TampaYankee

The New Commodore 64, Updated With Its Old Exterior by Nick Bilton Friday, April 8, 2011 Provided by: Commodore USA The Commodore 64 is being re-released for the modern computer user. I was just 6 years old when the Commodore 64 computer went on sale in the summer of 1982. Although I already owned a computer at the time -- a ZX Spectrum -- I remember my excitement about possibly getting my little hyperactive hands on the newly released Commodore. At the time, the Commodore computer cost $595 and came with a whopping 64 kilobytes of memory. It also contained a graphics and sound card that stood apart from other computers of the day. Now, nearly 30 years later, the Commodore brand has taken on new management and is re-releasing its flagship computer, this time with all the amenities of a modern-day computer packed inside. In its heyday, the Commodore 64 was one of the most successful home computers made, shipping more than two million units a year for almost a decade after its release. Although exact numbers don't exist, experts estimate that the company sold between 15 and 30 million Commodore 64 computers. But the Commodore 64's success was short-lived. Commodore International, the maker of the computer, declared bankruptcy in 1994 after several bad business decisions and aggressive competition from I.B.M. and Apple. Barry Altman, president and chief executive of Commodore USA, said he purchased the Commodore trademark in September of last year with the goal of reviving the company and offering a product that no longer exists. "Thirty years ago computers were an all-in-one product, with the keyboard, memory and components built inside," Mr. Altman explained. "Over the years that has changed, and we believe there is a huge potential to revive the early format." The new Commodore 64, which will begin shipping at the end of the month, has been souped up for the modern age. It comes with a 1.8 gigahertz dual-core processor, an optional Blu-ray player and built-in ethernet and HDMI ports. It runs the Linux operating system but the company says you can install Windows if you like. The new Commodore is priced between $250 to $900. The company's Web site says that the new Commodore 64 is "a modern functional PC," and that although the guts of the device have greatly improved, the exterior is "as close to the original in design as humanly possible." Most people would not be able to visibly tell the old or new versions apart, it says. "The response has been completely dramatic," Mr. Altman said. "We've been averaging about five registrations per second on our Web site. This is from people giving us their name and e-mail address to be kept abreast of updates on the new Commodore." Some may wonder why someone would want to purchase this type of computer when a world of iPads and laptops exists. Mr. Altman says he sees two types of customers for the new computer. "There are a lot of really young computer users who want to own a retro-looking computer," he said. "And of course there are those 30- to 40-year-olds who owned the original Commodore 64 and want the nostalgia of their first machine." The new Commodore 64 comes with all the modern amenities needed to surf the Web and play video games. See original article at: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/112510/new-commodore-64-nyt

Well, maybe MSGuy but that is not generally the case. I looked into the possibility of moving North a few years ago. While Canada is very friendly to American tourists and probably business, they are not so to potential American emmigrants it seems. They are quite protective of would-be new residents sponging off the national health care and taking jobs from citizens. It seems that I could streamline the path to citizenship if I brought 250K to start up a business. To gain resident status I had to provide an essential vocation/occupation which was in need. I had a technological profession and would have to prove that a position was needed and could not be filled by a citizen. So an employer must really want you very badly to fabricate a case. An extra kicker for Quebec was that one had to be or become proficient in speaking French. I must say all that seemed out of line with so many Asians and Europeans I have seen in Canada. I cannot explain disparity in what I found and the large number of immigrants that seem to be everywhere -- well Vancouver and Montreal anyway. Maybe they have all of these hurdles to keep sketchy types like me out.

For all you speed demons of today and yesteryear and all you would-be speed demons.

