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Sledgstone

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Posts posted by Sledgstone


  1. holy crap I got a good deal. ^____^

    they're closing a local walmart because they're opening a super walmart down the street.. so instead of restocking everything in the old store, they're trying to get rid of all their stock. As I was doing misc. shopping today, the store manager announces over the intercom that everything in the clearance isle and all clearanced shoes and clothes were an additional 50% off until midnight tonight. So I looked and there was just a bunch of crap.

    anyway, I went over to look at dvds and decided to checked their blank media for DL disks.. all their blank media was marked for clearance and just as I picked up a case of dvd+rs the store manager and an employee came down the isle.. the manager told the girl to take all the stuff to the clearance isle... O_O so I asked.. would that mean all this is an additional 50% off too? to which the store manager said, yes it will be for tonight.

    so, in the end, I walked out of walmart with 3 packs of memorex DVD+Rs (75 disk packs) for $8.50 a piece and a 3 disk pack of imation DVD+R DLs for $3! :D


  2. I'm pretty sure vcds won't play on PS2s. You might have to download some codec to be able to play it on your computer. My dvd player won't even play it by default, I have to access a menu thru the player, then access a vcd menu in it to play it.


  3. *revives 1 year old topic*

    I finished watching Samurai 7 yesterday. It was a good series and highly enjoyable, but the end was too sad..

    and wtf!? Kirara was in love with Kambei!? bullshit! :x the show had a hidden love quality between her and Katsushiro.. but in the end she had no feelings for him whatsoever, this dissapointed and annoyed me. and I'm glad nobody stayed in the village with her.

    Kikuchiyo! :( he was my favorite character.


  4. InuYasha Movie 4: Fire on the Mystic Island

    http://www.windscar.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=99

    The official translation for the movie might be "escape from crimson island" tho, I don't know yet.

    Its going to be released on August 1st in the USA. If you found it on VCD, then you're probably looking on ebay. many countries have vcd players but they never hit the states, alot of dvd players will play vcds if you look at your manuel tho. but I suggest waiting until august, you'll get dvd quality and an english track... that and movie 4 wasn't really that great, I'd wait.


  5. yeah, if you watched the chunin exams, (I think they already aired this ep on CN), Orochimaru put a five fingered seal on Naruto to prevent him from accessing the Kuybi power. Go back and watch those eps, they were some of the best of the series. :P


  6. I finished watching Gundam SEED Destiny a week ago. I did not care for this series. SEED was ok and I liked it, but Destiny was highly dissapointing to me. The last half of the series did pick up the pace a bit, but the overall plot and character development was horrible. The first half of the series was a complete rip off of the first SEED series, 3 pilots steal the latest mobile suits from the enemy, followed by multiple episodes of repeated battles.

    And on top of that, Cagalli was completely pointless up until the end, I wish she would have died, and Athrun and Kira seemed pointless to me. Athrun's entire 'join Plant and Faith' was pointless as well. He did nothing of importance while on the Minerva. -_- and Shinn... guh. They showed his tragic past, his loss and then instead of going further into his character they just kept rehashing those same tragic moments and how he felt the compelling notion to protect Steller and then later Lunamaria.

    I watched the final plus episode which was pretty much the exact same last 1 or 2 episodes with about 5 minutes of extra footage at the very end to tie up a couple loose ends with the characters.

    yeah... and on that note, I plan on watching either Gundam X or Zeta Gundam next.


  7. We're on a budget billing, so when we get the bill, it tells us how much we used and how much we get charged for. We get charged $126 a month regardless of what we use based off our prior year's total household energy use for the year. Basically so we don't have to pay up and down prices, etc. But get this, on the third page it said that our budget billing monthy charge is going to be readjusted because our current usage does not meet up to their projected usage. We're saving money! :D

    I got my next month bill! holy shit, it said we only used $35 in electricity! our bill has dropped down to $15 a month! O_O


  8. What fansubs are you watching? your entire first post is way off.. O_O

    They explained most of the 9 tails stuff in the first season if I remember correctly. The 4th hokage sacrificed himself to seal the demon fox inside the body of a small baby.. I think they even say this in episode 1. O_O There was another seal placed on Naruto by Orochimaru himself, but it was removed.. that might be the seal they're referring to when Kabuto and Orochimaru were talking.. who could have removed that seal.. probably the third or Jiayra.


