text:
|1. Nov. 2011
|27. Sept. 2005
|27. Sept. 2005
|Auch ver�ffentlicht unter
|Chris S. Terrill, Todd W. Kirby
|Urspr�nglich Bevollm�chtigter
|Match.Com, L.L.C.
|Zitat exportieren
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patentzitate (108), Nichtpatentzitate (28), Referenziert von (13), Klassifizierungen (14), Juristische Ereignisse (4)
|Externe Links: USPTO, USPTO-Zuordnung, Espacenet
This invention relates in general to the field of communications and, more particularly, to a system and a method for providing a system that includes on-line and off-line features in a network environment.
Networking architectures have grown increasingly complex in communications environments. In recent years, a series of protocols and configurations have been developed in order to accommodate a diverse group of end users having various networking needs. Many of these architectures have gained significant notoriety because they can offer the benefits of automation, convenience, management, and enhanced consumer selections.
Certain network protocols may be used in order to allow an end user to conduct an on-line search of candidates to fill a given vacancy. These protocols may relate to job searches, person finding services, real estate searches, or on-line dating. While some naive business people believe that on-line dating is simply a matter of matching supply and demand, there is statistical and empirical evidence to suggest that successful on-line dating entails far more.
For example, people having similar and/or compatible character traits and values should be matched together. However, effectively linking two participants together can prove to be a challenging endeavor. Coordinating a relationship between two like-minded individuals can be a significant chore, as there are a number of obstacles and barriers that must be overcome.
It would also be beneficial to counsel certain users about a dating deficiency that they may have. In addition, it may be useful to compile, process, and maximize all feedback information that is given by an end user such that this information can be evaluated and then leveraged in order to deliver an optimal candidate selection or match pool to the end user.
In still other scenarios, participants in an on-line dating scenario may need guidance on making arrangements for a first date. Suggestions and recommendations are welcomed by participants who are unsure of which dating location would be appropriate for both participants. Most end users would also appreciate being afforded the opportunity to exit the dating experience at any time. Still other end users would enjoy reading candid responses from a prospective mate, while simultaneously having some control over the questions being asked.
These operations (and many others) need to be accounted for by a system operator in order to achieve a suitable level of satisfaction from their customers. Systems that fail to account for these issues can mislead their customers, frustrate their clients, and waste the time of all those involved. Note that any features provided by a given dating platform should be easily understood and readily used by the consumer. The end user should not be burdened with complex or cryptic technology that he has to decipher before utilizing. Accordingly, the ability to provide effective mechanisms and features for optimally matching in an on-line community offers a significant challenge to web site operators, component manufacturers, and system designers.
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a need has arisen for an improved communications platform that provides for more beneficial features in offering networking services and capabilities to an end user. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system and a method for providing an on-line dating platform in a network environment are provided that greatly reduce disadvantages and problems associated with conventional on-line dating management techniques.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The web site includes an interest rating component that allows one or more of the end users to indicate a level of interest in one or more of the other end users.
In more particular embodiments, the interest rating component is provided as a graphical illustration that reflects a slider bar to be used by one or more of the end users in order to make selections or designations about potential dating candidates. In still more particular embodiments, if the slider bar is moved in one direction, indicating a strong preference for a particular candidate, then the particular candidate is moved to an active state where a relationship between two of the end users progresses. If the slider bar is moved to in another direction, indicating a low level of interest for a particular candidate, then the particular candidate is moved to an inactive state where a relationship between two of the end users does not continue. A designation of the slider bar by one of the end users represents a quantitative value to be processed by the central web site. The central web site can use the interest rating component to match two of the end users that have substantially similar interest ratings.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of technical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a service approach is provided that allows a given end user to utilize a level of interest rating component. An interest level slider bar can be used by the end user in order to make selections or designations about potential dating candidates. The slider bar is easy to use and can solicit the end user's thoughts about a prospective mate. The level of interest bar is conducive to an expedient disposal of individuals that offer minimal intrigue for the end user. In a similar fashion, the level of interest bar can be readily utilized in order to initiate the next step in the dating process.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the end user is provided with a number of comparison features. For example, in some embodiments, a personality profile can be displayed to the end user concurrently with the personality profile of a potential candidate. Using such a comparison/contrast format, the end user could readily see how his interests and character traits are aligned or asymmetrical: either of which may produce positive or negative outcomes. Other comparisons (or overlay formats) can be provided by the question/answer sections of the dating platform. Note that many of the questions being answered by a given participant may be pre-selected by the interested participant (or chosen by their own accord). This offers a higher degree of control for the end user and also focuses on issues that are truly important to each individual. Many of these features are discussed in greater detail below with reference to corresponding FIGURES.