800-horsepower Mustang on the way The 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake will be available with an upgrade kit enabling it to produce 800 horsepower. By Peter Valdes-Dapena Provided by: NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- An 800-horsepower version of the Ford Mustang will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show later this month. The 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake will be built by Shelby American Inc., a Las Vegas-based performance car company. Shelby works with Ford Motor Co. to create various high-performance versions of the iconic Mustang. While the base Super Snake will produce a mere 750 horsepower, those who feel the need for more power will be able to add an optional upgrade package that will provide 50 more. Shelby provides no warranty on the engine and transmission, in either case. The base version of the outgoing 2011 Super Snake produces 630 horsepower, although no-warranty option packages have been available in recent months to push horsepower in those cars up to as much as 800, as well. The 2012 Super Snake will be legal to drive on public roads on all 50 states, the carmaker promised, and it will cost less than $100,000. Prices for the 2011 Super Snake start about $80,000 in total, including the separate purchase of a car from Ford -- a factory-produced Shelby GT500 -- and the necessary modifications. "Shelby American has a rich history at the New York International Auto Show," said John Luft, president of Shelby American. in an announcement. "The very first Shelby car was introduced there in 1962, as well as the 1968 and 2008 Shelby GT500KR and the 2006 Shelby Hertz GT-H." The original partnership between Ford and Shelby American founder Carroll Shelby, one that resulted in Mustang-based performance cars that can be worth millions of dollars today, ended in 1969. Ford and Shelby entered into a new agreement in 2003 that has produced a new line of Shelby Mustangs, some built by Ford Motor Co. and others built at the Shelby American factory. See original article at: http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1810/800-horsepower-mustang-on-the-way/

Lead Limits In Toys Not Necessary For 8-Year-Olds, Debates House See article at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/07/lead-limits-in-toys-not-n_n_846104.html

Judge Rules That Pro-Gay Marriage Group Can Canvass Outside Of Target Stores By JULIE WATSON 04/ 8/11 12:30 AM ET SAN DIEGO -- A judge ruled Thursday that a San Diego pro-gay marriage group can continue canvassing outside of Target stores in California, but the group's volunteers must stay 30 feet away from store entrances and canvass at just one entrance at a time. The Minnesota-based retail giant had sought an injunction barring the activists from every outlet in the state, alleging they harass customers by cornering them near store entrances to discuss gay marriage, solicit donations and collect signatures on petitions. Rights advocates have warned that the legal battle between Target and Canvass For A Cause could further damage the retailer's already strained relations with the gay and lesbian community. Canvass For A Cause director Tres Watson called Thursday's ruling a win for not only his organization, but also for free speech. "I think this is a victory for every American that cherishes our fundamental values," he said. Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Barton said some Target stores may fall under California's law that considers shopping centers to be public forums. Also, canvassing over the last year occurred mainly without incident and Target failed to demonstrate that customers were being harassed, he said. "Target has not met its burden to show that its blanket policy to ban all solicitors at all stores in California is proper," he wrote. The corporation has said at least eight Target stores in the San Diego area have received more than a dozen complaints daily since canvassers started working the locations in October 2010. The activists have refused to leave when asked politely and shown the company's policy prohibiting "expressive activity" on its property, Target said. During a court hearing last month in San Diego, Barton asked Target's Los Angeles-based attorney David McDowell why the company didn't present testimony from customers who the company said had complained. McDowell said the testimony could have been obtained, but he didn't think it was necessary since the complaints weren't the central issue. The case was about Target's right to enforce its rules on its land, he said. "The question is Target's property right and its right to exclude," McDowell said. Target Corp. said in a statement Thursday that the legal action was "to provide a distraction-free shopping environment for our guests." "Target's long-standing policy is that we do not permit solicitation or petitioning at our stores regardless of the cause or issue being represented," the company said. Barton warned the San Diego group to be respectful and to not block the flow of traffic. The restriction to canvass at just one entrance at a time was to ensure that customer access wasn't impeded, he said in the ruling. Watson said the constraints wouldn't affect the group's work because volunteers don't follow people into stores or block store entrances. Target was seen as an ally of the gay and lesbian community before it made a $150,000 donation to a business group backing Minnesota Republican candidate Tom Emmer, an opponent of gay marriage who lost last year's governor's race to Democrat Mark Dayton. The company later apologized for the hurt feelings and tried to repair its image by creating a committee to help scrutinize its decisions on donations. Target also negotiated a deal with Lady Gaga to sell a special edition of her upcoming album in a partnership Gaga said was tied to their "reform" – supporting the gay community and making up for past mistakes. The singer cancelled the deal a few weeks ago. See origin article at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/08/target-gay-marriage-judge-rules-canvass_n_846480.html

