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Guys, I want to ask for a favour.
Ages and ages back I read about what I thought was an amazingly cool gadget.
We like gadgets.
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I got speaking with the guy that invented this thing, and was mightily impressed. You'll be able to read my review soon... but this is the gadget:
The Alpha Grip:
It's a keyboard, compressed onto a gamepad like device. The keys are positioned around and under natural finger positions, according to usage and linguistic frequency; others are positions under the controller and used with rocker type switches.
It's difficult to describe, but the thing sits naturally in your hands and you have full keyboard access, in an exceptionally innovative, ergonomic design.
And, there's more - it also has a little trackerball that sits under your thumb position, so you can control both mouse and keyboard functions without ever taking your hands off the device.
It is complicated, and takes some getting used to, but when you are used to it, it's amazingly neat and geeky. I used to play all of my FPS games with a nostromo N52, but this thing lets you even further automate your gaming, macros and keyboard layouts. It's not quite the perfect game controller, but it's damn near close.
It is wired USB. Wires are baaad.
Unfortunately, it is not wireless or bluetooth etc, which is something I've spoken to the inventor about implementing. So, it's not quite ready for our phones yet, but as and when it is, wow.
However, I use it with an OQO mini computer and it's a perfect marriage, compact and highly productive (once you master the learning curve and get used to it). I guess you could use it with an xbox 360 and ps3 too, which would be cooool (although I've never tried). It emulates a standard USB Keyboard and mouse, so is highly compatible and doesn't use special drivers.
Anyway, enough blurb, I'm not selling this thing, I'm not even reviewing this thing here - you'll be able to read a full review from me eventually (and I'm in no way commercially connected or benefited from this).
However, my favour:
AlphaGrip, the company, have superb technical support and customer care. I like the product, I like the company. But you've probably never heard of either.
So: Yahoo have a competition on right now running between various small businesses that need more attention. I think Alphagrip needs and deserves this... so, have a look at the Yahoo page, and see if you think AlphaGrip deserves a vote. You don't have to buy the product, or even like it, but just decide if it deserves some of your mouse click love to get a gadget a bit more attention.
Gracias.
Yahoo Competition
V
PS. If you do buy one, tell Mike Willner, the inventor, that I sent you. I'll try to put in a good word for us and get us a deal.
EDIT: guys, I've just heard back from Mike, and he says that when you're buying the AlphaGrip, if you say that you're a member of this forum and write your XDA forums user ID in the comments section of the purchase page, you'll get $10 off the price.
And if you also mention that you've also voted on the Yahoo competition (quote something from his video interview to prove you've seen it), you'll get an extra $5 off! Go out and buy yourself a free lunch on Mike...
He said that they are certainly interested in doing a wireless adaptor or an all smartphone compatible version, so winning the competition will help get them the resources to do that. Hurry up and click already!
Guys, I want to repeat. I don't work for these guys, and aren't commercially linked to them in any way. I've just found Mike and his guys (and gals) to be a refreshingly helpful and conscientious tech company. They don't over inflate their claims, but make 100% solid and innovative stuff.
its got my vote.. im not a gamer but love me some gadgets, can see that thing being very useful
Thanks shogunmark!
I have to say that I'm quite a fan of non standard input devices. My all time favourite is the Microsoft Strategic Commander. If you've never seen one, it's basically the thing the little dude in Flight of the Navigator uses to fly the UFO. It kicks ass, but it's a bit too clever for it's own good. It actually has one axis assigned to flexing space/time, like too much Prince of Persia!
Day to day I tend to use the Nostromo n52 (not just for games, but general productivity work with appropriate macros, keyboard hooks and Windows PowerPro - my all time favourite app)
And I've also reviewed the Wolf Claw, which is more conventional, but useful for WASD users. I'm not a WASD fan personally.
BTW, I finally managed to spend some time with the Wii this weekend. It's not a particularly accurate input device, but novel - has anyone considered porting the open source Windows Bluetooth Input Interface to WinMob? It'd be cool to play doom on your phone on the Tube. Way to get shot in the head...
V
EDIT: guys, I've just heard back from Mike, and he says that when you're buying the AlphaGrip, if you say that you're a member of this forum and write your XDA forums user ID in the comments section of the purchase page, you'll get $10 off the price.
And if you also mention that you've also voted on the Yahoo competition (quote something from his video interview to prove you've seen it), you'll get an extra $5 off! Go out and buy yourself a free lunch on Mike...
He said that they are certainly interested in doing a wireless adaptor or an all smartphone compatible version, so winning the competition will help get them the resources to do that. Hurry up and click already!
Also, Mike said that if you want to complain, make suggestions or ask for something completely different, go over to their development wiki to shape what a future Smartphone Compatible version should do.
http://wiki.alphagrips.com/AG-6+Suggestions
V
vijay555 said:
And if you also mention that you've also voted on the Yahoo competition (quote something from his video interview to prove you've seen it)
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Who watches video's?!?? i just do what the voices tell me to
just do what the voices tell me
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Last time I did that I woke up covered in axel grease with a suspicious-looking black ribbed knobbler
V
vijay555 said:
Last time I did that I woke up covered in axel grease with a suspicious-looking black ribbed knobbler
V
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oh yeah, i remember those video's...
You should... . You didn't even cook breakfast.
V
vijay555 said:
You should... . You didn't even cook breakfast.
V
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oh i cooked breakfast.. you were still sleeping, must have been all those roofies i slipped you
wow, talk about hijacking a thread
This thread has gotten really saucy!
It's funny, when checked the thread and first saw the pics of the controller, I thought someone was having some fun with Photoshop. That is one crazy looking gadget!
I think it's wild enough to be pretty cool though. I like anything new and weird though. (including this thread )
mikechannon said:
Don't encourage them for gawd's sake Taurus. Sounds like they're as fruity as a nut cake:
Mike
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is that anything like this:
Ok you people, I'm gonna moderate myself and bring this back to game controllers.
The AlphaGrip is certainly not photoshopped, I have one here - it does requires practise to get up to speed, but it was the same with my nostromo, and now I use that thing like a natural extension of my being
If you have any questions about it, let me know...
Ok, to get back offtopic, or ontopic, I can't remember now given that 90% of this thread is rather, um, unsusual:
[SIZE=+1]Back Knobbler [/SIZE]Order code: BK
Manage your own chronic trigger point pain! The 2 different size ends and natural shape allow the user to apply as much pain releasing pressure for as long as required to achieve remarkable effects.
Price: £25.00 each
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Shogun, you know what to get me for being a good boy, this Christmas.
V
PS Keep voting. You can vote once a day. But man, those wonky playhouses are cool!
vijay555 said:
Ok you people, I'm gonna moderate myself and bring this back to game controllers.
The AlphaGrip is certainly not photoshopped, I have one here - it does requires practise to get up to speed, but it was the same with my nostromo, and now I use that thing like a natural extension of my being
If you have any questions about it, let me know...
Ok, to get back offtopic, or ontopic, I can't remember now given that 90% of this thread is rather, um, unsusual:
Shogun, you know what to get me for being a good boy, this Christmas.
V
PS Keep voting. You can vote once a day. But man, those wonky playhouses are cool!
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I just voted again, looks like your guy is currently in the lead
Has there ever been a "usual" conversation between the mods, i mean really?!?
I can think of a few people that would need those for christmas
Looking at that knobbler thing, the more it seems to make sense.
My brain overheats just thinking about the possibilities... you can picture the Taewanese design manager sitting at his desk, staring at a blank sheet of paper:
"Ok, Monday morning, what to do, what to do?
We need to think of a device that has 1% useful therapeutic design, 99% obvious sexual function. We've done massagers, infra red heaters, relaxation balls...
I know, The Knobbler. Reaches the parts other double ended stimulation devices cannot reach."
V
PS Yeah. moderators need help. Hormonal issues seem to be a necessary qualification for the job!
vijay555 said:
My brain overheats
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I dont think thats your brain, but im sure you still think with it
vijay555 said:
you can picture the Taewanese design manager sitting at his desk, staring at a blank sheet of paper:
"Ok, Monday morning, what to do, what to do?
We need to think of a device that has 1% useful therapeutic design, 99% obvious sexual function. We've done massagers, infra red heaters, relaxation balls...
