Lexidiem: Word of the Day

Top Holiday Gifts for Geeks

The Monty Python Killer Bunny slippers are a great gift for any geek. 

Right now we're out there scouring the Web to find those perfect holiday gifts for the geek in your life, and if you think that the above suggestion is too geeky or not geeky enough, never fear, for in a few days you'll find a few different geek gift lists right here on these pages to help with those critical decisions.
  
In the meantime, here is a list of items that you should perhaps avoid getting for a geek:

• Swiss Army Knife - chances are that your geek already has a number of these received in previous years. The exceptions here would be if the knife has at least 50 tools or is one of those special models with 1GB or greater of USB memory.
• Computer games - unless your geek has a special request, it's best to avoid these. Computer games are a very personal thing.
• Geek Squad gift certificate - just don't. Enough said.
• A CD with 1001 screen savers - cute, but your geek already knows how to download these same screen savers for free.
• Socks - do you want to remind your geek of his great aunt Matilda, who's probably still giving him the same argyle socks each year?
• Dress shirts - he or she has them already, and they're probably still new in the package because they aren't being worn. Better to stick to work shirts or humorous t-shirts.
• An biography of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs - he or she probably tell you more about them than would fit in most books. Save your money.
• A gift card for cell phone ringtones - only if it's a joke.
• An atlas - come on, if the geek you know doesn't already own the latest GPS, he or she has been using the 'Net for years to find and print out directions.
• Magazines with photos of half-dressed people...
  
  Geeks know more about finding nudes and half-naked people than even the most astute magazine editor. Don't bother... unless you have round-trip airline tickets to a tropical climate to go with them.

OK, if you absolutely, positively have to get that gift immediately and can't wait a few more days for our lists, there is one thing that always works:

• Caffeine!
  Can't think of a true geek whom it's not a major food group. It just comes with the territory If all else fails, buy 'em a pound or two of their favorite coffee. Gift cards from Starbuck's usually work, too.

For those that are still looking, check back here in a few days and you find the first of a few of holiday gift lists specifically for geek, things in all price ranges, and some that are purely for fun!
 
'Tis the season...
   

15 Ringtones FREE because We LOVE (to scam) You!

Meet fellow Buzznet member buzzgirl22. Look at her photo here, though one might wonder if it's for real.




Have you received a message here on Buzznet that looks like this?
 
15 Ringtones FREE because We LOVE You!
 
If you opened the message, this is what you found:

From buzzgirl22 Date 11/13/2007 6:23 AM Subject 15 Ringtones FREE because We LOVE You! Click Here to get your 15 FREE Ringtones! Enjoy!!

What you received is e-mail spam, also known as bulk e-mail or junk e-mail, and not only that, it's a scam, and activities have been reported on numerous sites on the Web. If you had gone to the site, you would have found a very diverting and colorful graphic telling you that by entering your mobile phone number, you can get 15 Complimentary Ringtones in just three steps... so very simple and tempting.
 
But the problem is the fine print at the bottom of the page, which reads as follows:

* Participants in the complimentary/bonus ringtones offer become "[name removed]" subscribers, and will receive 50 credits good for ringtones, wallpapers, games, and other products, for their first month. After 30 days, "[name removed]" subscribers receive 20 credits for $9.99/mo. Boost, Nextel, Altell, MetroPCS and non-MMS capable Verizon Wireless users will get the Joke of the Day SMS alert and can redeem credits only for SMS packages. (Boost users are billed $6.99/mo.) 
 
Terms & Conditions: Carrier messaging rates may apply; Internet-enabled handsets are required. By entering the PIN code sent via text message to the cell phone number supplied by you on this page, you acknowledge you are subscribing to [name removed]'s [name removed] service at a cost of $9.99/mo. Participants receive 20 credits every month for downloading ringtones, wallpaper, games, applications, screensavers, themes, and SMS services such as Text Alerts and Mobile Match Up. For the first month of [name removed] service 30 additional credits will be deposited into a participant's account, which may be used to download 15 ringtones or other products and services [name removed] provides. (Polyphonic ringtones and wallpapers: 2 credits each, non-premium games: 4 credits each.) The 15 complimentary ringtones offer is available only to AT&T, Sprint, Virgin, Cellular One and Verizon Wireless customers, and requires a paid $9.99 monthly subscription. (T-Mobile users can only download 8 items/mo. Boost users will be billed $6.99/mo.) Credits expire at the end of each monthly billing period. Also, Boost, Alltel, Nextel, MetroPCS and non-MMS capable Verizon Wireless customers will get the Joke of the Day SMS alert and can download only SMS services. All plans are subject to [name removed]'s Terms of Service. [name removed] subscribers may cancel by texting [info removed]. To know more about [name removed]'s Terms & Conditions please contact customer service at www.[name removed].com or call [phone number removed]. 
 
