Christmas Gifts for Geeks 763
scottfi writes "The shopping season is just about over and I'm always on the lookout for the cool geek gadget to get friends and family (or myself). What cool items are on your list this year or you have wrapped up for others? There are a ton of gift guides online, but I always like to see what the slashdot crowd would like under their tree." I recommend the Harmony Remote, an iPod, and of course a Slashdot Subscription ;)
A few thoughts (Score:5, Interesting)
Also, you might look at bitChen [bitchenconcepts.com]. They look like much more fun than they should be, though very practical.
Re:A few thoughts (Score:5, Funny)
vinyl! it's the people's medium!
Re:A few thoughts (Score:5, Funny)
When is XMMS going to get support for
Re:A few thoughts (Score:5, Insightful)
Speaking of good turntables, for those who are not wanna be DJs and just want to listen to music, try the
Linn LP12 [linn.co.uk]
or the more afordable but still enjoyable Rega Planar line [rega.co.uk]
To complete the gift for your geek make sure you include a small gift certificate to your local used record store [amoebamusic.com]
Also set aside an entire weekend of free time for him/her because that's what a music lover will need when faced with the staggering vinyl selection at Amoeba. Best of all, Vinyl can often cost a few pennies to a few dollers, far cheaper than CDs. And guess what, NO DRM!!! and NO extra money going to the RIAA (Assuming you are buying USED)
What geek wouldn't want to flip off the recording industry while enjoying a geeky vintage medium like Vinyl.
Vinyl does not sound better then CD, and many prfer the warm analog sound of vinyl to the harsh processed tinny sound of CD, but don't try to argue which is better, they are just different. Everyone has their favorites.
Re:A few thoughts (Score:5, Interesting)
My good friend dj's and that was his "dream" purchase last year, they don't exactly change much (how much can you DO with a turntable?). But the direct drive technics is an excellent table for the budding dj - by dj I mean rave, techno that kind of dj'ing - not the cd spinning kind on radio.
And don't get me started on dj'ing with cd's - something isn't quite right about that, the tactile feel of scratching just isn't there - and it nowhere nearly looks as cool.
Do dj's count as geeks?
Re:Shopping Season OVER??? (Score:5, Insightful)
I figure I'll get an 'early start' and do it this week. 2-3 hours...BAM swoop in, get everyone's gifts...and out.
It isn't that hard...
Don't forget the replaceable iPod batteries! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:A few thoughts (Score:4, Informative)
The Logitech Pocket Digital [hardwarecentral.com] (~$100USD) is a nifty, tiny toy (the H/W size of a business card and 1/4" thick). Just don't expect good photo results unless you shoot outside on a bright day or in really good indoor light. The one I bought at a rock-bottom price is the older version - apparently the new one incorporates a flash. It's small enough to take everywhere, and is easily added to your daily loadout.
Cool toys for Christmas, a list (Score:5, Interesting)
[X]802.11b Wireless gear. You can get the base station and a card for under $100 total now - I suggest Linksys.
[X]LCD Monitor. Welcome to the 21st Century - a good 18" LCD (Dell 1800fp) can be had in the $400 to $500 range. Even a 15" LCD is nicer than a 17" CRT if he isn't too pissy about the 1024x768 max resolution - if he writes code go at least 17" to get one that does 1280x1024.
[X]USB Thumbdrive / Jumpdrive. 64M on a keychain, get one that doesn't look too frail (I have the Lexar Jumpdrive 64M, clear purple plastic and I am afraid I am going to shatter it in my pocket.) Cost about $30 for a 64M drive.
[ ]iPod. Has already been thrashed to death in this thread, but there is a reason for that.
[X]DVD burner. A nice 4x unit can be had for under $200 easily. Stick to brand name hardware.
[X]Good wireless keyboard / mouse combo. Logitech makes a killer set, less than $100. If he is still using that cheap $4 OEM keyboard they included with his computer, get him this.