I know, The Knobbler. Reaches the parts other double ended stimulation devices cannot reach."
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You think thats tough.. can you imagine the Research and Development team on that?
vijay555 said:
PS Yeah. moderators need help. Hormonal issues seem to be a necessary qualification for the job!
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I think thats pretty obvious, especially with that really old guy mikechannon
mikechannon said:
Since you boys obviously get on so well together and I'd rather keep well away from this very weird thread, I'm going to present you both with a much superior controller than vijay's suggestion. I think you'll find it reminds you of each other so you need never feel lonely again:
Mike
(and it's not even entered for gadget of the year!! Go on shake hands with an old friend!)
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was that from your private collection?
Mike, don't be jealous, you know you have an open invitation to the parties. Friday night, bring chocolate spread!
I won't elaborate any further on this:
V
PS: keep voting! I want Ivanka Trump to autograph my boobies.
vijay555 said:
Mike, don't be jealous, you know you have an open invitation to the parties. Friday night, bring chocolate spread!
I won't elaborate any further on this:
V
PS: keep voting! I want Ivanka Trump to autograph my boobies.
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brings a whole new meaning to those traffic cones...
And mike, if you accept V's open invitation, you may want to consider some help..
And dont forget to vote
Hey guys, would any of you consider using the AlphaGrip or any of the above toys, including those for external application only?
One game pad I haven't owned is the Saitek Pro Gamer Command.
I played with it once on a display model and found it tacky and clunky. I much prefer the ergonomics of the Nostromo.
Do you guys ever use these things? Like I said, Nostromo is great for FPS, but you can also configure it to do stuff in productivity apps like PhotoShop, Word, VS2005, Winamp etc (although of course you can do that with pretty much any input device with appropriate software).
V
Geez, what have I got myself into?! This thread degenerated in a hurry.
finally 21 and now i want software to help me get drunk in delicious fashion soo does anyone know of free software with mixes based on ingredients and such?
Here is one free one that I know of, however it is in no way the best. It actually references an online database to pull the drinks, so you would need a data plan to utilize it. It can be downloaded from freewarepocketpc at http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-pocketender.html
The best one that I have found is not free but was only like $14 USD and is fantastic. It is from Town Compass, but it is quite inclusive... Here's some of the info: http://software.techrepublic.com.com/abstract.aspx?docid=490101
App
There's a bunch on this site. check them out. i havent tried it yet thou.
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http://handheld.softpedia.com/downloadTag/drink+mix
http://handheld.softpedia.com/downloadTag/alcoholic+drink
http://handheld.softpedia.com/downloadTag/cocktail
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this is to check if your sober enough to drive lol.( theres probably a better app out there...)
http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/Health/AlcoholLevel-67390.shtml
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i personally love the bartender app on the tmobile G1 but i cannot find it for my phone... errrrrr
well i hope i helped some. and if anyone can find the bartender app from tmobile g1 and its compatible with raphael/fuze i would love to know!!
later
After looking through what was available, I'm a bit appalled by how horrible most of those apps look (and work).
I'm a former (and possibly returning) bartender and used to be a regular on one of the bigger online cocktail forums...so trust me when I say that most of the apps I saw are abysmal in both looks and function.
If there's enough interest, I'd consider throwing together an application to do this all much better. Any thoughts?
AvantGo
Try using www.avantgo.com and add the "Drink Boy" channel. You'll get good recipes on a nice interface that you can view and search for offline. When you're online, it updates itself. I've had a lot of fun with it.
Oh yeah! Don't drink and drive.
speed_pour said:
If there's enough interest, I'd consider throwing together an application to do this all much better. Any thoughts?
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I would definately be down. I totally concur. Half the bartender apps are outdated or are a bit difficult to navigate through. Being an amature bartender, I use my database quite a bit, but yeah if there was a program that would allow you to enter in your liquors on hand and priovide you with possibile combinations... Damn... That'd be sweet....
Sorry it's too early in the morning....
speed_pour said:
If there's enough interest, I'd consider throwing together an application to do this all much better. Any thoughts?
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Heck yeah!
+1 as my favorite quote is: "Candy is Dandy, But Liquor is Quicker"
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speed_pour said:
After looking through what was available, I'm a bit appalled by how horrible most of those apps look (and work).
I'm a former (and possibly returning) bartender and used to be a regular on one of the bigger online cocktail forums...so trust me when I say that most of the apps I saw are abysmal in both looks and function.
If there's enough interest, I'd consider throwing together an application to do this all much better. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love a drink mixing app.... so count me twice (for each hand that can hold a drink) lol
iam also a bartender and would love an app for mix drinks and shots!!! but dont forget to add the DEATHWISH shot:
DEATHWISH:
1/3 JAGER
1/3 WILD TURKEY 101
1/3 BACARDI 151
SPLASH OF GRENADINE...
(layer grenadine on bottom of shot glass, after pouring in liqours...)
(NOT FOR THE LIGHT DRINKER!!!)
I'll donate to such a cause since I completely agree on the crappy state of the mixing apps!
sherv said:
I'll donate to such a cause since I completely agree on the crappy state of the mixing apps!
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I freely admit, since I'm out of work right now, I'm fine with being a whore
I've already got a bit of this started, but I'm working on another project first that I think will get a lot of wide-spread usage across the forum. But I'll get back to working on this one very soon.
In the mean time, are there any particular features anybody is looking for. I'm sure it'll be easy enough to figure out all of the features the drinkers want, but what about bartenders? Tell me how often you think you'll be entering drinks, what extra features do you need. Will you actually be using this while at work...with your fingers?
I know this is in the Raph section, though it belongs in Q&A or D&H, but does anybody here want a QVGA version, or dare I ask, W(Q)VGA? If this app is going to see finger-based controls (which I'd expect to make sense), it's not really going to work out having small windows controls, so graphics/resolution will be considered for the first version.
This site works well for me Webtender
thedarkness81 said:
This site works well for me Webtender
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I used to be a regular contributor to the forums there...The biggest problem is that the drink database is absolutely cluttered with incorrect entries and missing a lot of common recipes.
When I start building a collection of recipes, there's actually a couple of people from that forum that I'm going to ask for help/collaboration. I'm also going to throw them a heads up to ask for any thoughts from them on what they would like to see.
Any update on this app being made?? Im very anxious to have it...
GoBills2184 said:
Any update on this app being made?? Im very anxious to have it...
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lol, from me, it'll be at least a couple of weeks. I'm in the middle of working on another app that'll be quite a bit more relevant on this forum. But I will be coming back to this app shortly.
I'll post more info to this thread when I start it, and then I'll create a release thread in D&H (and post a link to it here) when there's a reasonably good start on a beta version.
You can help out by giving some ideas of what features you'd like to see in it.
this is very cool that you'd consider putting an app together, pour...the best reference app/source I've found is that DrinkBoy channel on avantgo. That said, my advice would be keep it very simple. Not only will this, hopefully, take burden and time from your investment to the group, but I don't think I'd be looking for anything other than:
-thorough database with accuracy on both contents and how to prepare
-a "my favorites" option for quick look-ups and personalization
-organize at the root based on main ingredient (e.g. rum, vodka, bourbon)
-a search option with fuzzy-esque searchability (e.g. southside, southsides or southsider would produce the same drink recipe)
I guess these may end up being more work than I thought but an accurate db, easy search and browse engine with a "my fav's" organizer would be PERFECTION for me!!
bigred727 said:
my advice would be keep it very simple. Not only will this, hopefully, take burden and time from your investment to the group
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I kinda suspect, with luck, my app will draw attention from hopefully every group....the college students, bar patrons, and even bartenders from different types of places. For that reason, a "simple" app might not be too likely. Simple interface is definitely part of my plan, but the application itself is going to be pretty powerful and probably meant to cover a lot of people's uses.
bigred727 said:
but I don't think I'd be looking for anything other than:
-thorough database with accuracy on both contents and how to prepare
-a "my favorites" option for quick look-ups and personalization
-organize at the root based on main ingredient (e.g. rum, vodka, bourbon)
-a search option with fuzzy-esque searchability (e.g. southside, southsides or southsider would produce the same drink recipe)
I guess these may end up being more work than I thought but an accurate db, easy search and browse engine with a "my fav's" organizer would be PERFECTION for me!!