Walmart Firing Of Anti-Gay Employee Justified, Appeals Court Rules First Posted: 04/ 6/11 04:00 PM ET Updated: 04/ 6/11 04:00 PM ET An appellate court has ruled that Walmart did not discriminate against the religious freedoms of an employee by firing the woman for caustic anti-gay remarks directed at a homosexual coworker. In September of 2005, a lesbian employee of a suburban Chicago Walmart was approached by her colleague, Tanisha Matthews. During a break in the overnight shift, Matthews began shouting at the woman, given only as Amy in court documents. From the Seventh Circuit Court Ruling: "Over the next three months, Wal-Mart investigated the incident by interviewing and obtaining statements from employees who were present during the conversation. In her statement, Amy reported that Matthews was ’screaming over her’ that God does not accept gays, they should not ’be on earth,’ and they will ’go to hell’ because they are not ’right in the head.’ Five other employees confirmed that Matthews had said that gays are sinners and are going to hell." After the investigation, the Joliet, Illinois Walmart dismissed Matthews for violating the chain's non-discrimination policy, writes Edge Chicago, a blog that covers LGBT issues. Matthews, an Apostolic Christian, responded by filing suit against the company, claiming that her religious beliefs -- which, apparently, include vitriolic hatred for gays -- were violated in her firing, Gay City News reports. But the Court was unmoved. Walmart “fired [Matthews] because she violated company policy when she harassed a coworker, not because of her beliefs,” the judges wrote, as excerpted in the Chicago Sun-Times. And since her actions were a violation of the company's harassment policy, it was within its rights in dismissing her. From a legal standpoint, the ruling upholds the courts' trend of allowing employers, and not employees, to set the standard for acceptable speech on the job. See original article at:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/06/walmart-firing-anti-gay-worker_n_845716.html

Don't forget the two new right wing members of the Supreme court too. That would make the right wing majority 7-3, with another liberal member on the cusp of retirement.

Good shipping price keeps it reasonable too.

I used Macs exclusively for 20 years. I bought my mother a Blue IMAC when they came out -- her first computer. She mostly taught herself how to use it as I lived 1500 miles away. I wouldn't deign to use a PC (Piece of Crap). They were cheap game boxes loaded with a free inferior OS (that violated antitrust rules) and buggy software. They succeeded because of their game market strategy. I lowered myself to use a PC when developing this site. I figured I was going to be interacting overwhelmingly with the great unwashed sea of PC users, so I figured a PC would smooth the way, so to speak. That and I had retired and the fancy Mac prices were a little steep on retirement pay. I finally adpated. Since then Apple left me in the dust with their new OSs. So I cannot speak for the latest generation of Macs but I suspect they remain technologically superior to PCs. To this day, I will do banking and online purchases only on a Mac due to PC security vulnerabilities. Fortunately, I have a family member who owns a Mac. Were it not for the price I would revert to Apple since Oz has demonstrated it is no barrier to developing and interfacing with the online communities such as this one. I have no reason to believe that Apple quality generally falls short in their other products. Like everyone else they are not immune to screw up now and then. It does seem to be the exception though. The consumers seem quite happy. I have to go with them on this vote. I have grown more comfortable with PCs. The price is right. I avoid MS software as much as I can. That helps. PCs are ok for work and there does seem to be some spiffy game boxes out there. The are risky for presonal fincances and money interactions IMO. BTW Oz, I love your girls. I can only imagine the double lip grip.

The silver lining to this is that if this is my worst screw-up of the year then I have faired pretty well. Better, it is already behind me. Hoping everything is up from here.

I would prefer as my bed warmer.

It's an interesting conjecture. Not sure what we are seeing in the House is consistent with that but they don't have the WH so it doesn't disprove it either. It does seem that the Tea Party has the GOP establishment running scared.

Say it ain't so, Joe! Fuck me, I fell hook, line and sinker.

Pardon me but I don't think this is the point of the thread either. I think the point of the thread is this: Is it appropriate for a politician to respond to voiced concerns about the effects of budget reduction choices on the ill, the poor, and children with an ad hominem attack? One of our principles about posting at MER is: discuss the topic not the poster. I think it should also apply to our community political discussions as well. This Bishop may well be at fault about previous pedophilia issues. That does not and should not be presumed to be a legitimate response to the present issue at hand. The politican should be taken to task. If the Bishop has something to be called on then it should be pursued in the proper forum. Certainly both issues are important enough to recieve attention on their own and not get wrapped around each other when they have nothing to do with each other.