Targus Defcon1 laptop protection device. It has a blinkenlight and is motion sensitive, if anybody cuts the steel wire or moves the unit it goes absolutely ape-shit klaxxon alarming away until disarmed with the code or a big hammer. Doesn't make a laptop impossible to steal, just makes someone else's laptop easier to steal.
[X]Digital camera - stick to brand name if you don't know what you are doing. Sony, Kodak, HP, etc. Make sure it uses CompactFlash cards and uses regular AA sized batteries if possible. One that uses those mini-CDs would also be cool (but is a little on the costly side.)
[X]Laser pointer. If he doesn't have one yet he is seriously deprived - hook him up. Shark is optional.
[ ]Bluetooth telephone headset if his cell phone can use it. These are entirely too cool, but a little expensive ($100) so he probably hasn't justified getting himself one yet.
[ ]Gigabit networking. Now that Gigabit network cards have come down in price (less than $50 for Intel) and switches too (think Linksys at $200 - Intel is still a little too proud) for under $400 you could outfit most of his personal network at Gigabit speeds.
Note - anything above that doesn't have a [X] I don't have. Hint hint.
subscription (Score:5, Funny)
/. mod points. (Score:5, Interesting)
do you perchance... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:/. mod points. (Score:5, Interesting)
Nahh, that'd never work [ebay.com]
--
Dear Santa (Score:3, Funny)
Dear Santa,
I've been a good boy this year. Please bring me:
a RealDoll [realdoll.com]
KY Jelly [lubery.com]
96 Fort Garry Dark Ale [fortgarry.com]
oh.. and peace on earth, goodwill to all.
Thanks!
Re:Dear Santa (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Dear Santa (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Dear Santa (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Dear Santa (Score:5, Funny)
Realdoll Features:
* Elastic - flesh can withstand over 300% elongation
* Heat Resistant - can withstand over 300 degrees heat
* Water Resistant - solid construction
* Stain Resistant - nothing sticks to silicone flesh
* Durable - long life silicone rubber
* Lifelike - anatomically correct, parts molded from life-casts
* Realistic Feel - pliant and soft in all the right places
* Odorless and Flavorless
* Flexible - wide range of joint movement
* Sexy and Pleasurable - provides effective aid to sexual fulfillment
* Safe - no risk of disease, nontoxic
* Convenient - always ready & available
* Relaxing and Comforting - provides stress-free companionship
* Affordable - cheaper than most alternatives
Re:Dear Santa (Score:5, Funny)
That is 400 gallons of america's slitheriest water-based lubricant. Even Mr. Goatse would be overwhelmed.
Within a few weeks they switched to a wax based system. We still have the KY.
Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:3, Insightful)
And masterpiece of design? Besides the aestheti
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:3, Informative)
psnxdc
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:4, Insightful)
I still feel I shouldn't need to be familiar with the manual to access such a simple feature, despite what my friend may or may not have done to the default settings.
Right. You should always be able to use any device in the dark even when you've never used it before and even if someone has changed the default settings. Sure. Even if there was a button labeled 'backlight' you wouldn't have been able to see it!
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:5, Informative)
Calendar
Adress Book
Brickout (more on newer models)
iTunes
iTunes
iTunesiTunesiTunes
iTun
Looks better
And its the bestest gift EVER!
Thanks mom : )
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:5, Informative)
* Ogg Vorbis support
* USB 2.0
* 20Gb
* Optical and analog inputs and outputs
* FM radio
* Microphone input
* Recognised as a standard USB Mass Storage Device on all regular OS'es
* Backlit remote control with LCD screen
* Upgradable firmware
* 15 Hr battery life (LiPolymer battery)
* Best audio quality on the market, and enough power to drive "larger" headphones.
If you ask me, the iPod sucks rocks compared to this little gadget.
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously (Score:3, Insightful)
The iPod has a very respectable feature list, but at the end of the day, here's what it does:
- Play mp3s stylishly, painlessly, intuitively, dependably.
And no other player has been able to do it as well.Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Why an iPod? Seriously more FUD (Score:3, Informative)
Man this seems hard to understand: iTunes != iTunes Music Store.
iTunes plays MP3s, encodes MP3s, burns MP3s, and runs on Windows too now.