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- Favorites will be very easy to implement, so this is pretty much a sure thing.
- The database itself is a subject I intend to take more seriously than a lot of people probably expect (more on that in the future).
- I've got several ideas for searches/filters, each will be fleshed out as I build it. I'm aiming mostly for live searches and the first will be using quick ingredient filtering.
- fuzzy search...I'll see what I can do, but that's one I know very little about. Some quick googling turned up some information that's possibly VERY usable, but it's all written for the the big brother .Net Framework while the Compact Framework gets no love. I'll bookmark some of this stuff and see where I can go with it after I've released a first version. As much as it might be cool, I can't justify porting Lucene.Net to the compact framework for this project. In the mean time, I can use a "Sounds Like" mechanism that would probably do pretty well for an early version. I'm also a little worried about performance.
As a note, I'd previously said that I wouldn't be starting this until I finished another application. I feel a little dumb for not seeing it sooner, but I discovered Sashimi exists (though I haven't started testing it). While it sorely lacks about half of the features I planned to build, it does a far better job at the other half of the features I had in mind. I'm going to try out Sashimi for a while to determine if there's enough reason to build my app (or possibly a configurator/extension of sorts for use with Sashimi, if possible). As a result, I'm going to put that project on hold and move on to this one.
Second note...err, request actually...I'm ok with graphics...sometimes...But I want to make this app graphically attractive and possibly add skinning ability. At the very least, I will need a few decent looking icons for a few things, at the most, it might turn into an entire interface design. One of my goals is to make this app roughly comparable to something people might expect to buy form the iPhone AppStore (after all, everybody is *****ing about the lack of pretty WM apps). So, if anybody has decent graphics skills and is up for helping out, drop me a line and we'll bump some ideas around when I get to the right stage.
wow i had almost forgot about this thread glad to see something has come of it!
definetly excited to see what you come up with
Is this program still in active development? I hope it is because it sounds like it could be really nice/useful!
If you would want this idea to be made, post a reply saying so! The more support, the more chance we can make this project work!
1-23*Update* I've been working very hard on this project. I've updated my "Blueprints" and will be making side & back views plus way more ideas than you can throw a stick at. I know this post is not much but pics and some words but just be patient. I will be throwing these models out to the marketers as soon as they're done. I want to try to get these made and ready to be sold for anyone that wants one before the end of this year. I know that's a stretch on time, but I'm still learning about the business side of distributing sadly to say, but if you have any pointers or anything you can help with, feel free to PM me or leave your feedback below! Thanks
-Bryan
1-22Hi everyone! I have been looking all over to find a case for my HD2. So far the only case that I found is an Otterbox Defender Series. It's a really nice case but I think the grey is a gross color for it plus, we now have the ability to have nothing but the Android OS on our device right? So why do we have to have the windows buttons? Why can't we have Android looking buttons? Why do we spend so much money and time on something we can't completely make our own (considering the T-Mobile logo at the top if you have a TMOUS HD2 like I do but don't use a T-Mobile SIM card)? That brings me to my point. That's why I made this concept drawing. I want it to be a rubber cover that goes snuggly over the device like an Otterbox Defender Case. I designed these two models to have custom made Android buttons. If anyone would want to help this project or want to give me any pointers to help me make this happen, PM me or leave your feedback below
Thanks
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I like the idea, but the manufacturing costs will be quite high for individual units. I'm sure Otterbox wouldn't design and construct a new outer-case for a few consumers. If you have the means to manufacture them yourself, be wary of the patents in place by Otterbox.
Either way, good luck. If you can pull it off, I'd get one.
I don't think it's proper for you to solicit for money for your pet project. Basically, all you've said is "Donate/Pay me and I might work on this concept drawing based on someone else's case."
Now think about it objectively, would *You* find that a bit odd from someone with a handful of posts on the forum?
Btw, those buttons aren't even the shape of the HD2 buttons.
Edit:
Just looking at the forum rules, yeah, asking for upfront donations is a "NO-NO":
rules said:
8. Donations.
As a user you're allowed to ask for donations in your signature as a thank you for your hard work. However donations up front are not allowed, this forum is about sharing, not about getting paid to do something, that's what your job is for.
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i dont really see the point of doing this
apallohadas said:
I don't think it's proper for you to solicit for money for your pet project. Basically, all you've said is "Donate/Pay me and I might work on this concept drawing based on someone else's case."
Now think about it objectively, would *You* find that a bit odd from someone with a handful of posts on the forum?
Btw, those buttons aren't even the shape of the HD2 buttons.
Edit:
Just looking at the forum rules, yeah, asking for upfront donations is a "NO-NO":
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Ok first off, these xda forums is designed for new ideas and progression. Not for people to criticize when you don't know what your talking about. What I was saying is "I'm going to develop and make these cases with a style like Otterbox." I'm not asking anyone to donate me. I'm not asking anyone to like this case either. I'm simply asking for ideas on the case. I want people to get exactly what they want. It's people like you that intimidates people into not saying any ideas that could possibly turn into something great. I will make this case and when I do, you'll find that when you get off your period that you shouldn't discourage people. Only give good criticism. And the whole phone is covered with the rubber for the case besides the screen. Do some research before you open your mouth.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytsfeLK7Bc0
sbryan12144 said:
Ok first off, these xda forums is designed for new ideas and progression. Not for people to criticize when you don't know what your talking about. What I was saying is "I'm going to develop and make these cases with a style like Otterbox." I'm not asking anyone to donate me. I'm not asking anyone to like this case either. I'm simply asking for ideas on the case. I want people to get exactly what they want. It's people like you that intimidates people into not saying any ideas that could possibly turn into something great. I will make this case and when I do, you'll find that when you get off your period that you shouldn't discourage people. Only give good criticism. And the whole phone is covered with the rubber for the case besides the screen. Do some research before you open your mouth.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytsfeLK7Bc0
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One thing that you learn when you grow up and move out of mommy's basement, is that criticism doesn't mean "tell me what I want to hear". There's nothing 'new' or 'progressive' about your case kid.
With all of your 12 posts under your belt, in your ORIGINAL post you asked for money. I'll repeat that just in case your short attention span made you get distracted.
YOU ASKED FOR DONATIONS FOR A NON-EXISTENT PRODUCT.
From your response above, you sound to me like you're a scamming little thief, not a venture capitalist. (Look that up if the words are too big for you.)
If you want me to respond to you as an adult to a child, I can do that. If you want me to respond to you as though you're something else, let me know k?
Oh, and genius? Thanks for the link to the Otterbox review, Oh wait! I own it already! *gasp*
apallohadas said:
One thing that you learn when you grow up and move out of mommy's basement, is that criticism doesn't mean "tell me what I want to hear". There's nothing 'new' or 'progressive' about your case kid.
With all of your 12 posts under your belt, in your ORIGINAL post you asked for money. I'll repeat that just in case your short attention span made you get distracted.
YOU ASKED FOR DONATIONS FOR A NON-EXISTENT PRODUCT.
From your response above, you sound to me like you're a scamming little thief, not a venture capitalist. (Look that up if the words are too big for you.)
If you want me to respond to you as an adult to a child, I can do that. If you want me to respond to you as though you're something else, let me know k?
Oh, and genius? Thanks for the link to the Otterbox review, Oh wait! I own it already! *gasp*
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do you think your cool because have two hundred + posts about you giving people a hard time? if you don't want to help or give criticism thats worth mentioning, shut the hell up and stay off of this post. ill repeat myself since you didnt understand the first time: i never asked them for donations, i said help would be nice NOT ASKED! i never even had a donations link up. if i was trying to scam someone dont you think i would have had a different approach to it rather what i did? your sad that you think that just from the amount of posts that that makes you worth listening to. i live on my own with my fiancée thank you very much. look, i would never try to scam anyone and i never will. i just wanted to design a case that i think people would like. i mean i would and considering the fact that android ported to the hd2 is very very popular, i think this idea is thinking out of the box. Granted, i have no experience in marketing or anything like that, but thats why i made this post. to get help doing so, but if i made one person happy by designing a case that people will enjoy, im satisfied. look you obviously are very judgmental to this whole idea, but if you could help me by leading me in the right direction rather than what you are doing, i could prove to you that im an honest person just trying to get my thoughts heard.