This sucks!! The HuffPost is one of my first reads every day. I really don't begrudge them desiring to make money off their effort, even if much of what they do is aggregrate others work. Nevertheless, I'll take a pass, relying on other open sources. BTW, the paying by the word or by the length of the word is pretty stupid. I guess they think it might act as a hook to draw people in. I find it insulting that they choose to try to bait me or anyone else.

Ariana Huffington A Word About Digital Subscriptions to The Huffington Post Posted: 04/ 1/11 07:55 AM ET Today marks a significant transition for The Huffington Post Media Group, as we introduce digital subscriptions for employees of The New York Times. It's an important step that we hope you will see as an investment in The Huffington Post, one that will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality journalism to readers around the world -- and especially to our readers inside The New York Times. The change comes in two stages. Last week, we rolled out digital subscriptions to our readers in Winnipeg, Canada, which enabled us to fine-tune the customer experience. Plus, they're Canadians, eh? Today, we will begin offering digital subscriptions to employees of The New York Times. If you don't live in Winnipeg or are not an employee of The New York Times, you will continue to have full and free access to our news, information, opinion, and the rest of our rich offerings. If you are an employee of The New York Times, this is what you will be greeted with when you visit our site (click to enlarge): This is how it will work, and what it means for you: • On HuffingtonPost.com you can view the first 6 letters of each word at no charge (including slideshows of adorable kittens). After 6 letters, we will ask you to become a digital subscriber. You may choose to subscribe to see the rest of each word individually, or choose a package to access all words of more than 6 letters. This is an example of what you will see: "Today the Obama admini-[click here to continue word for a small fee] said that the interv- [click here to continue word for a small fee] in Libya would contin-[click here to continue word for a small fee] indefi [click here to continue word for a small fee]..." • Times employees who come to The Huffington Post through links from search, blogs, and social media will be able to freely access certain articles. For instance: If you come in through Facebook, you'll be able to access for free all stories involving animals born with extra limbs. If you come in through Twitter, you'll be able to access for free words that contain more than six letters, but only those that refer to antiquated transportation machines (i.e. "funicular"). If you come in through Google, you'll be able to access stories of criminals who break into people's houses and then do strange things, such as take a shower or eat a snack. If you come in through Digg, you'll be able to read for free all stories that refer to TV's Erik Estrada. • Slideshows and videos of adorable kittens (our signature offering) will be available for free only to one very senior New York Times employee. And, of course, stories that aggregate falsehoods to support an administration's efforts to take the country into a disastrous, decade-long war based on lies will always remain free. Thank you for reading The Huffington Post, in all its forms. Sincerely, ARIANNA HUFFINGTON President and Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post Media Group

I dont know what my feelings have to do with the list I created. Does anyone really believe that what I said isn't likely to be true. Most of the list comes from McCain and Republican statements and votes on the record. BTW, I voted Republican in every Presidential election through Dole, with the exception of Carter. I voted McCain in the 2000 Primary, the last GOP vote I cast.

It was late and btw, the Marshall is out of town.

Bombay Saffire Gin is excellent, better than the white label. May I recommend Three Olives Vodka. I much prefer the taste and smoothness, straight up, and two-thirds the cost.

No problemo, I swept up the dups.

Asked in another thread but moved here for more appropriate forum placement. Just a guess... but not an uneducated one, I think. No GM or Chrysler. No second half installment of TARP, Wall St bailout, maybe? If so then several big banks MIA along with AIG. No American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with much higher unemployment, probably Depression levels. Country still in recesstion, more likely Depression, probably world-wide. Still record high deficits with more tax giveaways and even lower tax revenues with the increased unemployment, more unpaid-for wars to fight. Right wing social agenda on the rise in goverment policy, regs and laws. More war... probably Iran, definitely Libya according to last week's comments. Increased defense spending a good guess. No DADT repeal or Health Care Reform. No recourse for women employess of war contractors who get raped and then illegally detained by companies. MOre of this type of stuff. I believe that the electorate would be very unhappy with Congress and President McCain, polling of Democrats would be at all time highs, rightly or wrongly. Oh, and a brain-dead VP who, if we are lucky, spends most her time trying to shoot a moose. I suspect others might have a rosier outlook but I don't know on what basis.