The iPod plays MP3s.
You do not have to buy music from the iTunes music store. You can rip your own CDs or pirate away on the P2P networks all you want, the iPod will play your songs.
I use an iPod, I do not use DRM files. That simple.
I think it might still be at the store... (Score:5, Funny)
Just One Thing (Score:5, Insightful)
non-geeky gifts (Score:3, Interesting)
new leatherman (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:new leatherman (Score:5, Informative)
Re:new leatherman (Score:4, Insightful)
I had a micra on my keychain until those bastards at airport security took it away from me and put it in their big ``confiscated terrorist tools'' box. I wasn't even flying, just dropping someone off. They could've held it for a couple of minutes like they did when they took my phone...but no, I had to either have them throw it away or have someone miss a flight.
I used to always fly with my wave, and I felt pretty damned good about it. Nowadays, you have to be really careful where you take such a terrifying weapon, which greatly reduces its usability.
But hey, we all feel safer, right?
Re:new leatherman (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:new leatherman (Score:5, Interesting)
Gerber's blades are of course [legendary?] better than the Leatherman ones, as well. Amusingly they're owned by Fiskars these days, which company seems to make the best scissors (Though Singer does a decent job also.)
Re:damned corkscrews! (Score:5, Funny)
And Frenchmen.
employment (Score:3, Funny)
A Job.
Graduating sucks when you don't have a job. Then again, I still have two finals left.
presents (Score:3, Interesting)
Also, any of the cool USB devices here [slashdot.org] would be cool... the only problem with those is that they can short out the USB ports.
something for summer time (Score:5, Interesting)
Oh yeah, on the tech front, a wireless access point detector is cool.
Obvious... (Score:5, Funny)
The Economic Perspective (Score:5, Funny)
Consider the following:
- Clothing
- Dinners
- Jewelry
- Upgrades
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
All of these present additional costs. Add to that QoS (It happens to everybody, honey) and downtime (I'm tired...).Your ideal solution lies in the purchase of an experienced adult film studio fluffer [urbandictionary.com]. Guaranteed on-demand service without the hassle of a non-professional.
And the TCO ***REALLY*** climbs. . . (Score:4, Funny)
Subscriptions are great... (Score:3, Interesting)
Something ever so tastefull (Score:5, Funny)
No to the iPod, thanks (Score:5, Insightful)
An iPod is also too expensive a gift in most cases, and since you'll probably end up with the cheapest 15GB one, you'll feel shitty if you go out and buy a decent 40GB one a few months later, selling the gift on eBay or something.
I say geek gifts shouldn't necessarily be geek-exclusive gifts. Independent music in a genre the person likes.. movies they've shown an interest in.. box sets of the TV series they like. These things are smaller, more likely to open their eyes, and more likely to be remembered than a gift that could be obsolete within the year (because geeks upgrade often, as we know).
Or, even better, something off of their Amazon/whatever-store-isn't-evil-today giftlist.. that way you KNOw they'll like it! And, even better, you'll know someone else didn't buy it for them!
My Gift list (Score:5, Insightful)
--It's a special device that requires no memory cards, no special power cells, and can be used with simple sunlight.
But then that might be pushing too far for today's geek:)
(Say something in an Umberto Eco)
just for geeks - an Enigma-e kit (Score:5, Interesting)
my list included: (Score:5, Informative)
2. DVD Player that plays DVD+-R/RW and VCDs on both CDR and CDRW.
3. Both seasons of 24 on DVD, Family Guy season 3 on DVD (the divxs just aren't as much fun as the DVDs), and free tickets to LOTR3.
4. Gore-tex hiking boots (not too geeky unless you're a geocacher [geocaching.com] like me
My xmas list (Score:4, Informative)
- Pentium 4 2.8C ($213)
- Intel D875PBZ motherboard ($142)
- Two Kingston 512MB DDR400 DIMMs ($168 for both)
- Antec SLK3700-BQE quiet case ($77)
Prices are from http://www.newegg.com/ [newegg.com]I'm looking forward to a full Intel^3 (cpu/chipset/board) solution for ultimate stability.