  9. http://www.wnbc.com/money/9246003/detail.html

    While the new hybrid cars are all the rage, you don't have to invest in a whole new vehicle to start saving on gas.

    You can do things to drive your vehicle more efficiently,” said Alan Steinberg, Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator.

    1. Use car wisely

    It starts with paying attention to why, where and when you drive. Drive only when necessary.

    2. Use shortest route

    Always use the shortest route, which can usually be determined in advance with online map services.

    3. Multi-task errands

    Multi-task your errands and consolidate them into one trip.

    4. Avoid rush hour traffic

    Avoid rush hour & other peak traffic periods whenever possible.

    5. Plan ahead

    Speed wastes gas, plan ahead and you will still get there on time.

    6. Shop before you drive

    Use the Internet, newspapers or phonebook to comparison shop before you drive to several stores.

    7. Find delivery services

    Find companies willing to delivery what you need to your home. Consider dry cleaning delivery services, food and anything else that will bring what you need, without burning up your gas.

    8. Grocery shop once/week

    Small trips to pick up a few things add up to a big waste in gas. Do grocery shopping once a week.

    9. Let kids walk

    Let the kids walk. They are often close enough to school and friends. They may complain now but they'll thank you someday.

    10. Walk or bike

    Walking or biking is also good for adults. It narrows the waistline and widens the wallet.

    The way you maintain your car has a big impact on its gas performance.

    11. Check for leaks

    Before you take your car out, check the driveway for gas tank leaks. Even little ones can waste plenty of fuel over time.

    “Gasoline evaporates you might not see a big pool of it but if you see some discoloration in the concrete you might have some, and yes if you're leaking gas you're leaking pennies and maybe dollars and that something to be fixed,” Csaba Csere, Editor-in-Chief for Car and Driver Magazine

    A lubricated car runs much more efficiently.

    12. Check your oil

    And follow the carmakers' recommendations which you will find on your side door panel.

    13. Energy-saving oil

    Look for oil labeled energy saving. With computer-diagnostics, modern cars don't lend themselves to do it yourself tune ups, but you can:

    14. Change air filter

    Change your own air filter. Check it first, if the dust won't shake out cleanly, get a new one.

    “If you don't have a good air filter it's going to result in terrible reductions in terms of mileage efficiency,” said Alan Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator.

    15. Seasonal tires

    Seasons change and so should your tires. Make sure you're using the proper tire for winter and summer.

    16. Inflate tires properly

    And make sure your tires are inflated properly. It’s easy to do. Check the tire when its cold and compare that number to the recommended tire pressure. It will mean your car doesn't have to work as hard to get you where you want to go.

    17. Junk out of trunk

    Get the junk out of the trunk. No sense in dragging around blizzard gear all summer and adding weight to your vehicle.

    18. Fill up when cool

    Early morning or late evening. Cooler temperatures mean less vapor.

    “From the environmental standpoint, it's better to fill up your tank in the cooler hours of the morning or the evening,” said Ray Werner, Chief of the Air Programs Group in New York, Environmental Protection Agency. “Gas is less volatile and won't evaporate quite so quickly and form ozone damage in the environment. So we recommend early morning or late evening.”

    19. Get a light colored car

    From a lighter colored car.

    “So (if) you buy a lighter colored car it's going be a little bit cooler, the air conditioner won't have to work as hard, and you'll save gasoline,” said Robert Sinclair of the American Automobile Association.

    20. Park in the shade

    And regardless of the color, park in the shade.