-Bryan
My cool factor has little to do with you trying to scam the forum.
Want advice?
1) Stop lying. Your first post asked for donations and "I'll put up a donate link later". Now you're pretending that you never asked for donations.
2) If you really want advice, stop acting like a little snot-nosed baby who misses his binky. You haven't proposed anything new. Even your sketches are taken from some other phone and you reference someone else's product. I'm missing the new and progressive content for which you were asking for money.
3) Brace yourself for criticism. In the adult world, it happens. A lot. No one is going to hold your hand and whisper softly "well lil Johnny, here's a bundle of cash for a half-thought idea". My first post was fairly neutral and you went off like I killed your favorite bunny. That set the stage for how we're interacting now.
Since I do own my own business, I could certainly tell you how to get things rolling, but as a business owner I also know when someone's peddling garbage, and right now you have a handful of crap.
So, here's some freebie advice: Don't ask for money again. If or when you have an actual product, the market (people) will decide what it's worth, if anything at all.
Sit down with a pencil and lots of paper, and start sketching. Unless you propose something radical (like the otterbox's 2 piece hard/soft combination) you'll just be making 'another silicon gel case' like the other hundred out there. But where you can be different is in some custom design, print, etching, or logo on the back.
There's no real estate on the front of the HD2 that be used creatively, so that leaves the back. Look at some Speck iPod cases for textured patterns and designs. If you come up with something really different, PATENT THE DESIGN then send it to Speckle or Otterbox for review. If it doesn't suck, they might use it.
BUT (Big ole BUT), be prepared for a lot of "That sucks. Try again."
all this back-and-forth aside.... a diy writeup on something like this... even in basic form gets my upvote
I really like the idea a lot. It would be great to have my phone actually look like what I have running it. I mean, you can mod everything else why not the button lay out. I've polished my battery backplate as seen here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=888431
It would be great for you to come up with something on the lines to match that
but all in all it's a great idea and I'd be the first to 'donate'
Well idea is nice and little shaddy lol as I do think you are just out to get money no offense intended but what it comes down to is few things overhead costs, production, reliability, marketing in large scale operation you can bargain and cut the middle man but in your case you have to go though middle man thus driving the price higher. But hey if you want to do this then go ahead you don't need anyone permission just be eBay seller and post it on custom sites.
--
Why dont you go to a chineese Manufacturer with the idea,they might be interested,However ide have to say i would be more interested in a better range of housing,They done it with the Blackstone,The chineese brought out different coulourd replacement housing for it,why cant we have a range of different colourd replacement housing for this beast like white,red rather than the standerd black,They would also do buttons,ide much rather have the standard hardware buttons rather than spending a lot of time trying to get ones like the evo,we could keep the hardware but just ask the chineese nicely to change the logos on the actual buttons to make them android style and rather than have a windows logo,just the words menu there instead,i think that would be a much more viable project,people would actually want to see that becouse it gives the device a new image without using cases or stuff like that
I don't like it
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Myself and two of my co-workers have HD2 running android. It would be a pretty sweet case if it came to fruition.
And to comment on what the others said, I was impressed that you took the time to draw that image, so at least you put "some" time into your idea thus far. I was less than enthused to watch your youtube video you posted, which seemed to be a "shameless plug" to bring in traffic to some poorly designed accessory site that presumably you're affiliated with.You just seem to me like one of those people that posts on forums to buy Viagra, but you form actual sentences with your solicitation, LOL.
thebluecoat said:
And to comment on what the others said, I was impressed that you took the time to draw that image, so at least you put "some" time into your idea thus far. I was less than enthused to watch your youtube video you posted, which seemed to be a "shameless plug" to bring in traffic to some poorly designed accessory site that presumably you're affiliated with.You just seem to me like one of those people that posts on forums to buy Viagra, but you form actual sentences with your solicitation, LOL.
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LOL way to funny
JWang158 said:
I solved the button problem by printing a few sticky cutouts and placing them on top. The light disperses like it was meant to be that way. Try it yourself!
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Click to collapse
Can you show pictures of how it looks?
PS. I would go along with this idea.
So where are the sketches/designs?
Please dont tell me its just that thing which changes color? I could have mocked something up better using Deluxe Paint on my Amiga 1200 (seriously!!)
What I really think we need is completley new housing not just a case. Some Android and WP7 housing would be sweet!
TheATHEiST said:
So where are the sketches/designs?
Please dont tell me its just that thing which changes color? I could have mocked something up better using Deluxe Paint on my Amiga 1200 (seriously!!)
What I really think we need is completley new housing not just a case. Some Android and WP7 housing would be sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, I was actually thinking about that myself. Like replacing the existing framework on the hd2 and replace it with the android or WP7 housing. Now that would be sweet.
I wish someone would start getting creative for this kind of stuff. As long as new phones are being made. HD2 will almost always be on top of it.
Lol, I thought you weren't asking for donations?
So I'm surprised there's not been threads like this already and I know this is a site about making your phones kewl.....but this is the dreaded off-topic area.....so I'm gonna allow it. :silly:
Has this apparent global pandemic affected you directly yet? I'm guessing it has hit us all in some way or another by now?
For me, we've been touched by it already and I suspect my family will get hit harder by it eventually. Here's how/why....
- The Wife is a nurse at a hospital and will surely been facing covid 19 face to face sooner than later. And unfortunately her hospital is a bit of a mess, so I suspect it will sweep through the place fast and furious and I can't imagine she will be unscathed. So yes, my home will likely host the Corona at some point.
- I'm in construction and deal with people daily, and so I am sure to come face to face with an infected person/people before too long. Hopefully my 20 times a day hand sanitizing will mean something?
- folks in my area have lost every last marble and are hoarding everything they can...leaving people in need SOL for finding toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bread, bottled water, meat, soup, baby food and just about every other essential item. Though...i find it funny. Cause if the poop really hits the fan... I know several hoarders that I'll be relieving of their supplies all within walking distance. Lol
- My wife will likely have to nurse through the worst of times, should they come....cause that's what she signed on for. But me, I'll just be told to stay home, earning exactly zero dollars an hour and probably digging a financial hole we will find extremely hard to crawl out of.
- its March break here, so my wee ones are at home. Plus the school board here has said school will remain closed 2 more weeks after March break....so that is good. The kids get to stay home and stay away from the other little germ magnets they associate with!
Anyway....that is how this pandemic has and could hit my family. I'll just say this....before you contribute to cleaning stores out of essential items...take a second to think about others and maybe just get what you need for now and leave some for the rest of us. :good:
Edit: To the amazing super awesome moderators of this great site...if you're maybe thinking this topic isn't right for this site and about to click the delete or close button....perhaps reconsider and think that some here may wanna share feelings on this topic anonymously so to speak...and maybe share fears or hopes they have with the faceless here...rather than "real" people in their lives that don't need to hear about their insecurities? For me, I know I put on a brave face in person....but I'm scared a little too....but I want my family feeling confidence, so I don't dwell on these things I've said with them. Thanks my Mod friends!
thread allowed!
May Force be with you and keeps you strong to fight the Darkside of this virus!
Deaddpool said:
So I'm surprised there's not been threads like this already and I know this is a site about making your phones kewl.....but this is the dreaded off-topic area.....so I'm gonna allow it. :silly:
Has this apparent global pandemic affected you directly yet? I'm guessing it has hit us all in some way or another by now?
For me, we've been touched by it already and I suspect my family will get hit harder by it eventually. Here's how/why....
- The Wife is a nurse at a hospital and will surely been facing covid 19 face to face sooner than later. And unfortunately her hospital is a bit of a mess, so I suspect it will sweep through the place fast and furious and I can't imagine she will be unscathed. So yes, my home will likely host the Corona at some point.
- I'm in construction and deal with people daily, and so I am sure to come face to face with an infected person/people before too long. Hopefully my 20 times a day hand sanitizing will mean something?
