SCAM shopping sites or - Super deal?

The son of a friend of mine is looking to buy something off of a questionable website. He asked me what I thought of the site. The first thing I did was to lookup who owns the site:

http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/results.jsp?domain=jacketssale2013.com

   Registered through: GoDaddy.com, LLC (http://www.godaddy.com)
   Domain Name: JACKETSSALE2013.COM
      Created on: 06-Mar-13
      Expires on: 06-Mar-14
      Last Updated on: 06-Mar-13

   Registrant:
   tian xiawei
   chenli haishi
   Texas, TX 52896
   United States

   Administrative Contact:
      xiawei, tian  zunjindyhu@gmail.com
      chenli haishi
      Texas, TX 52896
      United States
      +1.9658236589
Then I did several searches on Google.com to see what I could find (jacketssale2013.com scam, reviews, etc).

There was not a lot of info, which means, I would not trust the site. But it could just mean that since they are so new (as you can see from the info above), there is not much info on google... yet. I did find this:

http://www.scamvoid.com/check/jacketssale2013.com

And seeing this site makes it sound like they want to be associated with this site (confuse people):

http://whois.domaintools.com/northfacejacketsale2013.com

Examples of similar scam sites:

http://www.scamwebsites.co.uk/avoid-these-scam-websites/categoryseo/5-fashion-clothing.html

I sent them an email from the contact form on their website, and hope that I get a response: Curious to know if this is a scam website. There are no customer reviews/forum. I dont have a problem with purchasing 'knockoffs', I just want to be informed whether or not what I may purchase on your site is really made by the specified manufacturer, or if its a replica. Thanks

I will report back if I get an email from them, or any other details.

the slow collapse of BIG MEDIA

They are supposed to start rolling out the 6 strikes anti-piracy plan this month?

What they are probably trying to do is discourage/scare people that are DLing(downloading) stuff. Many people gave up when they started blocking thepiratebay.se

But most of us know how to get around their ways of tracking user traffic.
Just download from the magnet links and go into your preferences and set force encryption to true. It might make your download slower sometimes but for your privacy/protection, it's worth it.

However, I have several friends that have stopped DLing - they are just watching streaming movies/tv shows now via various websites - and swear by it.
> http://www.1channel.ch
> http://www.viewmix.tv
> http://pegleg.it

The torrent sites I use are currently:
>> http://www.torrenthound.com/
>> http://kat.ph/
>> http://fenopy.se/

What the media companies dont understand - or dont want to offer is a general pay per view system, much like iTunes or Amazon Prime. Sure, there is room for NETFLIX, HULU, REDBOX - for now. But again, in the long run, I dont think that customers dont want a limited bundled package. They want the option of watching what they want, when they want it. And maybe thats why torrent files are the go to option?

Comcast Cable Box Fees

Xfinity X1 DVR Review

If you want to avoid the monthly set top box rental fees with Comcast, there are a few options: purchase your own off ebay/craigslist/etc, luckily find a cheap one from a local thrift store, or create one via a PC.

>> Comcast Atlanta Channel lineup
>> Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app
>> Comcast X1 deployed in Atlanta in August 2012
>> XFINITY® TV Application Eligible Set Top Boxes
>> General info about Comcast Xfinity HD DVR Service
>> Humax's take on an IP-connected TV box for Comcast passes thru FCC, NOV 2012

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
- Most DVRs WILL NOT tell you that recording a show will stop another.
- Searching for a movie primarily points you towards paid movies and not what's available free.
- The ROKU does not work with Comcast yet (HBO, etc)?
- Don't pay "HD Technology Fee" to Comcast if use your own HD DVR

Auraslate 1026

So my mom had to have a tablet. I did the research, and for the money ($200 USD) this seems like the best value. Its now $180 ($20 cheaper). But you may also want to consider a $200 Chromebook (laptop). UPDATE: I recently purchased this tablet for $150 - a better option than the Auraslate.

With the Auraslate, you will probably feel left out in the cold if you have questions about the unit. Sure, they have a user forum - but it doesnt look like anyone responds.

I immediately had a problem with them unit, and thought it was defective. When I got it, I turned it on, tried to connect it to the wifi, and it went black. It was showing over 90% battery when it went black and wouldnt reboot. I tried hitting the power button, charging it, etc. But nothing seemed to work until I stuck a paperclip point into the reset button hole. I then hit the power button and it immediately powered up.

It comes with many applications installed, including a couple of handy marketplaces to be able to download apps. I did put some apps and music on the device that I thought would be handy: TuneIn Radio Pro, mxplayer, Weather HD, netflix, vimeo, stitcher, sketchbook, skype, and more. I also recommend a case (my mom just used an old cosmetics vinyl bag), a scratch protection coating, and a 16gb SD card.

My main issue with the device is that I cannot view flash objects on the device. Ive tried several installs - but nothing seems to work. Ive done some research on the unit -n the auraslate 1026 is similar to Digma iDx10. So that may help in some ways. The links below may help:

INSTALLING FLASH
Android 4.0 flash player v11.1.115.20
>> http://www.transformerforums.com/forum/guides-tips-tricks/23948-how-get-best-browser-experience-your-tablet.html
>> http://www.careace.net/2012/10/03/how-to-manually-install-flash-on-your-samsung-android-device/
Flash versions: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.htmllatest mozilla browser w/flash build (OCT 28 2012)
>> http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/926559
install flash on 4.1 jellybean
>> http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-install-Adobe-Flash-on-Android-4.1-Jelly-Bean_id32682

Other browsers to consider: dolphin, chrome, opera

MISC
cyanogenmod 10 auraslate clockwork mod
>> http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-clockworkmod-recovery-and-how-to-use-it-on-android-complete-guide/

Other marketplaces:
>> http://www.netalien.biz/2012/04/top-ten-android-apk-file-download.html
>> http://www.gizchina.com/2012/08/14/20-ways-to-get-free-android-apps-downloads/pandaapp
>> http://download.pandaapp.com/android-app/pandaapp-for-android1.3-id10895.html
>> http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/download-fireplace-market-apk-bazaar-cydia-like-alternative-android-app-store/
>> http://openappmkt.com/

tablets (just fancy gadgets?)