Books:
- Hard Drive: Bill Gates and the Making of the Microsoft Empire by James Wallace ($12 new)
- The Principia by Isaac Newton ($15 new)
- Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith ($12 new)
- Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice in C (2nd Ed.) by James D. Foley ($30 used)
- Operating Systems: Design and Implementation (2nd Ed.) by Andrew S. Tanenbaum ($20 used)
- Design and Evolution of C++ by Bjarne Stroustrup ($28 used)
- The Book of Numbers by John Horton Conway ($22 used)
Used prices are from www.AbeBooks.com [abebooks.com]USO (Score:5, Insightful)
Phone cards, and online time are the two big items for them this year
Re:USO (Score:5, Interesting)
That's very nice of you, but if you're talking about need, I'd give money to a food bank [secondharvest.org], a local homeless shelter [yahoo.com], or children's charity. Personally, I'd rather help someone who may die or be in pain than a volunteer who signed up for a world tour.
What We should Get (Score:5, Funny)
Merry Christmas!
USB pen drives (Score:5, Interesting)
These are available in a wide range of sizes and prices. USB 2.0 models are becoming cheaper.
Yes, most geeks probably have at least one of these already, but the techie on your list would probably appreciate another one.
As an added bonus, pen drives can be used with just about any operating system, so you can get one for the unwashed heathen ([win32,mac,bsd,linux] user) in the next cube.
(Just kidding about the unwashed part. The heathen piece still stands, though.)
Parts to build my robot (Score:5, Funny)
My female robot...
This is going to be the be best prom ever!
...an iPod (Score:3, Insightful)
The best geek gift I ever got - barcode scanner (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:The best geek gift I ever got - barcode scanner (Score:5, Funny)
Hosting (Score:3, Interesting)
I recently signed up with Serverpronto who offer the in-fucking-credible price of $30/month for a dedicated linux box (Redhat or now Debian as well) . I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not when the prices are so cheap they make you suspicious...
40GB HD, 200GB transfer from a DEDICATED Athlon 2000+ box with 256MB RAM [clickxchange.com]
You have to put $150 down for setup fees though so that kinda sucks.
All I want for Christmas... (Score:3, Interesting)
Something for the geek girl... (Score:5, Informative)
For example, the swinging Tux pendant [linuxjewellery.com] is simply adorable! She'll love you forever for it!
Early Adopters (Score:5, Informative)
Digital Rebel Camera (Score:5, Interesting)
The short version is that for $1000 you can get a quality Digital SLR camera with a very good zoom lens. And you can then use Canon EF lenses for flexibility.
Compared to other DSLR's it's _way_ less expensive (compare to the previous bargain 10D for $1,500 with no lens), and makes pretty reasonable tradeoffs. It has the same 6 Mpixel sensor, but the camera body is plastic instead of metal, and a few other esoteric controls are missing. So they give you the functionality that any photographer actually uses, for around 1/2 the cost of its closest competition.
Compared to point-and-shoot digicams, the 300D (1) has a much larger lens, allowing you to shoot in less light/faster speed, and (2) lets you use any Canon EF lens, so you can use super zoom lenses, macro lenses, etc., (3) it gives you manual control over everything, and (4) it auto-focuses and shoots much faster than any point-and-shoot I've tested.
Re:Digital Rebel Camera (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Digital Rebel Camera (Score:5, Interesting)
I'll stick with Steve's take: "The first thing we need to point out is that there are now three distinct categories of digital SLR cameras: Amateur, Enthusiast and Professional. Canon's new EOS Digital Rebel (also sold as EOS 300D and EOS Kiss Digital outside of the U.S.) falls into the newly created Amateur dSLR category. At the moment only Canon's Digital Rebel is in this category but we imagine that Nikon and others will follow suit with their own under-$1000 dSLRs in the near future. In the meantime, I feel comfortable in predicting that Canon will sell Digital Rebels as fast as they can make them, it's sure to be the #1 dSLR this holiday season.