- folks in my area have lost every last marble and are hoarding everything they can...leaving people in need SOL for finding toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bread, bottled water, meat, soup, baby food and just about every other essential item. Though...i find it funny. Cause if the poop really hits the fan... I know several hoarders that I'll be relieving of their supplies all within walking distance. Lol
- My wife will likely have to nurse through the worst of times, should they come....cause that's what she signed on for. But me, I'll just be told to stay home, earning exactly zero dollars an hour and probably digging a financial hole we will find extremely hard to crawl out of.
- its March break here, so my wee ones are at home. Plus the school board here has said school will remain closed 2 more weeks after March break....so that is good. The kids get to stay home and stay away from the other little germ magnets they associate with!
Anyway....that is how this pandemic has and could hit my family. I'll just say this....before you contribute to cleaning stores out of essential items...take a second to think about others and maybe just get what you need for now and leave some for the rest of us. :good:
Edit: To the amazing super awesome moderators of this great site...if you're maybe thinking this topic isn't right for this site and about to click the delete or close button....perhaps reconsider and think that some here may wanna share feelings on this topic anonymously so to speak...and maybe share fears or hopes they have with the faceless here...rather than "real" people in their lives that don't need to hear about their insecurities? For me, I know I put on a brave face in person....but I'm scared a little too....but I want my family feeling confidence, so I don't dwell on these things I've said with them. Thanks my Mod friends!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you said it’s off topic so I’ll allow it I mean wouldn’t you have? I’d bet so.
Anyways, Mike our Virologist friend taught me a lot about viruses over the years and I would say you should definitely be worried. I am and I’m still kinda young. I would worry more about being near someone infected that’s asymptomatic or even just sick more so than touching something that has it. You’re more likely to breath it being near someone rather than touch something with a live virus and have it enter your body that way.
Not sure what’s going on up north but down here in the south states and cities are taking drastic steps in hopes to contain everything. I pray that it gets contained otherwise this is just the beginning and lots of people won’t make it world wide. Hope you are well and stay healthy also bless your wife for what she does and what’s likely coming down the road. People like her in those professions need to be praised ?
They've closed the liquor stores in my state...
This is getting serious now.
Deaddpool said:
Has this apparent global pandemic affected you directly yet? I'm guessing it has hit us all in some way or another by now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. My work place will be closed very soon, as they've announced yesterday that public life will be limited. I have other work I can do and the government will financially support affected businesses, so I'm not too worried. However, the signs for the pandemic were already there months ago and my government hasn't done anything to fight it until just recently, so I am not at all happy about how they are governing.
Yep, my plans for buying a new vehicle will probably have to be put on hold. The money that I've saved for a down payment will have to be reserved for the economic woes ahead.
Cash is king
The spread of the epidemic has crippled my plans to buy a house. I need to deposit more cash in my hand. Cash is king.
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@Deaddpool
Keep us updated will ya? Things are crazy here where I live.
I'm in the US. The only thing that concerns me is being able to find diapers and TP when I need it because of all the hoarding people are doing. Barring that, my level of concern here in the states is a solid zero.
I really love math and when you plug in the death toll vs the infection count, it's probably less dangerous than the flu. Obviously other countries will end up with different results. This is just using info for the US, so keep that in mind.
The most recent numbers I can find are,
Infections: 9,486
Deaths: 155
When you plug this into a calculator, I'll admit it looks kinda bad.
155 x 100 ÷ 9,486 = 1.63% ← This is the perceived death rate here.
And here's why it's nothing to panic over. Most people with mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all, simply won't be tested (unless they die), so the actual number of infections is definitely much higher. How high is it? We don't know exactly, but the estimates I've seen range from 200,000 to 500,000 infections . So let's use those numbers and see how bad the estimates are.
155 x 100 ÷ 200,000 = 0.07% ← This is our high end for the estimated death rate. Far lower than the flu or common cold.
And as the estimated number of infections goes up, the death rate drops accordingly. If 500,000 people are actually infected, then the death rate is way smaller.
155 x 100 ÷ 500,000 = 0.03% ← This is our low end estimate.
If you don't have a chronic health condition, or you're not over 60yrs old, then you really don't have much to worry about in my opinion. Wash your hands a bit more, avoid at risk people when going about your day if possible. Don't lose your head in the process. 99% of confirmed cases have been mild thus far. (Symptoms no worse than a cold, or allergies.)
It is interesting question now...it is a big problem
Belgium here and we're on what they call a Lockdown light. We can only go outside to:
Go to work (if it's essential. when possible to work from home, it's obligatory)
Go to the store
Get money from an ATM
Go to the doctor
Help vulnerable people
Get some exercise like running, cycling, etc. (alone, with family members or with one friend if a distance of 1.5m is respected at all times)
All shops are closed, except:
Food stores, including night shops
Shops that sell mainly animal food
Pharmacies
News paper shops
Gas stations
Hair dressers (max of 1 customer at a time)
Conditions shops need to adhere to:
Social Distancing: people need to stay 1.5m apart from each other
In supermarkets there can only be 1 customer per 10m² and they can only be present for 30 minutes
Food stores can be open from 7AM to 10PM
Night shops must close at 10PM
Misc:
All bars/restaurants/etc. are closed, take-away is still allowed unless it causes large cues
Local markets are forbidden unless they are essential for food supply
Hotels can still be open but may not provide access to a bar or any other space that brings people together
Schools are open but only for day care (focused for people working in health care), no lessons are given
...
Confirmed: 1,795
Deaths: 21
Recovered: 31
It's been pretty crazy but manageable so far. The inexplicable rush for toilet paper has been a big deal here as well. What is up with that? They can starve to death but really need to be able to wipe their tushie for the next 6 months? lol. It all feels so unreal. It's like we've entered World War 3 but we're all fighting a common but invisible enemy.
I went out on a run yesterday and there were still quite a few people out and about getting some exercise or simply some fresh air. There was a massive amount of respect, honoring the social distancing and noticed that the younger folk always went out of the way for the elderly.
My wife works for the 112 emergency central and it's been true madness up there at times. I heard of 1.000 seconds of waiting time on the 'doctors on duty' weekend lines.
@Deaddpool Give my best to your wife as I have the utmost respect for everyone working in health care these days. Now more than ever, they are the true heroes of the world! Wishing the best for you and your family.
Spaceminer said:
I'm in the US. The only thing that concerns me is being able to find diapers and TP when I need it because of all the hoarding people are doing. Barring that, my level of concern here in the states is a solid zero.
I really love math and when you plug in the death toll vs the infection count, it's probably less dangerous than the flu. Obviously other countries will end up with different results. This is just using info for the US, so keep that in mind.
The most recent numbers I can find are,
Infections: 9,486
Deaths: 155
When you plug this into a calculator, I'll admit it looks kinda bad.
155 x 100 ÷ 9,486 = 1.63% ← This is the perceived death rate here.
And here's why it's nothing to panic over. Most people with mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all, simply won't be tested (unless they die), so the actual number of infections is definitely much higher. How high is it? We don't know exactly, but the estimates I've seen range from 200,000 to 500,000 infections . So let's use those numbers and see how bad the estimates are.
155 x 100 ÷ 200,000 = 0.07% ← This is our high end for the estimated death rate. Far lower than the flu or common cold.
And as the estimated number of infections goes up, the death rate drops accordingly. If 500,000 people are actually infected, then the death rate is way smaller.
155 x 100 ÷ 500,000 = 0.03% ← This is our low end estimate.
If you don't have a chronic health condition, or you're not over 60yrs old, then you really don't have much to worry about in my opinion. Wash your hands a bit more, avoid at risk people when going about your day if possible. Don't lose your head in the process. 99% of confirmed cases have been mild thus far. (Symptoms no worse than a cold, or allergies.)
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Click to collapse
The problem is your math is very flawed which is surprising from someone that claims to know math the way that you do. But it is also a common mistake from many that haven't taken the time and done enough research to properly construct an accurate math projection. I am not saying any of this to pick on you but rather to educate you.
I pay very close attention to the news about the virus and yes, there are definitely a significant amount of cases we don't know about, which is primarily due to lack of testing, but official estimates are nowhere the numbers you have above.