Note: the name and phone numbers of the company making this offer this has been removed in the above fine print.
 
So read the print above and realize that you will be billed, and that comes out to be about $120.00 per year... for some crappy ringtones that you can probably get elsewhere for free if you really look for them!
 
If that's not enough to convince you, be aware that the site making the offer leaves cookies on your computer, as they did on mine while I researched this, allowing them to track where you go on the 'Net. 
 
There's a great article from eHow entitled How to Avoid Cell Phone Ringtone Scams, and they offer the following tips:

• If you have kids who have cell phones, talk to them about these steps as well. They'll be interested in how to get free ringtones and may unwittingly sign themselves up for something you'll end up paying for. Talk to them about the numerous ringtone scams out there before it's too late.
    
• If you subscribe to a ringtone service—intentionally or not—it can be incredibly difficult to remove the charges from your bill. Phone companies are not very helpful when it comes to these charges and sometimes can't even tell you where the charge is coming from. If this has happened to you contact the FCC and tell them about the charge and the phone company that won't help remove it.
    
• Never keep anything too personal—like your credit card information—on your cell phone. Hackers can use that information to steal your identity so keep it confidential.

This is posted both as a warning to members of the Buzznet community that we have become the target of spammers and scammers, and Buzznet administration personnel, including Mark, have been made aware of this. Please also be aware that these people change their online names and identity quickly, so don't be surprised if another pops up in the same day.
 
Feel free to leave any comments on this below, and if you have been the victim of any of the spammers who have been hitting us, please feel free to comment or send me a private message. 
 
And buzzgirl22, you've been exposed publicly now... have a nice day!
 

10 November 2007

A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

Since the birth of our Nation, our liberty has been purchased by valiant men and women of deep conviction, great courage, and bold action; the cost has often been in blood and tremendous sacrifice. As America's sentinels of freedom, United States Maries are counted among the finest legions in the chronicles of war. Since 1775, Marines have marched boldly to the sounds of guns and have fought fiercely and honorably to defeat the scourge of tyranny and terror. We are Marines—that is what we do.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy: "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." Magnificent heroes fought in the wheat fields of Belleau Wood, in the snows of the Chosin, and on the streets of Hue City. Your generation bears this obligation now, and it is borne on mighty and capable shoulders, Just like the Marines at Belleau Wood—we are once again engaged in sustained operations ashore. Just like Belleau Wood—Marines have been given the toughest sector and have prevailed over a resilient and determined enemy—who has made us pay for our gains. Once again, as in any struggle, the road ahead is far from certain, but as Marines, we are not dissuaded by the challenges of war or the tough conditions of a warrior's life. Indeed, we don't just accept our destiny—we shape it.

  On our 232nd birthday, to every Marine—those still in uniform and those who have served honorable in the past—be proud of who you are and what you do. Know that your citizenship dues have been paid in full; you are part of this Nation's elite warrior class. Cherish our families who offer marvelous support, abiding resolve, and steadfast patience. Remember those who have served and those who have fallen—their names are chiseled on the roll call of America's heroes. Those who have carried the battle colors of our Corps have forged our heritage, and today's generation of leathernecks chart our future. Carry the colors with pride; carry them with honor. 

Happy Birthday Marines!

Semper Fidelis,


James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps
 
 

You might want to see the following as well:

• USMC Commandant's 2007 Video Message
  Interesting from a historical perspective as well
   
• From the Halls of Montezuma from Buzznet Originals member Sstrokerj
  A visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA
   
• Old Corps
  A personal photo gallery reflecting this Marine's experiences

Semper Fi...

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