For the power user (and value) for $200, either get the Nexus 7/Galaxy Tab 2 tablet, or wait for new lower priced and smaller version of the ipad to be released in October. But you must first ask yourself, why do you NEED a tablet. If you just WANT a tablet - then stop reading and just go buy one.





The next question is: why wouldn't you just buy a swivel laptop instead?
http://tablet-pc-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://shopap.lenovo.com/in/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series-tablet
($$$ need example from Kasey here)

Best comparison charts:
http://www.theverge.com/products/compare/5831/2506/3767/5147/
http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/spec-comparison-new-ipad-v.-nexus-7-v.-kindle-fire-hd-7-8.9
http://www.pcworld.com/article/258508/nexus_7_tablet_vs_kindle_fire_vs_the_rest_spec_smackdown_chart.html



Some 'power user' things to consider in tablets:
- 3G/4G option for internet use on the road
- Nexus 7 has NFC support
- does it have the full OS experience (iOS/Android)?
- Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (faster on Fire HD?)
- usb or proprietary connection?, sd card slot?
- No GPS, Accelerometer, Magnetometer/Compass, Gyroscope on Kindle Fire HD?
- Nexus 7 has no video out capabilities?
- does it have dual cameras (front and back)?
- app store - The Amazon app store is greatly limited compared to Android or Apple

>> Great article on Amazon and their Kindle Fire HD

A similar question is: do you WANT the iphone5, or do you NEED it?
Overwhelmingly, I'm sure that most of us could not justify needing it.

Succcess = constant motivation and enthusiasm

Success is the ability to move from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill  

I think the caveat to that quote is that you need to be excited about and believe in what you are doing (what you are working towards (your goals)).

Don't just do it, do it differently (or at least differently every so often).
Stop doing the same thing, especially if you are bored or have any doubts in what you are currently doing. Actually, we should constantly 'switch it up'. It provides 'off the beaten path' opportunities, as well as a much more interesting story (just keep your morals/ethics handy along the way).

Something that I think ties in to this line of thinking is that the devil is in the details.
whats another way to say that?
The point is that every decision, thought, movement, purchase, thing we say shapes the world around us. Move carefully down the path of life, but efficiently.

I think the above video and the direction Amazon is promoting - shows their motivation, enthusiasm, and excitement about doing something different.

>> Great article on Amazon and their Kindle Fire HD

Purchased a Treadmill

We are looking for a treadmill to run on. Atleast 2.5HP motor, adjustable incline, foldable, heart rate monitor, and not above $400. Big question: What is the HP of the motor? We want at least 2.5HP, and anything over 3.0 is also unnecessary. Craigslist currently has several gyms that are selling their equipment.

Sure it can be an expensive purchase, but like with most things - if you dont buy it new, you will save a lot more money. The other thing you have to think about is - that this is an investment in your health. So you want to get something that meets your needs. The other big part about exercise - is motivation. Unfortunately, I didnt find a place to purchase that ;-). Music really helps with motivation when it comes to exercise.

Low Country Fitness seems like a high possibility. They refresh their stock every week and have updates on WED/THURS. Good prices on NEW equip. http://www.lowcountryfitness.net

Ratings by model
http://www.treadmillreviews.net/treadmill-model-reviews/

Asher Appliances
https://plus.google.com/114708046696480438100/about?gl=us&hl=en
4677 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA
(404) 288-8476

They sell mattresses, refigerators and more. We bought our treadmill fully assembled in Feb 2012 at Asher for $600 ($1200 online new) on my VISA card as a scratch and dent. They had several treadmills listed on craigslist.

Their location had a junkyard/warehouse feel to it. The main guy and all the employees were friendly and helpful. Especially needed their help to get it into the truck. I had 2 friends help me get it into the back door of our house at a wierd angle. I will probably pay to have it moved next time. It is 250lbs and wierd shaped so it is not easy to move - unless you are rolling it on the floor (it has weels).

Apple vs Samsung & Ethics?

I too agree with what is said to be Pablo Picassos’ quote “Good artists borrow, Great artists steal.” Which is why Apple nor Samsung, or any other company should be concerned with copying or patents of their products.
Withholding information or knowledge can only stifle or slow the rate of innovation/improvements/advancement.

Companies should not keep their intellectual property in secret. If they are truly interested in advancing civilization, they should share information openly.

This directly relates to patents. There should not be any such thing as a patent.

If a company truly believes that their service/product/offering is valuable, companies should provide direct comparisons to other similar services/products/offerings from their competitors.

As in nature, it should be survival of the fittest. The big difference is that we have knowledge that we should share openly to solve problems to better the world, environment, and humanity.

Update 092012: Mark Twain on Plagiarism and Originality: “All Ideas Are Second-Hand”
Update 091012: Why knockoffs are good for the fashion industry.