    “What happens is in a vehicle that's sitting out in the hot sun there is something called evaporative emissions,” said Sinclair. “You know, the fuel and the tank is expanding, it creates fumes that get out past the gas cap and go out into the atmosphere. That's why you see the bellows on gasoline pumps, for recovering that evaporative emissions.”

    21. Don't top off gas

    Don't top off your gas - it frequently winds up spilled on the road.

    22. Tighten gas cap

    Tighten your gas cap. It needs to contain both fuel and fumes. Most cars do not benefit from higher octane - higher priced gasoline.

    23. Use correct grade fuel

    Use the lowest grade recommended by your car maker. If you still prefer a richer blend - stop by the auto parts

    24. Buy octane additive

    Store and buy a bottle of octane. A little of this every few tank fulls will keep your car and your pocketbook smiling.

    Air conditioning is practically standard on modern cars. Is there a way to keep cool for less? It depends. There are two strategies for air conditioning.

    25. Slow speed: no air

    Around town at slow speeds, turn the air off and roll down your window. On the highway, at speeds of 40 and over, open windows

    26. Use air on highways

    Create drag. Roll them up and use the air. Potential savings depend on many factors including how high and how long you run your air. Speaking of drag on the highway, about half your engine power is needed to overcome wind resistance. Avoid hauling

    27. Avoid roof hauls

    Things on your roof. Or check out some of the aerodynamic carriers. They look cool and will help minimize drag.

    28. Avoid warm-ups

    Avoid long warm-ups. Even on cold mornings, your car doesn't need more than a minute to get ready to go. Anything more and you're just burning up that expensive fuel.

    Turn off before you turn on.

    29. Turn off electronics

    Starting your car with electronic devices, like the radio and air conditioning, turned off, will put less strain on your engine which translates to better gas mileage.

    30. Use GPS

    A moderately priced GPS unit will pay for itself in wasted time and wasted gas. It's perfect for the directionally challenged or those of us who are just too embarrassed to ask directions

    31. Go the speed limit

    When you drive, go the speed limit. It's calculated for maximum safety, but will reward you with maximum mileage. Count on getting more than 20 percent more mileage traveling at 55 than you would at 70 mph.

    Dragging brakes are a total drag for your gas mileage.

    32. Keep brakes adjusted

    Your foot and hand brakes adjusted.

    “If you're going down the road and you notice your car is drifting constantly to one side it probably means you've got a break drag on the car,” said Csere.

    33. Drive evenly

    Drive evenly with a steady foot. Don't jiggle the accelerator. Quick starts - are a quick way to the poorhouse. They burn plenty of gas.

    34. Avoid hard stops

    Panic or hard stops will also cost you. Try to anticipate stop signs and traffic lights.

    “If you know you're going to be stopping half a block down take your foot off early and coast a little bit,” said Csere. “Because all that energy you’re putting in to speed you’re going to waste when you step on the brake.”

    35. Avoid idling

    An idle mind may be the devil's workshop. And an idling car isn't much better.

    “But when you are idling, you are burning fuel,” said Sinclair. “We do recommend that you don't idle your car for more than thirty seconds and just to give you an idea of how much gas is used when you're idling, for every hour you're sitting at idle, you're probably burning a gallon of gasoline.”

    The old belief about using more gas to restart a car than leaving it idle, is just that, an old belief. It’s rendered obsolete by modern starters. With modern fuel injection and electronic ignitions deliver consistent amounts of fuel.

    36. Don't rev engine

    Revving your engines impresses no one. What it will cost to replace your cylinders and gas could go to a truly impressive dinner date.

    37. Use right foot only

    To avoid riding the brake and wasting gas, use your right foot to control both pedals.

    38. Shift to high gear

    Shift into high gear as soon as possible. Get there by lifting a your foot from the accelerator a tiny bit early.

    39. Don't weave

    The more you weave the more gas your burn. Keep your wheel still.

    “Adjusting your speed to get in and out and those constant throttle motions hurt you and there's probably a little bit of drag from constantly turning like that so you know you're better off picking a lane and staying in it, doesn't meant don't change at all but one lane change in miles is a whole lot better than 10," said Csere.