The EOS Digital Rebel is a somewhat de-featured EOS 10D, using a similar (but different) 6.3-megapixel CMOS imager and Canon's DIGIC processor. It lacks features such as the ability to select the metering mode, less control over focus modes, no Custom Settings Menu and no external flash PC connector. The Digital Rebel has a polycarbonate (high-impact plastic) body whereas the 10D has a cast magnesium (metal) body. This is like the car manufacturers that offer deluxe high-powered models and "stripped down" economy models. Both cars get you where you want to go and believe me, the EOS Digital Rebel is as capable of taking a great picture as the 10D. By offering an interchangeable lens SLR camera for under $900 (body only price) Canon opens up the world of advanced digital photography to a much larger base of consumers. If you need the more advanced features of the 10D then you need to spend more money, it's your choice. The Digital Rebel will more than fill the needs of non-professional users who tired of dealing with the limitations of consumer digicams."
Donations to geek charities (Score:5, Interesting)
Wishlist (Score:4, Funny)
here is my small and very humble wishlist.
I do sincerely hope you will show up at the Christmas party with these items. If so required I shall designate certain items to certain people to avoid getting double presents. Those who do not bring a present in my wishlist may not have any of the food, nor will you be invited again next year. I thank you all.
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Re:Wishlist (Score:4, Interesting)
Canon BG for 300D - $110
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM - $300
Canon EF35mm 1.4L USM - $1119.95
Canon EF 35-350mm 3.5-5.6 L USM - $1479.95
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM - $399.95
Canon EF 180 mm f/3.5L Macro USM - $1239.95
Canon TS-E 45 mm f/2.8 - $1074.95
4GB CF - $1229.95
SGI Origin 3900 - $2,937,696.00 with 128 processors and 64GB of memory
Sun Fire 15k - starts at $861,330.00
Juniper T-Series - between $400,000 and $500,000
I think I will cook my own Christmas dinner thank you.
:-P
Everything on Anandtech's wish lists (Score:5, Informative)
I want the same thing every year (Score:4, Funny)
lego! (Score:3, Interesting)
Affordable LCD setup. you know, 30+ LCD's (Score:4, Funny)
My god, it is so amazing. And at only a little over $100k, you know your friends will all have one.
BSG (Score:3, Funny)
Only way it couuld look cooler is if the Cylon head's light actually scanned back and forth.
Apple (Score:3, Informative)
Of course, you may not like Apple stuff, that's too bad, but if you do not, you can try Best Buy or Thinkgeek for some cool stuff.
DVDs... (Score:4, Interesting)
DVDs are always something you can buy unless you come up with something else. Indiana Jones [indianajones.com] remastered movies could be a good choice for you who haven't got that already. Personally I watch much rather a high quality DVD than som crappy version from the net.
Canon EOS 300D, baby! (Score:4, Interesting)
I've been *really* good this year, I swear.
Give the gift of hacking! (Score:4, Interesting)
If your gift recipient is an ubergeek, he/she will appreciate having some test-bed hardware to knock around on; if he/she is new to geekdom, then you've given them a way to explore without trashing their XP box.
My Wishlist... (Score:4, Funny)
Peace on Earth
A personal army of robots to conquer the placeted people with
Just give the money to charity. (Score:5, Insightful)
So how about everyone just does me a favor and gives the money away? Following are my favourite charities:
The Electronic Frontier Foundation [eff.org]
The Human Rights Campaign [hrc.org]
The Sierra Club [sierraclub.org]
Amnesty International [amnestryin...tional.org]
Greenpeace [greenpeace.org]
I'm sure, in fact I know, that I have left a lot of worth organizations out. But seriously, my christmas wish is that people would stop wasting money buying cheap asian trinkets and spend it on something useful. Christmas doesn't have to be a load of crap. Make it worthwhile.
Unless, of course, you want to get me gift certificates at the Apple store.