As of writing this, the US has 11,689 and rising by the hour. That doesn't seem like very many but just 10 days ago we had about 680 cases. Every 2.5 cases rise exponentially. That means in 2 weeks' time (assuming current trends continue) the US will have around 67,000 known cases. and in 3 weeks 100,800 and these are extremely conservative numbers due to the number of different cities and states seeing outbreaks simultaneously. We are prob looking at 250,000 to 500,000 infection in a month's time unless quarantine efforts begin to flatten the curve. The reason this happens is that 1 people think like you and don't take it seriously and 2 people spread the virus unknowingly due to mild or no symptoms.
Another reason your math is flawed is the average time from first symptoms to death is roughly 14 days and up to 28 days. Therefore comparing the current number of deaths to the current cases amount is an extremely inaccurate way to get a perceived death rate. Official estimates are around a 3.5% death rate but it is very hard to know for sure just like you said above. If you look at Italy, their death rate is around 7% currently and they have one of the best health systems in the world. I read a report today, that doctors at one hospital stopped counting the dead bodies.
Italy is a peek into the future if people in the States don't take this seriously. About 1 in 20 cases, no matter your age, and 1-10 or less for older folk develop serious to critical symptoms. Under normal circumstances, those cases should all be cured but they do take around a month to fully heal. The problem that we will face very soon is health systems being overrun just like they are in Italy. Italy doctors are having to choose who lives and dies via triage protocols. While it is true the older you are the worse it can be, but that doesn't mean younger people are not at risk. France as of about 5 days ago had 300 critical cases for people under the age of 60. I am sure that number has since risen just like every other number. So in a month and a half's time, we are looking at 25 to 50 thousand ICU cases or roughly 50% of capacity if it was even distributed (which it won't be).
The 2 biggest problems the US is facing right now is denial and a bunch of people thinking they are smarter than the professionals. Let's put it this way...
The CDC estimates somewhere between 200,000 and 2.1 million dead with 500,000 being the most probable by the time this is over. That is assuming containment efforts fail of course. This means you WILL know people who have died as our morgues fill up. To put this in perspective, 30,000 people died in the US last year from the flu. But hey, you're good at math so you know better than the virologists and epidemiologists even though you seemed to fail to understand exponential math while doing your calculations.
Oh, and uh, by the way, currently younger people have a large portion of ICU cases from the coronavirus in the US
https://www.washingtonpost.com/heal...zations-united-states-according-new-cdc-data/
mark manning said:
(...) The 2 biggest problems the US is facing right now is denial and a bunch of people thinking they are smarter than the professionals. (...)
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IKR! The ignorance and dismissal I see in so many people is just baffling. I've had a few arguments with people that have a more "liberal view" on the regulations our government wants us to follow. I believe the main issue is that many people refuse to believe problems if they can't see or experience them properly. It's sad to realize that for many people this will only become a real problem when a loved one dies. At that point it's likely far too late to start taking it seriously.
By the way, if we do the aforementioned math on mainland China we get ((3,249 * 100) / 81,155) 4% and it's not over just yet...
@mark manning
I explicitly stated the numbers were for the US and that other countries will have different results. Some countries are definitely much worse than others. At the time of writing that, those were the numbers available. They get updated daily here. When I used estimates, I also explicitly stated that they were just that, estimates. My math with the numbers I had at the time is perfectly correct. Using the numbers they updated with today, it puts the death rate 1.33% here, which is lower than yesterday. I am again, speaking only of the US in the above statement. I used John's Hopkins data tracker for my math. Which includes reports from the CDC, the WHO, and our state/local health departments. There were 13,159 confirmed cases in the US at the time of writing this, and 176 deaths.
Source: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
So, sh!t just got more real here.
The governor of my state just ordered all non life sustaining businesses to be shut down effective immediately.
https://www.wgal.com/article/all-no...locations-to-stop-coronavirus-spread/31789626
Unfortunately, my place of employment is considered non life sustaining. So after tomorrow, I'm laid off.
This is like a bad dream I can't wake up from. We are witnessing history unfold before our very eyes.
I wish you all the best and may you and your families be safe.
Spaceminer said:
@mark manning
I explicitly stated the numbers were for the US and that other countries will have different results. Some countries are definitely much worse than others. At the time of writing that, those were the numbers available. They get updated daily here. When I used estimates, I also explicitly stated that they were just that, estimates. My math with the numbers I had at the time is perfectly correct. Using the numbers they updated with today, it puts the death rate 1.33% here, which is lower than yesterday. I am again, speaking only of the US in the above statement. I used John's Hopkins data tracker for my math. Which includes reports from the CDC, the WHO, and our state/local health departments. There were 13,159 confirmed cases in the US at the time of writing this, and 176 deaths.
Source: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
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Click to collapse
Well again, the time from first symptoms to death is on average 14 days
Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jmv.25689?af=R
And you can see that 14 days ago the US had 138 cases in total.
Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/
I understand how you are calculating your numbers but you aren't taking in to account the time span of the COVID-19 disease that the SARS-CoV-2 virus creates. There is more to it than calculating cases vs deaths especially when the disease plays out over weeks to a month or so and that the vast majority of US cases have come in the past few days.
Okay so instead of manipulating mathematical statistics to support a particular point of view, let's ask this question:
In Korea where we've seen the most drastic measures taken to date, how many people have actually died there?
Compare that to Korea's population and perhaps we can get a better understanding of actual/realistic statistics.
TravisBean said:
Okay so instead of manipulating mathematical statistics to support a particular point of view, let's ask this question:
In Korea where we've seen the most drastic measures taken to date, how many people have actually died there?
Compare that to Korea's population and perhaps we can get a better understanding of actual/realistic statistics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure but the problem is Korea only has 9,000 cases which the US surpassed just yesterday and fewer than half the deaths the US already has. The best numbers to look at statistically speaking are the Chinese numbers and their death rate was 3.5% roughly and based on the insane testing they put their citizens through in order to combat the outbreak, they are likely very accurately now that everything has subsided there. The next most inflicted country will be Italy and theirs is 7%. In about 2 or 3 days' time, the US will be the 3rd highest country in terms of infection numbers. We won't know what our numbers are going to be like for a while but one thing is for sure, they won't be like Korea's
Deaddpool said:
So I'm surprised there's not been threads like this already and I know this is a site about making your phones kewl.....but this is the dreaded off-topic area.....so I'm gonna allow it. :silly:
Has this apparent global pandemic affected you directly yet? I'm guessing it has hit us all in some way or another by now?
For me, we've been touched by it already and I suspect my family will get hit harder by it eventually. Here's how/why....
- The Wife is a nurse at a hospital and will surely been facing covid 19 face to face sooner than later. And unfortunately her hospital is a bit of a mess, so I suspect it will sweep through the place fast and furious and I can't imagine she will be unscathed. So yes, my home will likely host the Corona at some point.
- I'm in construction and deal with people daily, and so I am sure to come face to face with an infected person/people before too long. Hopefully my 20 times a day hand sanitizing will mean something?
- folks in my area have lost every last marble and are hoarding everything they can...leaving people in need SOL for finding toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bread, bottled water, meat, soup, baby food and just about every other essential item. Though...i find it funny. Cause if the poop really hits the fan... I know several hoarders that I'll be relieving of their supplies all within walking distance. Lol
- My wife will likely have to nurse through the worst of times, should they come....cause that's what she signed on for. But me, I'll just be told to stay home, earning exactly zero dollars an hour and probably digging a financial hole we will find extremely hard to crawl out of.
- its March break here, so my wee ones are at home. Plus the school board here has said school will remain closed 2 more weeks after March break....so that is good. The kids get to stay home and stay away from the other little germ magnets they associate with!
