very cool.