Just one more example that the GOP is really the party of Newt Gingrich. GOP office holders everywhere are overplaying their hands much as Newt did in the govt shutdown of 95 accentuated with his personal life pecadillos which eventually drove him from office. The NH politican could have chosen a more effective, less inciteful way to attempt to rebuff the charge. Look at the governors of Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Maine, and Florida for starters. They have activated the liberal base while alienating their traditional support from police and firefighters. Scott/Florida has even alienated his GOP in multiple ways and proclaimed an executive order that all state employees be subjected to mandatory quaterly drug screening at state expense. Incidentally, he transferred ownership of a drug testing company to his wife for conflict of interest reasons instead of selling it off. The bad press doesnt stop whether it is Scott/MN and his GOP legislature steam rolling laws through the legislature while violating state law and a court order suspending enactment of the law until the legality of the legislative process is reviewed. Or how about the MI governor and GOP controlled legislature enacting the power of the Governor to dissolve towns/cities at his whim if he deems them to be in financial jeopardy. (Marshal law anyone?) The Maine Governor wants to roll back child labor laws to increase the number of hours worked and permit work to 11 PM on school nights and to reduce under 18 minimum wage by $2 /hour, all of which will throw more adult workers out of work as cheaper child labor will be able to compete with adult workers. Bad for school kids and bad for adult workers. Let's not forget the congress cranks and quacks from Minnesota (Bachmann), Iowa(Steve King), North Carolina(Virginia Fox), Georgia (Broun), Texas(Gomert)... the list is very very long here. The utterances and beliefs of these wackos is beyond rational belief and logic. I could spend a good portion of my remaing life recounting their ceaseless stunts and idiocies. Nevertheless, they find an audience. How depressing!! Add to that the latest GOP clown circus held Friday as the GOP goes for payback against the AARP for supporting health care reform. Held by the oversight and health subcommittees of the House Committee on Ways and Means, watching the production showed it clearly to be a witch hunt in the same vein as Peter King's (R/NY) investigation of Muslims in Ameica, and will end up just as big an embarassment. The Chairman of the oversight committee, Wally Herger (R-Ca), proved embarassment through his imcompetence as the Grand Inquisitor, unable to explain the source and funding for a mysterious 'investigative report' on the AARP prepard 'ostensibly' by himself and another congressman. The exercise was not only shameful politics but transparently so. Too bad, because some questions raised are worth nonpartisan investigation, say by the GAO. Even all of the above just scratches the surface. Yeah, I know the other side does it too. But are they as effective at shooting themsleves in the foot when they do it? The new Congress has been one big joke, led by the GOP controlled house. From opening with a reading of the Constitution, well the parts they liked and didn't forget, to passing the ‘Government Shutdown Prevention Act’ last week. The bill formally criticizing the Senate for failing to pass a spending bill, and stipulates that if the Senate does not pass a long-term resolution by April 6, the measure passed by the House in February, H.R. 1, and it’s $61 billion in spending cuts, would be law. Not just Democrats but even some Republicans complained that the bill was unconstitutional. Fortunately the GOP House has decided to take three weeks out of every month off or it would be worse. The GOP promised jobs in the election campaign. All we have gotten is spotty reading of the Constitution, abortion legislation along with a bogus budget ballet that is a platform for codifying the GOP social ideological agenda into law. I have no doubt that these crazies are solidifying support among the far right. They will definitely have 20% of the electorate tied down. As for independents and moderate Republicans, I think they may be taking on water. They still have about a year to show that they can govern in compromise with the Democrat Senate. I doubt they have the will to do it. If they do it will tear asunder the GOP for the next primary season. There could be worse things. It is possible that none if this matters eventually as Citizens United may play a more significant role in the next election than the measured GOP performance against rhetoric.

Eric Zentner Dead: Versace Model Killed In Hit-And-Run First Posted: 04/ 1/11 08:43 AM ET Updated: 04/ 1/11 06:40 PM ET Model Eric Zentner, 30, was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Buellton, California over the weekend, Fox40.com reports. Zentner is believed to have gotten out of his car after running out of gas and started walking. He was reportedly en route to visit his mother in Sacramento. He was struck around 3:45 a.m. by a light blue, '90s Dodge Caravan. There are no suspects in custody and California Highway Patrol officers are looking for tips. For the complete article see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/01/eric-zentner-dead-dies-hit-and-run_n_843469.html

Obviously he never met any lipstick lesbians.