    40. Don't accelerate up hill

    Don’t accelerate up a hill. When approaching it, build up speed before the incline then maintain on the way up - and of course you can coast down.

    41. Follow traffic reports

    It’s practically impossible to scan the radio without hitting a traffic report. Use them to avoid jams and other delays.

    42. Park and walk

    If you wander all over the parking lot looking for that really close parking space, you'll use more gas. Don't be afraid to walk a ways if it comes to that, the walk will do you good!

    With gas prices still on the rise, how do you make the system work for you?

    Don't drive around shopping for gas. It's counterproductive.

    43. Gasbuddy.com

    A website called gas buddy will tell you where the deals are before you leave the house. Prices are statistically the cheapest on Wednesdays, but this

    44. Find discount gas days

    Is only statistically true over a large number of days. It won't be true every week. Check nearby service stations to see if they offer discounts any particular days.

    45. Fill up before holiday

    Also, getting a fill-up three days before a holiday will help you save on the price bump.

    46. Wait until near empty

    Don't fill until near empty. If you do this, it can extend your gas because you are hauling a lighter load as the tank nears empty. On cold days, however, you may not want to do this. Running a car with less fuel can be harder on the fuel pump life.

    And speaking of lighter:

    47. Find credit card discounts

    Some credit cards offer gas savings when you use the card for purchases. This works in much the same way that some credit card companies give you frequent flyer miles when you use their card for purchases.

    48. Member benefits

    Some gas stations offer membership benefits. There are also department and grocery stores that give discounts at the fuel pump when you use their store membership cards.

    In blind tests, motorists can hardly find a difference between:

    49. Brand difference

    Brands of gas. You could be paying more for next to nothing.

    “They're using the same refineries, they're using the same pipelines to transport the fuel,” said Sinclair. “They're using the same trucks to transport the fuel. And the federal government has standards that gasoline must achieve in order for it to be sold as a motor fuel. So the old idea that one brand of gasoline might be better than another, is really something that's a myth these days.”

    50. Carpooling

    Is carpooling the new way to meet your life partner? No, but it can save you enough to go on several dates.

    And finally...

    51. Public transportation

    Look into public transportation. What better time than when gas prices are high, to re-investigate whether there's a train or bus that is on your route to work and can save you money.

    “I'll tell you the best way of avoiding pollution and saving money in terms of driving, I got it right in my pocket,” said Steinberg. “New York has the best mass transit systems in the country. So don't drive if you don't have to.”

    Alot of this is common sense stuff, but it was still interesting.


  10. Governor Pataki has finally impressed me with something. O_O

    http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/06/0521061.html

    GOVERNOR SIGNS GAS TAX CAP LEGISLATION RENEWS CALLS FOR BROAD PROGRAM TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTED PETROLEUM

    Sales Tax Relief Must Be Part of Larger Effort to Boost Renewable and Alternative Fuels

    Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed a new law to establish a maximum level on the amount of State sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel purchases. This "gas tax cap" would be set at $2 per gallon, or eight cents in sales tax.

    In addition, the Governor again proposed a series of "energy independence" initiatives that would increase the production, distribution, and consumption of renewable fuels as part of a broad plan to reduce New York's dependence on petroleum and imported energy.

    "The impact of high fuel prices is being felt by families and businesses across the State, and I am signing this legislation in hopes that these tax cuts will provide some modest relief, especially as we enter the busy summer travel and tourism season," Governor Pataki said. "However, we must build upon this measure by implementing some aggressive, far-reaching initiatives to boost the availability and use of homegrown renewable fuels and provide a viable option to gasoline imported from the Middle East. I call on the Legislature to take immediate action to institute incentives for renewable and alternative fuel sources so that we can achieve real solutions and long-term relief from high energy costs."

    Under the new law, New York State will continue to impose sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, but will limit the sales taxes collected to a maximum of 8 cents, an amount equal to the sales tax when the fuel price is $2/gallon. If the price of fuel is below $2/gallon, the sales tax will be proportionally applied at the normal rate of 4 percent/dollar.