Anyway....that is how this pandemic has and could hit my family. I'll just say this....before you contribute to cleaning stores out of essential items...take a second to think about others and maybe just get what you need for now and leave some for the rest of us. :good:
Edit: To the amazing super awesome moderators of this great site...if you're maybe thinking this topic isn't right for this site and about to click the delete or close button....perhaps reconsider and think that some here may wanna share feelings on this topic anonymously so to speak...and maybe share fears or hopes they have with the faceless here...rather than "real" people in their lives that don't need to hear about their insecurities? For me, I know I put on a brave face in person....but I'm scared a little too....but I want my family feeling confidence, so I don't dwell on these things I've said with them. Thanks my Mod friends!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man! I’m interested to know how y’all fair through this for sure. It’s true that the impact is felt everywhere and certainly in more areas than others. We will get through it though
Overseas whispers of today will be the nightmares of tomorrow
Gen-Z, listen, you're the best - the hope of us all. I mean that. But, I don't really want you on my framing crew, or, on a table saw in the shop. I need you there, but, 7 times out of 10 you cause more problems than you solve. You used to could say it was your parents fault, raising you crooked, but, you wipe your own ass now. Put your phone down and earn a scar, you'll thank me later. Oh, cut your nails.
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So, you wanna be a 'carpenter'? You think you’ll ‘get the job’ because summer break and you have a tape measure and don’t they hire everybody? It’s not all handy-man goodness, middle-aged portly guy casing a window or shelving a closet. Carpenters paint, are roofers, siders, tapers, board-hangers, tilers, framers, finish-guys...if you’re building a house, say, from foundation to finish, you’re gonna do a lot of stuff, and all of it nowadays, is carpentry. Start stretching now. Get some sleep.
You, aged 15 to dead that think you can pick up a hammer and go be a builder; commercial or residential, need to step back one time. You should not be casual about this. Want ads, labor market, economy notwithstanding. If you really want to be a builder, because it’s awesome, Imma tell you the very lowest level of efficiency and skill you need to have, or, be able to attain post-haste, before you go calling on someone already doing it for work. Building, carpentry, working with wood, metal, whatever - it's awesome and horrible. Nobody is picking on you if you can't do this job (you know, unless you spout off), because, most people cannot. Maybe you.
You need to learn how to move and to have balance. I used to tell my kids, move like water. Have you ever played a sport, contact? Building will reveal a lot of new ‘clutch ‘muscles. You may have to push a sheet of 3/4 inch plywood up a ladder, a few feet, maybe a storey. It’s only a few feet, but, it’s forever. Think about that one time, you've never done this, or likely, anything like it. It's hard on multiple levels. First, pick up that sheet of sheathing; it’s 8 feet long and 4 feet tall, then, walk with it, then, get it on that ladder in such a fashion that you can continue your task, then, push that fuker up the ladder. Keep climbing, we are waiting...if you're the guy up top, you have to pull that sheet up, get it over the plate edge, and pull it in for use, ladder guy is helping. You can’t feel any of this watching a youtube video. Now, you probably will not be called upon to push a sheet of plywood up a ladder, but, I have had to plenty in the past, and even today the situation might call for it, so, you get it done. A builder less than a year ago asked me if I could do just that during a telephone interview. I said sure, but, I’m not gonna. He laughed and said – I hear you, but, that’s what I need. I said good luck and we hung up as friends.
You need to learn how to walk and carry heavy things on uneven surfaces and slopes, under, around, and over obstacles and people. If you can't move, navigate and negotiate - don't buy a hammer, don't come knocking. More than once I carried a bundle of shingles (even 2) on my shoulder up an extension-ladder 3 storeys. Ladder wasn't tied off and I had to flick that bundle(s) up onto the roof, get myself up there, and start working - was typically the side of a 12 pitch, 3-decker in central massachusetts – early ‘90s OSHA 10? Lol. Nobody was footing the ladder. Once I made it to the chimney there was a rope. Lol, I had to tie it off. I have done plenty of daredevil and crazy things in my life, some actually legendary scary ****; climbing shingles up 3 storeys; top-3 all day. Fuuuuk that. If it scares me, you're already fetal. If you’re too scared you can’t move, if you can’t move you can’t work or lend a hand. Of course, you won’t have to do that, that was crazy, but, it helps if you can. And I certainly wasn’t the only one, back in the day or yesterday, had to do stuff like this. If you agree to a crazy thing, you will be asked again. Know who you are, or, you will learn the hard way. I mean, could be a good thing; your stupid ass.
Speaking of your stupid ass. I don’t know if you’re stupid, until you show me that you are. Or, are not. Please, don’t be stupid. This is a rough job and it’s dangerous. The only thing I know is that you can’t do what I can and often it’s a pain in the balls until you can. You will get there, this ain’t rocket surgery. I need a guy next to me knows what he’s doing and is present. If I know you’re green I’ll show you everything, no problem, one time, maybe even twice. If you claim 5 years you better know what you’re doing.
You need to learn how to deal with stress, all kinds of stress. Someone is going to chew your ass out pretty good that 3rd time you need to be shown; I already asked you, on the second try, about how you learn and we laughed and you were comfortable and you said you were good, you had it – but you didn’t, and now, it’s your ass, for wasting time and lying. You are born knowing only how to suck, you must learn everything else. If you’re one of those prideful ************s, you’re not going to have a good time. Learn to be honest, if you can’t do a thing, don’t say that you can. People are relying on your word and are watching.
Or, just wait 'til that board disagrees, while you're dangling. Just wait 'til that position you are in becomes, you know, hairy, and it will, before break, maybe every day. I'm not trying to scare you, we need good help, I'm trying to get you into a good position, save some grief, maybe a life, your finger. Sure, there are rules and safety measures - of course. Common sense, and everybody works differently, bosses, companies, they all have their fung shui and do their thing their way; read the room, adapt improvise, overcome. Often it’s you vs. an inanimate object. Lol, are you dumber than a piece of wood?
But, safety is more a set of guidelines, you know. It’s a lot safer than it was back in the day, mostly, but, if it was easy everyone would do it. You need to be able to walk on the edge of a dime, holding something, positioning, and fastening something, with force, up over your head. Once you learn how to move it becomes pretty easy, just your balance and muscles, and that becomes like breathing. Well, gravity, inertia, stress, and stamina, too. But, it's all good once you learn how to move. You will still be scared those times and you will still find yourself ocassionaly in dangerous situations, but, now you're in control, moving well. It's all good. Pro tip: Watch where you look; up, down, sideways, all that gets weird – being relaxed is the best safety measure anyone can take, don’t get dizzy – an ounce of prevention, man.
It’s about movement and efficiency. Any moron can swing a hammer. Well, I mean, you would think.
Using a hammer is a skill, it requires finess, coordination, dexterity, strength. You will use your hammer for a bunch of things unrelated to sinking nails. Go watch some old cowboy movies - see how that gunfighter moves his gun around - all that control and finess? That's how you should be able to use your hammer. You will get there. Your hammer is truly a multi-purpose tool and watch how easily it becomes an extension of your arm. Unless you are just framing houses, I don’t really recommend buying a ‘framing’ hammer. My hammer since the early ‘90’s has been a finisher: estwing 16oz ‘rip claw’. I can use it for anything and if I’m framing I’m using a nailer and my hammer only as needed, usually to pound headers, flush a board up, or pull a porcupine – I like a finisher because it gets it done without worrying about smashing something pretty or critical with a frisbe sized head.
Your initial tools will include: apron (tool belt), hammer, 25' tape measure, knife, pencil (5), screw-gun (impact), speed square, torpedo level, get some bits; drill, fastener. You will need nothing else because every other tool will be provided and you won't be trusted to do anything other than nailing, sawing, and moving **** around, for a while anyway. Be grateful for that. You need to know how to use these tools before you go calling on some builder. Some may teach you, most will not. You will still be new-guy; grunt, moving **** around, laboring, cutting, but, they will keep you. You will be new-guy until you are not, it's all up to you.
Whip out that tape measure and get familiar. It's 1st grade stuff, but, X out of every 5 new guys can't measure a thing to save their lives. AYFKM?! 6 3/8 better be 6 3/8. You call out a measurement and somebody is going to act on it. Cut a board, order stuff, whatever...you had better be right. As well, you might be on a saw. Board stretchers don't exist, wood is expensive.
