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###### it, it's the offseason; time to get creative with the threads. So, tell me SS members, where in the hell does your avatar come from?? I'll start. Mine is Charlie from the show 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. I found an original red version online, and spent a extremely frustrating 2 hours struggling in MS paint to change the colors

Why is 'hermaphrodite' considered offensive? Where do we draw the line? Is it considered ignorant if somebody can't keep up with the new label of the day? This seems like it could be a decent discussion, if kept civil. I don't feel comfortable derailing the Olympics thread. Mods, feel free to move those posts over to here if you like.

The Tragically Hip announced this morning that Gord has terminal brain cancer and they plan to do one more tour this summer. What an absolute tragedy. :( http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/toronto/gord-downie-cancer-1.3596839

Yet another music icon has passed away ... http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/keith-emerson-1.3488524 Apparent suicide. RIP

I took the plunge and signed up for Google's Project Fi today. I came off of contract with Verizon quite a while ago but I haven't upgraded because my Galaxy S3 has been fine and my payments were acceptably low. I've been waiting to see how the beta testing of Project Fi went and apparently it went well. Google opened everything up today with a GREAT deal on the new Nexus 5X and 6P phones. https://fi.google.com/about/ Crunching some numbers worked out like this. Verizon was basically forcing me to pay for a 3gb data plan that I don't use. I'm on wifi all the time, so I'm averaging less than 1gb of data per month. Verizon's 1GB plan is $30/mo and I've been getting a "discounted" 3GB plan for $36/mo. So I had no reason not to take that plan. Service in total was coming to $62/mo after taxes and fees. Project Fi's data plans are incredibly good. You pay a flat rate of $10/GB per month and you get credited for whatever you don't use by the megabyte. So you basically get money back each month for whatever data you don't consume. On top of that, if you pay for less data each month and you go over, you get charged for the next GB of service, then refunded whatever you don't use of that. So in a nutshell, you only ever pay for what you use. So for me, I take the lowest plan at 1GB/mo, add in the service and a $5 protection plan, and I'm paying $35/mo + tax. Now, I could have opted to take the Nexus 5X on a 24 month payment plan where I wouldn't pay anything for the phone up front and my monthly payment for the phone would have been like...$8 and change per month. But I opted to just buy the phone outright for the greatly discounted price of $199 plus tax. That's $150 less than normal. This means that even if I don't like Project Fi, I can stop using their service after a month and take my discounted phone over to another carrier. I'm not locked into ANY contracts. $35/mo. What a deal. The phone pays for itself in 8 months just by lowering my plan costs. Google is only offering this deal until April 7th and it's "while supplies last". So if you're like me and not locked into a contract or anything and have been debating a new phone or switching service providers, you might as well jump on this. I've only heard GREAT things from my tech nerd friends who have been on Project Fi since the beta started.

https://www.wivb.com/news/state/new-legislation-calls-for-social-media-search-before-pistol-permit-in-ny-1/1614323056 In the history of mankind since the development of firearms, when did mass shootings become so prevalent? What other social issues (health, education) have arisen around the same time? Coincidence? Why was it so easy for veterans to get PTSD status? Why do drug courts allow repeat offenders go to rehab instead of prison? How are both connected? Illicit drug use and PTSD. If 2A was meant to prevent government overreach, who would be best suited to defend/train? How are rights and the Constitution taught/affect interpretation for future generations. Do commiters of violent crimes normally announce their intentions on social media? Who does this bill really target? Is NY a test bed given leftist dominance? How has gun control and politics unfolded in history? Keep going New York. You and California are pioneers of a free nation.

I am not sure if this is thread worthy, but thought so ... This coming November 11th is a very special day, as it marks the 100th Anniversary of the end of the 'Great War'. The 'war to end all wars'. History has shown that not to be the case. You guys and gals know that I am a lover, not a fighter. That is not to say that I do not appreciate and thank those who have served, those who do serve and, especially, those who have paid the ultimate price. So, a big thank you goes out to all that serve, or have served, be you a combat veteran, or not. And I also include any and all first responders, as well. Thank you, with Love from NS. Maybe soon there will be an end to war. One fine day ...

