I bought an XBOX 360 even though my friends had the PS3. I figured that by paying for XBOX Live I was paying for a quality service. I play Call of Duty online and the service was fine. Most of the time I was the "game host" thanks to my FIOS internet connection from Verizon. Everything was fine until Call of Duty Black Ops. There were constant issues with online play. It was so bad I called XBOX Live and they created a trouble ticket. After two weeks of no improvement I called XBOX Live to check the status of my ticket. The person on the phone told me that they didn't have a ticket for me and that if I had a problem playing the game online I should call Activision.

There was no was in hell I was calling Activision; I told the representative they would either fix the problem or I would buy a PS3. The XBOX Live representative told me to buy a PS3. That night I purchased a PS3 and Call of Duty Black Ops for PS3. I haven't turned on the XBOX since and my only regret was ever buying an XBOX in the first place.

Microsoft is crafting an interesting strategy with XBOX Live and I can only expect it will alienate their customers. Increasing advertising, poor quality; why the hell would anyone want to pay for that crap?

The glowing puck in the NHL was called FoxTrax I believe there was two reasons it did not gain traction:
1. You're correct in saying HD televisions solved the problem of not finding the puck. But more importantly...
2. Hockey fans didn't like it.

Given the topic of this article, it is interesting that when this technology was brought to the NHL, people didn't like it. I'm an NFL fan, I don't want more technology. What I want is less commercials and to actually watch the game.

This past Sunday, CBS decided to cut the first 7 minutes of the Patriot game by showing the final of the Buffalo game (which no one besides fans of the teams involved cared about.) Then they missed one of the kick-offs because they were at commercial. The NFL is looking for whiz-bang technology when they really need to get back to basics- show the freaking game.

I have about 10+ years of experience with the FIRST Robotics competition. For an "all inclusive robotics" kit you will need to increase your budget. However, electronics and software kits are in budget. Here's my list:

1. Innovation FIRST's Vex Robtic system. This is hands down the best system available. The kit is basic enough that you can get something working while also open enough that the possibilities are limitless. You can interface your own custom circuits with it. It comes with default software in source code form that you can modify to whatever you would like. It also has mechanical kits where you can build almost anything. It's also not flimsy. This is one of the most expensive options, but you can start around $300 and add on for years.

2. Lego MindstormsI would reccomend this kit for someone younger (8 or so.) It's not quite as extensible mechanically or electrically but is easier to use.

With those two out of the way and actually answering your post based on the budget, I would recommend a Basic Stamp kit from Parallax. The kits are aimed at learning electronics and software. They're not a lot to them mechanically, you need additional parts and know-how for that. The kits are low cost and require you to learn. I cut my teeth on the Basic Stamp 2 (BS2) and I turned out to be a successful software engineer.

I will concur on the JavaScript. At work my only option is to use an ancient version of Internet Explorer on Windows XP... the site is unusable. Specifically, you can't use the "slide" that allows more posts to appear.

An important concept, which appears lost on some people, is sentence structure. Just like in programming, if an identifier is in the wrong place, a compiler will not just compile something and assume what the author intended.

to pay the Debts and provide for the common defence and general Welfare of the United States;

In this particular sentence the subject is the United States. Note: The subject of that sentence is not the people of the United States. In the year the document was written "United States" referred to the states which ratified the constitution; and were therefore United. Therefore, the author intended to promote the welfare of the "states which ratified the constitution"; not the people.

The only people who are saying "default for the first time in history" are Democrats who are fear mongering to scare little girls like you; and it has happened before. The reality is that the United States would not default; the government would use the money it brings in to service the debt and there would be a partial government shutdown.

The headline, summary and included link for this story is disgusting. I don't want to see foaming at the mouth liberal slanted stories masquerading as "news for nerds."

The Republicans have been injected with Libertarian blood via the Tea Party movement. Their position on net neutrality is simple: federal government stay out of the internet. They may say whatever it takes to make that happen. The Democrats often use whatever "means to the end," to get the job done (think health care reform.) The Republicans are using this tool to paint doomsday scenarios on what could happen if the federal government were to get involved in regulating the internet (think housing market.)

You want to tether with your iPhone? You must pay a tethering fee of $20. BTW, you need to change plans to a limited data plan; 2GB of data per month for $25 per month. If you go over your limit the cost is $10 per 1 GB.

Jury Nullification
Logic brought you to the conclusion that Mr. Childs was guilty based on the laws and definitions provided to you. However, you didn't like the verdict. Was jury nullification thought of?

Assuming someone paid for only internet access at $35 per month during the time Comcast was infringing their rights they would have paid Comcast $1,155. Comcast is only required to pay damages of 1%? Wow... that's Comcastic!

What's funny about redacting the aircraft operator flight crew exemption is that the public actually sees this happen. I was at a security checkpoint waiting to put by bag into the X-ray machine when a pilot jumped in front of me. He didn't take his shoes off and walked though the metal detector with his Starbuck's coffee with no questions asked. I was irate! First, these folks get to jump the line, then they're not subject to the security policies. What's to prevent a member of the aircrew from turning into a terrorist?

I guess I'm in line for security theater... and I'm not entertained.

For those who aren't going to RTFA... The article is about Facebook/MySpace games and the deceptive practices used to entice users to buy into offers for in game currency. Not that the actual Video Professor teaching tool is a scam.

In Boston most colleges and universities are exempt from property taxes. The city has been trying for years to figure out ways to squeeze them for the extra cash. We've heard the "pay their fair share" argument as well.Boston Globe Article

Honestly, I see the "privately operated co-op" as the same thing as the "government option." If you're forced to pay into the private co-op insurance, and you're forced to pay a higher premium based on your income... there's not much different from paying taxes and having a "government option"... it's essentially the same thing.