They don’t have to be, but, saws are scary and will happily kill you if you let them. A saw will eat your face. Lots can happen going through wood, pay attention. A saw will pull your stupid ass into next week and off a roof truss quicker than the piss just stained your pants. Respect that saw, and the piece you are cutting. Saws are loud and heavy - that 12lb wormdrive weighs exactly 300 lbs at the end of the day. You need coordination, balance, strength, and finess to use it as you go, up in the joists, or as needed on the ground; across a full sheet, on a stick. Framers use heavy saws and heavy nail guns, and position heavy lollys and heavy staging and heavy… With saws come commands: cut the line, gimme a heavy 89 3/16ths, 12 and an 1/8th, short. You have angles, bevels, joints, aww, man - I could talk about cutting for days. Different saws for different applications. Get a sawzall and a circular saw. Cordless; welcome to batteries.
Nail guns are initially heavy and unweildly. They are attached to a hose following you and pulling you and sometimes making you deal with it. Nail guns require nails, pack a bunch in your toolbelt (apron) - climb....Stand on the top plate, 2 storeys up and pull in a truss off a lull, set it, toenail it, climb up it and brace it to the one aside it in 2 spots. Climb back down (slide) to the top plate, wait, pull the next one in, repeat; all while holding and negotiating: using, a nail gun. It can be fun, actually, or scare you silly enough to cause mishap, or, somewhere in the respectful middle. Building is a lot like driving – keep your head in the game.
Bags of cement are heavy. 16' 2x10s are heavy, even KD (kiln dried - NOT pressure treated, or, PT). Crown up. Everyting is heavy, 2 pounds = a hundred and fifty before you know it. Plywood is heavy, sheetrock is heavy, boxes of nails are heavy. You're getting fat, quit that. Lay off the cheeze-puffs, drink some water.
I can't stress movement enough because everything is heavy, and most times, not much will cooperate. Not even your muscles, initially. You must learn to move with heavy stuff on your shoulder – prevent fatigue by carrying properly, prevent injury. If you can't move right, just don't. Learn how to sing, I guess, or code. This job might kill you, or, maybe cripple you, maybe somebody else. Look around. Most of the fellas my age don't even walk right anymore. Some of them can’t even pick their nose. You will at least become familiar with ibuprofen ovre time. Most fellas I work with are fit as hell, move well, know the job - come friday every one of us is tired. It’s likely you don’t know tired yet, jelly-legs. You will, and you’ll get passed it. You sleep really well when you work hard.
Knowing how to move equates to good balance and strength, continuing motion; consider water, move like it. You will need to in this profession. You won't need the gym. Listen - you gotta eat right and actually drink all that water during the day, not just when it's 94 degrees out. Eat right - protein in the morning, then veggies, fruits, more protein, nuts, carbs. - good food, not processed. Try. We all fail at this, but, in the overall, builders have good diets because we need to - we need stamina, endurance. We need to be able to do the work and it's hard. Even if you're fit going in, you haven't moved this way before and you will bang up your hands, shins, forearms until you have learned. Your legs will wobble, you will make things harder than they need to be. Until you get through it. There are levels of fit. You will toughen-up, or quit.
The wickedest bonus: consider this, I'm in my mid-50's, dating, well, ish. Building keeps me pretty fit, as a result, guess what I can still do? **cue sexy music** I can get down in the morning, goto work, built ****, come home and do it again. Can you? My ex used to call me the energizer bunny, and the match dot com chicas just don’t stop calling. You’re up against me, ************. Go ahead, introduce me to your mom or your sister. Thanks
Now, working with wood - it's not all the same. Most of what I mentioned above is framing. I'm building a house right now, until we move to sheetrock, it's framing, or, rough. So, 2x6's into walls; headers, 2x10s and sheathing into floors. You’ve got your interior walls. Gables, walls - stand 'em up, plumb them. brace 'em, lap them in, square them off - there's a lot of ways and framing methodologies, governed by the plans. People like to move well differently. People frame differently. Adapt. Finish is different. Immediately, it's lighter. It's also more precise and you need tools for rough (framing) and finish because as a carpenter you will do both. Get the tools you need when you need them. Lol, you'll paint, too, and siding and likely roofing.
Woodworker is different as well - cabinetry, furniture, custom whatever. This is where I am more at home - I like building houses, remodeling, and whatnot, carpentry - but, I like woodworking better. It suits how I move better; I am more precision and finesse. As well - I don't like fuk'ing heights anymore. I'm a ground guy - you ain't. You are an everything guy until you are not - until you get better at the one, or two things. Or, it falls into you, or vice versa and you adapt. I've been saying all along that it's about movement, and it is. Carpentry is different than woodworking, than plumbing, than concrete work - they all overlap in that tools, heavy, stress, movement, all that - but they are all specialties. I like wood. If I'm not pulling a sliver out I didn't work that day. If I don't get to smell sawdust, or see the sunrise, then the day is ****. In a woodshop I don't get to be in the sun, or, weather (this gets you pretty strong and enhances your health), but - I don't HAVE to be in the weather, and I get to build cool things, or even just maybe boxes, but, I'm at my bench using my tools, smelling sawdust, fashioning stuff from pieces of wood and whatnot.
I think carpentry, building, is the 2nd best job ever, for anybody that can do it, woman or man. Speaking of women in building - I have worked with women in the profession before, way back in the day twice, and 3 times in the past few years. It's tricky. When I was teaching there was this one guy that used to say - she's got the biggest tits in 6th grade, that's a lot of responsibility. Make what you will of that, but, he wasn't a deviant, and it was funny once. You can't not see tits. Imma say that one more time, for those in the back - you can't not see tits. You gotta couple that with an inconvenient truth - most guys are pretty base, and though you wish you could escape it, sexual politics is everywhere. Now, I haven't met all that many gross fellas, honestly, and we are usually not at all what you think, but, there's a lotta riff-raff in this industry, to be sure. Also, there's biology.
Back in the day, the women I worked with were tough looking chicas, focused. They knew the deal, where they were at, what they were in. One was a plumber's apprentice and the other was a 'floor-guy'. The woman working the floors had an easier time, but both had bosses leering, pre-occupied. During the past few years one woman was on our framing crew - we were building a house. Boss was embarrassing, acted the fool, and she had no idea how to move. Her tits got in the way every day, the boss was a pig, she started working it because she sucked at framing and wouldn't learn and I quit those losers 2 months in. The other was working with me on a maintenance crew for a big condo complex. Most of the guys were drooling idiots because she was a 'hottie' and I had to redo her work because she sucked at it. Painting, too. Boss made excuses and leered. I quit there, too. It's just a pain in the ass. Most recently there was a young woman working in our woodshop, phone in back pocket or hand. She couldn't really lift the wood or move very fast or do much. She took cabinetry in trade school and, in fact, the shop manager was her old shop teacher, and was all the bad things.
****ing gross. Also, I caught her eye-****ing me twice. Seriously. At work. Goodbye. It may sound like I don't like working with women. Untrue. It's what becomes of the men that I don't like; it's the stupid. I have worked next to women that I have respected immensely, have learned from, just not in the building trade. I don't like working with anyone that makes me do it twice, or, that brings distraction. I don't care how you feel about this - I don't need a set of incompetent tits next to me, I don't need the boss wondering how he can get into her pants instead of planning for the next move. This job is far to serious for that ****. That said - I love working with the fellas, building stuff, but, I do miss working along side women. We are different and it's awesome how we process and use information differently, conclusions we may come to by virtue of a more complete perspective in having the other. That's awesome and any m/f team working well is probably the goat of whatever they are doing. I'll work next to and with you all day, ma'am, lady, chicasauras, and we will do just fine. Aside from amount of boards carried, I expect the same from ‘her’ as I do from ‘him’.
If you go into this with a good head, some common sense, and good movement ability, coordination, you will be fine. It’s a great profession on so many levels, and there is so much to learn, to do, to experience. I have been at this on and off for 35 years, give or take; good at stuff, not so good at stuff (yet, or, lol, still), still learning, teaching other times, or, just working with or without others building cool ****. I know how to move, to use my tools, and am afraid of heights, but, you wouldn’t ever know it from watching. I am no better or worse than you, truth be told, and you can do this, too. If you’re of a mind.
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Being a carpenter is not such a bad thing to do. You can actually earn a lot of money through this if you are good at your job.
Being a carpenter is awesome, and, yes, you can make money. But, you gotta be careful. MOst guys my age can't even walk correctly, have all manner of debilitating issues. This is why I stressed movement so much. Eat right, move right, sleep. Building is awesome.