My shopping list (Score:5, Informative)
I considered a USB coffee cup warmer [cyberguys.com] for my husband until I read that it only keeps coffee lukewarm [cruftbox.com]. I also considered the WFS-1 wifi detector, which is far superior to the Kensington model [securityfocus.com], but I nixed that because it doesn't distinguish between open and closed networks [smartid.com.sg].
If we were filling stockings for grown-ups, I'd have gotten a bunch of Cyberguy Power Strip Liberators [cyberguys.com], which double your outlet access and are only $2.39 each. I have some and love them.
I was going to get my puzzle-loving brother-in-law a Shmuzzle Puzzle [shmuzzles.com], but the U.S. rerelease, which had been scheduled for Dec. 3 on QVC [qvc.com] has been postponed indefinitely [shmuzzles.com]. Canadians can buy them over the counter [shmuzzles.com].
Some of the geekier presents I ordered for my nieces and nephews, all of whom are of course brilliant:
Slightly less geeky gifts:
Filson: For the Outdoor Geek (Score:4, Informative)
Check out the ultimate guys' company: C.C. Filson [filson.com]. They've began making outdoor gear during the Gold Rush in 1897, and have continued to produce according to their slogan, "Might as well have the best." Their stuff ain't cheap, and it ain't stylish...but it's tough and it's warm. You can't beat Filson quality.
I own the Outfitter [filson.com] coat, with a moleskin liner. My friends have a lot of fun with the fact that I look like a logger, but damned if it isn't the warmest coat I've ever owned. In a year or two, I'll buy the Double Mackinaw Cruiser [filson.com] for a bit of variety. I also own a pair of Filson gloves [filson.com], and a hat [filson.com] (which gets me more grief than the jacket).
They also sell a terrific laptop bag [filson.com]. Paired with a sleevecase from Waterfield Designs [sfbags.com], Filson's bag is the perfect transport and protection for my 12" PowerBook. It's a beautiful thing.
My Christmas list this year includes a Filson blanket [filson.com]. Again, the price is high, but it's matched by the quality and the craftsmanship. This is a winter blanket that can be handed down from one generation to the next -- and in my family's case, it will.
I love Filson, so this is a great opportunity for a plug. Buy their stuff. And order their free catalog. It's the most masculine mail-order catalog you'll find. It's filled with stories like, "Your coat protected me from a bear attack," and, "I was wearing your pants when I fell through the ice, fishing in Alaska, otherwise I'd be dead." Great stuff.
crib
LotR 3-D jigsaw puzzles (Score:5, Interesting)
Best Gift is the Hammacher Schlemmer Hoverboard. (Score:5, Interesting)
Link to Hover "scotter". [hammacher.com]
Re:All I want is... (Score:4, Funny)
So what are you doing here then?
Re:All I want is... (Score:4, Funny)
Failing.
Re:All I want is... (Score:5, Funny)
You can hang that Amulet of Yendor in the empty spot you left for your diploma.
Re:DVD Burner (Score:5, Informative)
An FAQ [anandtech.com]
Useful link [dvdrhelp.com]
have fun, nothing like getting a new geek toy
Re:DVD Burner (Score:5, Funny)
Re:DVD Burner (Score:5, Informative)
Last I saw it was because of this issue that DVD-R was "more compatible" with stand alone players.
I too got a multiformat writer and have had no issues writing so far. I picked up a Hi-Val writer which does 4x -R/4x +R/2x -RW/2.4x +RW for $90 after rebate. It takes a little while to write the RW discs, but most of the time I've not found it to be an issue, since I just do other stuff while waiting for it.