Hey wondering if locals sttart migrating to Bulls TP has competition for football. Was wondering if their winning lately has Bills fans migrating to them?

I was watching the Spy Who Loved Me on TV and the Ski Jump off the mountain into a Union Jack parachute maybe one of the most spectacular ever in a Bond movie. However it also got me thinking about the Bond Movies. So I thought I'd ask. 1) What is your favorite Bond movie? 2) What is the best Bond movie? 3) Who is/was the best James Bond? 4) Who is/was the best villan? 5) Who is the hottest co-star? 6) What was the best stunt in a Bond film? 7) What is the best gadget in a Bond film? Edit: 8.) Best song - it does not have to be the theme song 9) Best character name other then Octopussy. 10) Worst Bond Film?

I know, I know, I am not being politically correct... Merry Christmas to all!

Spinning off of the hobbies thread, it looks like many of us spend time with a good book (or three). So what are you currently reading? For work/school: Just finished CCTV and Policing by Benjamin Goold (2004). A study of how camera center operators make decisions about who to target for surveillance, and how CCTV has affected police work. In queue I have Theorizing Surveillance: The Panopticon and Beyond and Surveillance Studies: An Overview, both by David Lyon. For pleasure: In progress: The Last of the Plainsmen by Zane Grey. One of the 1930s editions of his 1908 novel. One of the great writers of the American West. The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey, about the 1980 Olympic team. A First Rate Madness: Uncovering the Links Between Leadership and Mental Illness by Nassir Ghaemi - A great look at how some of the most influential world leaders such as FDR, JFK, Churchill and others were able to use their mental illnesses to their advantage. Last book I finished was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig (1974). A study of the Metaphysics of Quality as framed around a cross country motorcycle trip with his son. A lot of focus on religion, the study of rhetoric, greek philosophy, and the way people think about machines and technology. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Dunno what to make of this. Adidas ending nhl ties altogether - teams and player sponsorship. Wonder who will be next?? Does anyone care? https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10043662-nhl-to-change-jersey-supplier-when-adidas-contract-ends-after-2023-24-season

I want to cry. I hate asking this. I live in Amherst, NY. A long time friend of my wife's just moved in with us to escape domestic abuse. She rescued their a 7 month old Newfoundland-Poodle mix named Sally who was getting abused too. But Sally was not well-trained (needs better house training and needs to settle down) and is too rambunctious for our cats, whom she terrifies by trying to play with them. I already love Sally dearly, but none of our friend, my wife, nor I can care for her properly. I work at home, but I don't have the time for her that she deserves. My wife works tough hours. Our friend works irregular hours. All three of us are in therapy. The dog needs consistency and attention that we are may never be able to give. If you or anyone you know and trust with dogs would like to take her, please let me know. I really don't want to do this, because I think once she gets well-trained, she will be a great dog. She is very friendly and affectionate. Alternatively, if you know someone who can help train her, that may work too. But like I said, I worry about the cats who are hiding. I have to cry.

I was wondering if a new club for science and technology would be ok. Nothing political but a place to discuss current, future, and theoretical topics. Thank you.

Is anyone going? I just got my tix behind the Sabres bench

For all of you chess aficionados, you may have already heard about the cheating scandal where Magnus Carlsen accused Hans Niemann of cheating during an OTB match. https://www.wsj.com/articles/chess-cheating-hans-niemann-report-magnus-carlsen-11664911524

Sucks being a Sabres fan these days, but with all the snow, things are looking up for skiers and snowboarders. Anyone here like to hit the slopes? Sadly, I don't get out as much as I'd like to with two kids playing travel hockey. Last year I think I logged about 6 days total, including 3 days in Banff. This year, all I've got booked so far is Superbowl weekend at Bristol Mountain. Most years my friends and I go out west or at least to the Adirondacks or Quebec. Our favourite spot is the Salt Lake city area where we've got at least 5 or 6 times. It's tough to beat the 500 inches of snow per year and the quality of terrain there. A big trip likely won't be in the cards, but we'll see how much time and budget is left towards the end of hockey season. Hopefully I'll get in a bunch of Holiday Valley night skiing sessions. Cheers! Edit: feel free to post your favourite ski destinations and why you like them!