Yet another advantage of the present invention relates to a post-date follow up features. The responses from the post-date follow up are an invaluable tool for the operator of the website. The responses reflect important character traits that can be fed back into the system for future matches. Additionally, the operator can offer constructive feedback to an end user who appears to be struggling in some area of dating. In one implementation, a cumulative average (e.g. after three or more dates) could be taken of several post-date questions, whereby a single area can be pinpointed for improvement. This is verifiable, informative, and truthful dating information for the end user to consider.
Note that there is a plethora of additional advantages that are provided by the tendered architecture. Some of these advantages are evident after reviewing the FIGURES and accompanying discussions. Certain embodiments of the present invention may enjoy some, all, or none of these outlined advantages. Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims.
To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:
System 10 can be used to offer a multitude of unique features and capabilities to a group of end users. A brief summary of some of these features is offered immediately below. Additional details relating to each of these tools is discussed more fully with reference to the accompanying FIGURES.
A first feature provided by system 10 relates to a "Level of Interest Rating." An end user is provided with a web prompt (e.g. a slider bar), which solicits the end user's interest level of a potential candidate. The scale can range from "No Interest" to "High Interest" or system 10 can use any other gradation where appropriate. Such an interest-ometer stands in stark contrast to other rudimentary systems in which a simple match is generated based on profile information. Moreover, prior architectures process according to strict compatibility, but fail to accommodate the interest component. Consider the case where a person's profile information would suggest one potential mate, but their interest bar resultants yield an attraction to a completely different type of individual. System 10 effectively accounts for such a discrepancy (and others) in offering a superior method of matching two individuals.
The indicated interest can be sent to system 10 and, further, be used in additional processing for this end user. In such a scenario, feedback from the interest bar can be aggregated, compiled, and processed for the future coordination of potential matches. Hence, a reevaluation protocol is facilitated by continuing to leverage results from the interest bar.
A second feature provided by system 10 relates to multi-tiered questions. Along the dating continuum, several levels of questions are proffered for the end user. During the unique questioning protocol, preferred answers are selected by one candidate and then the other potential candidate receives the questions that include these answers. The questions/stages can be completed in pairs. The results are then displayed in a novel way, whereby selections from one candidate are illustrated along with the other candidate's responses. This scale (or seesaw configuration) readily displays the differences, the range of differences, and/or the congruency in the answers. Note that the "Not Interested" bar is displayed throughout the dating process such that the end user can exit the romantic pursuit at any given time. The discussion of this second feature is amenable to detailed illustrations, which are discussed below.
A third feature provided by system 10 relates to a resolution to a meeting. Lacking in most system is any method for facilitating a meeting after the first three stages of interaction have been finished. System 10 addresses this void by offering a pre-date profile for the participants to complete. Optimal date, time, cuisine, and other preferences can be solicited from both parties. Once a mutually agreeable date has been planned, the parties are invited to meet at the proposed time, place, and location. In a particular embodiment, during the course of the date, a courtesy phone call may be placed to either of the participants (or a specific participant at their request) in order to indicate that the date has ended. Note that a first date may only be for coffee; so once the allotted time has passed, the meeting should conclude. In another embodiment, such a call could be used to provide a graceful exit for a party who is experiencing an uncomfortable situation.
A fourth feature provided by system 10 relates to a post-date evaluation. Once the date is completed, the parties can return to the site and fill out a post-date follow up evaluation. This may be inclusive of questions that relate to appearance, punctuality, chemistry, etc. A sampling of these questions is provided and discussed below with reference to corresponding FIGURES. A second date solicitation could also readily be provided at this point along the dating timeline. Additionally, a dating report card could be provided to each of the end users. This could be done in order to provide benign, constructive feedback to an end user, who may be experiencing difficulty in one particular facet of his dating approach (e.g. the end user may be counseled to focus on being a better listener).
A fifth feature provided by system 10 relates to an "Interested in You" component. The "Interested in You" component is broken into two segments: 1) Match List; and 2) Interested in You. Other on-line dating platforms simply populate matches concurrently. In the architecture of system 10, the interest level is separated from the "want to meet" element. The other candidate only receives an e-mail if the interest level is positive (e.g. greater than 7 [scale 1-10]). Negative interest levels are not communicated to the other potential match. These functionalities can be better understood with reference to accompanying illustrations and the discussions that are provided below.