    Other measures enacted by this law include a personal income tax credit of up to $500 for the installation of new energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR home heating systems, which the Governor originally proposed in his Executive Budget; and a tax credit for clean heating fuel for residential use of up to 20 cents/gallon based on the percentage of biodiesel in "bioheat," a blend of biodiesel and conventional home heating oil.

    Citing the need to expand New York's efforts to increase the use of renewable and alternative fuels, and enhance energy efficiency, the Governor will once again propose legislation to:

    * Provide a $2,000 personal income tax credit for the purchase of hybrid vehicles. This tax credit would help to defray incremental costs that raise the purchase price for these vehicles.

    * Provide a property tax credit for the installation of renewable fuel pumps at private sector gas stations. These tax credits would provide critical incentives for these stations to offer ethanol (E85), B20 (biodiesel) or CNG (compressed natural gas). There are nearly 200,000 flex fuel vehicles on the road in New York State that can use E85 or traditional gasoline. Although some public alternative fueling stations are being developed, at the present time, there are no public stations where New Yorkers can fuel their vehicles with ethanol.

    The Governor also has directed the New York State Thruway to begin installing or converting fuel pumps at all travel plazas to provide motorists with the option to use E85, B20, or CNG.

    * Eliminate all State taxes on renewable fuels to make E85 and B20, which would stimulate the market for these fuels, and provide consumers with a viable alternative to gasoline or traditional diesel.

    * Establish two sales tax-free weeks for the purchase of ENERGY STAR products and appliances, including energy-efficient refrigerators, washers and dryers, room air conditioners, light fixtures, and more.

    * Extend Empire Zone tax benefits to qualifying clean energy companies regardless of where these firms are located in New York State. These clean energy companies are primarily engaged in research, development, or manufacturing of energy efficiency or renewable energy technologies or products.

    Other "energy independence" initiatives proposed by Governor Pataki and enacted in the 2006-07 State Budget include: a $20 million program to develop a pilot cellulosic ethanol facility in New York State; a renewable fuel production tax credit; and incentives for the siting or development of an advanced "clean coal" power plant in New York.

    In addition, the State has implemented the Clean Pass and Green E-Z Pass programs, which provide incentives for the use of hybrids or other fuel-efficient vehicles. Under these programs, vehicles that average 45 m.p.g. and meet specific EPA emissions standards are eligible to use HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers, and receive discounts for Thruway tolls.

    New York State invests more than $300 million a year in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including the Systems Benefit Charge (SBC), a program operated by NYSERDA that provides $175 million annually to promote greater energy efficiency, low-income energy assistance, and projects that reduce energy usage.

    My next car is going to be a flex-fuel. :nod:

    and a tax free week on energy star goods? damn! I'd buy a new monitor for my computer and a new air conditioner for my bedroom. :happy: *kicks new york state taxes*


  11. Naruto became popular a while ago, but since the series started up on CN we figured it'd be best to have some naruto themes. ^_^ all thanks to lady of course. besides, naruto will probably stay popular for a long time, seeing as how it will take over 3 1/2 years for CN to catch up to the current episodes. its like dragon ball z hype all over again. :P


  12. I heard an article on NPR about this group in the UK that likes to go around and land scape crappy looking public property. It was funny because they acknowledged that what they were doing was techinically illegal, but they've never been arrested for it. Probably because everyone likes plants... what I found even more interesting was when the guy talked about Seed Bombs. I've never heard of a seed bomb before.. So I found out that seed bombs are small pieces of packed soil with seeds ment to be thrown at an area to promote plant growth. interesting... heres a link of some:

    http://www.greenmuseum.org/content/wif_detail_view/img_id-13__prev_size-1__artist_id-3__work_id-4.html

    has anyone heard of seed bombs? have you ever made or thrown one? O_O

    I'm pretty tempted too.. theres some crappy looking pieces of land I drive by around work that could use some sprucing up.

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