Anyone have friends or family who are helicopter parents(google it, if you don’t know what it means). I have a sibling with two kids in the 22-24 range, and both parents watch over them like they are 10. No surprise, they both still live at home while in school. Don’t get me wrong, you could have parents out there who don’t give a damn about their kids, but this is the other extreme. Know anyone like this??

I have a confession. I own a #25 Grigorenko jersey that I bought way back in 2013 because I bought allllll the hype on him. I was young, I had my first real job and I wanted a new jersey. Fast forward to now and wtf am I supposed to do with a Grigorenko jersey? My question is does anyone know of a place that could replace the nameplate with Power keeping in mind the nameplate would have to be Navy not Royal due to the 2013 purchase of said jersey. Please let me know and sorry if this is too off topic.

Creating a thread to discuss all things comedy. Upcoming shows, good acts, bad acts, new venues, etc. PS: I grabbed tickets to Bad Friends in Rochester in June with Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino. I can’t wait!

While this forum sure likes sitting on their computers or phones wasting time talking about food, beer, liquor and sometimes even sports, I can't imagine we're all maintaining a sedentary lifestyle. :unsure: So let's have a thread about it. We can discuss what we do for exercise, our fitness goals, accomplishments, failures, questions, etc. As for myself I'm an active cyclist, beer league hockey player, and I run when the tendonitis in my knee isn't acting up. Thanks to my job and all of the running I've been doing I'm down to 208lbs this summer, which feels pretty good. I managed to set a new average pace record on my bike yesterday before the crankset blew up, and I'm almost down to a 9 minute mile for running. A far cry from my highschool days, but that was a long time ago. My goal for the rest of the summer is to get my 3 mile time under 25 minutes and upgrade the gearing on my old roadbike to allow me to ride a faster average speed, since I'm maxing out my old 53/14 gearing with my normal cadence. What do you guys and gals like to do?

I see several posters here use the term sandpaper instead of grit, when they mean the same exact thing, except one has 9 letters and one has 4. Only one question… Why? 😂

Bard is Google’s AI bot. It is just a novelty to me. My first question was why do the Leafs always fail in the playoffs? “There are a number of reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs have consistently failed to win a playoff series in recent years. Some of the most common reasons cited include: Inadequate goaltending: The Leafs have had a revolving door in net for many years, and have never been able to find a reliable starting goaltender who can carry them through the playoffs. Inability to close out games: The Leafs have a long history of blowing leads and losing close games, both in the regular season and the playoffs. Mental toughness: The Leafs have been accused of lacking mental toughness in the playoffs, and have often crumbled under pressure. Poor playoff coaching: The Leafs have had a number of different coaches over the years, but none of them have been able to get the team over the hump in the playoffs. Bad luck: Sometimes, it's just a matter of bad luck. The Leafs have been on the wrong end of some bad bounces and calls in the playoffs, which has cost them games. It's important to note that these are just some of the reasons why the Leafs have failed to win a playoff series in recent years. There are likely other factors that contribute to the team's struggles in the postseason. Whatever the reasons, it's clear that the Leafs need to make some changes if they want to end their playoff drought and bring a Stanley Cup back to Toronto.” My second inquiry was for Bart to write me a poem about cosmic nipples. “Cosmic Nipples Two great orbs of light, So large and round and bright, Hanging in the vastness of space, A cosmic embrace. Their glow is warm and inviting, A beacon of hope in the night, A reminder that we are not alone, That we are part of something greater. They are the source of all life, The giver of all light, The mother of all creation, The cosmic nipple.” While I am at the phase of “ask Siri a dirty question” with AI, it’s pretty wild how I got these responses in less than two seconds. Feel free to amuse yourself and reply to the post with any fun AI replies. https://bard.google.com

All the “click it or ticket” signs at thruway entrances for the holiday weekend, made me wonder how many people out there still forego seatbelts?

https://buffalonews.com/news/local/tom-jolls-part-of-channel-7s-legendary-irv-rick-and-tom-broadcast-team-dies-at/article_54f63682-d5c1-11ea-86c0-235927cd4b34.html#tracking-source=home-top-story