Re:Slashdot Subs. (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Slashdot Subs. (Score:5, Insightful)
On the other hand, a subscription as a gift seems patently asinine to me. I can't think of any of my friends who wouldn't sock me in the face for getting them a lame gift like ad-free
Re:Tipping (Score:5, Informative)
I hear in some other countries, they don't tip, or gratuity is automatically added to each check. In the US, that just isn't the deal. It won't change either. Please try to take the mindset, that part of the price of dining out, especially for full service, is the gratuity. Just like a beer costs x$'s...so, does the tip. It is not optional. I worked through college waiting tables and later bartending...MUCH better money bartending. It's been awhile, so, I don't know the exact figures anymore, but, there are TWO minimum wages set by the US. The normal one...and one for tipped personnel. When I was waiting tables..was like $2.19/hr (most of the 90's is when I did this). And, the Gov. expects you to declare 8% of your total sales as tips. So, you are automatically taxed 8% for everything you ring up for a customer. Now, depending on the scale of the restaurant, and the heirarchy, each server has to tip out. In most low end, chain restaurants, like Olive Garden, Friday's...etc...you as a server don't keep all your tips. You are expected to tip out to the bartenders a percentage of your alcohol sales, and you have to tip your bussers for cleaning your tables...and in some cases, I've had to tip the kitchen...especially if they help you through large parties. In upscale places...your tip also goes to maitre de (sp?), the captain...and possibly others.
So, this isn't the case of an employer not paying employees enough. It is the tradition, long standing, of US food service...which takes its roots from way back to other countries. The mindset is, that it should be considered part of the cost of dining out to pay for service. The part that is good and bad...is that it is left up to you the customer to pay as you wish. My standard is 15%...for regular service. I rarely ever tip only that I usually am around 20%. If you are a regular at places...and tip well, they remember...and you level of service can skyrocket. I have bartenders when they see me, to make my usual drink before I get to the counter...ahead of other people in some cases...and just start a tab with no questions asked. Same in restaurants...and I live in New Orleans...so, food is definitely important....
So, try to sit back...and do a mindset change on this...and you'll find you enjoy dining/drinking out more. Remember that YOU are NOT the only person they are waiting on...usually servers have a minimum of 3-4 tables of 4 or more people each. And, they are human. Mistakes can be made...and often times...not by them. If the kitchen loses an order...it wasn't your server's fault, although they are the ones that catch hell. So, relax, enjoy, and consider a tip as part of the price of a meal. If the service is bad...and I mean bad, with bad attitiude...then, speak to a manager. While tipping should be considered part of the price of a meal out...you should expect good service...and if it isn't good...then your restaurant needs to know this so they can fix it, and believe me, in most cases...they do want to. It is very competitive, and they don't want to lose you as a customer.
And, lastly...it is not an easy job. If you think so, try it yourself. On a busy night, with 12- 15+ people under your care you have to remember everyones requests, who ordered what...what course each table is on, deal with little kids in some places running around and throw food, refilling drinks, putting drink/food orders in, and watching for them to all come up, timed right with table..do side work which most everyone is assigned...cash people out, dispense money...and try to smile and have a good attitude the whole time. It isn't as easy as it might look...and you have to be intelligent to do it right...most people I knew in the business..were either in school...or working on advance degrees....
Comment removed (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Slashdot Subs. (Score:3, Insightful)
I just do not see enought added value in paying for a sub when it really doesn't by you much more.
Re:Transporter Beam (Score:3, Funny)
If that's all that you're using it for, it doesn't even have to be completely working...
Re:iPod a joke FUD (Score:3, Informative)
When a track is finished and it goes to the next track there is 0 skip. On the iPod there is about a 1 to 2 second pause.
Pure bull.
The iPod loads 4-5 songs to its 32 megs of RAM and will not skip unless you select a new song that is not allready in its RAM, then it has to spin up the HD and load the song, that takes 1-2 seconds.
If you let it run its playlist without interference it will spin up the HD 5 seconds before the last loaded song ends and load up the next bat
Re:Well... (Score:5, Informative)
Your kernel is being asked to execute some binary whose first two bytes are 498B. This is a binary file but not an ELF executable; it seems likely that some program is attempting to exec a random binary data file or you have some filesystem corruption. Errno 8 is ENOEXEC, file is not a recognized executable format. You can track it down with something like this:
Save that asNow, will someone on Slashdot buy me an iPod?