A sixth feature provided by system 10 relates to a limited search, which can be conducted by a participant. The limited search may be somewhat constricted (e.g. only one limited search per day). The limited search capability would allow an end user to seek out individuals having an exact qualification or a specific characteristic. This would achieve a level of granularity for the end user, who may have precise criteria for choosing a romantic interest to pursue. Additional platform tools, capabilities, and features are provided below and are discussed with reference to accompanying FIGURES. These elements are described immediately following the subsequent description of the components of the architecture of
End users 12 are clients, customers, prospective customers, or entities wishing to participate in an on-line dating scenario and/or to view information associated with other participants in the system. End users 12 may also seek to access or to initiate a communication with other users that may be delivered via communications network 14. End users 12 may review data (such as profiles for example) associated with other users in order to make matching decisions or elections. Data, as used herein in this document, refers to any type of numeric, voice, video, or script data, or any other suitable information in any appropriate format that may be communicated from one point to another.
In one embodiment, end user 12 represents (and is inclusive of) a personal computer that may be used to access the Internet. Alternatively, end user 12, as illustrated in
Communications network 14 is a communicative platform operable to exchange data or information emanating from end user 12. Communications network 14 represents an Internet architecture in a particular embodiment of the present invention, which provides end user 12 with the ability to electronically execute or to initiate actions associated with finding a potential candidate. Alternatively, communications network 14 could be a plain old telephone system (POTS), which end user 12 could use to perform the same operations or functions. Such transactions may be assisted by management associated with central web site 18 or manually keyed into a telephone or other suitable electronic equipment. In other embodiments, communications network 14 could be any packet data network (PDN) offering a communications interface or exchange between any two nodes in system 10. Communications network 14 may alternatively be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), virtual private network (VPN), intranet, or any other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates communications in a network or telephonic environment.
Central web site 18 is a server (in one embodiment) that is operable to receive and to communicate information to end user 12. Alternatively, central web site 18 may be any switch, router, gateway, processor, component, object, or element operable to facilitate communications involving end user 12. In one particular embodiment, central web site 18 is engaged in facilitating interaction(s) between parties interested in seeking a romantic partner (i.e. on-line dating). For example, central web site 18 can be on-line dating service provider www.Match.com. In other embodiments, central web site 18 is any web site or architecture interested in facilitating a connection involving two or more people, and which may make use of a given photograph. This could include services associated with job placements, escort services, real estate, recruiting services (e.g. in athletics or in academic settings), etc.
Supplemental web site 20 is a server (in one embodiment) that is operable to receive and to communicate information to end user 12. Alternatively, supplemental web site 20 may be any switch, router, gateway, processor, component, object, or element operable to facilitate communications involving end user 12. In one particular embodiment, supplemental web site 20 is operable to perform processing functions for central website 18. For example, supplemental web site 20 can be used to coordinate scheduling, execute matching algorithms, assist in uploading or downloading large pieces of data, implement billing protocols for end users, etc. Supplemental web site 20 can alleviate any of the processing loads present in the network.
A link may be provided on either central web site 18 or supplemental web site 20 (or on both) such that a given end user can be immediately directed to the other site. While one embodiment offers a connection between these two sites, these two sites may be completely independent of each other in other embodiments, where independent entities operate these sites. In the case that these two sites are operable to communicate with each other, a secure connection can be provided in order to maintain the integrity of the information propagating between the sites and to protect the privacy of the individuals implicated by the communications.
With regard to the specific items that effectuate the teachings of the present invention, central web site 18 and/or supplemental web site 20 may include software and/or algorithms to achieve the operations for processing, communicating, delivering, gathering, uploading, maintaining, and/or generally managing data, as described herein. This includes suitably displaying some or all of these items. Alternatively, such operations and techniques may be achieved by any suitable hardware, component, device, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), additional software, field programmable gate array (FPGA), server, processor, algorithm, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or any other suitable object that is operable to facilitate such operations. Considerable flexibility is provided by the structure of central web site 18 and supplemental web site 20 in the context of system 10. Thus, it can be easily appreciated that such functions could be provided external to central web site 18 and supplemental web site 20. In such cases, such a functionality could be readily embodied in a separate component, server, processor, device, or module. Note that these on-line dating features and capabilities may be provided in just one of these elements, in both, or distributed across both of them. Hence, in certain embodiments, the on-line dating operations may be consolidated in a single web site, where no redirection is needed, nor performed for the user.
In operation of an example flow, consider a case where a given end user is interested in participating in an on-line dating scenario. End user 12 can access the Internet, travel to central web site 18, register, and create a profile on the site. Note that end user 12 may access supplemental web site 20 directly as well. Moreover, end user 12 can access either web site through any suitable banner, pop-up, partnership, e-mail solicitations, direct mailings, etc. It can be appreciated that on-line commerce can be generated by a plethora of marketing tools and any such tools can readily cooperate with the operations of the present invention.
From this point, matching (of any form) can commence amongst the members of the on-line community. For example, in the context of a romantic endeavor, a person may begin the dating process or engage in communications that would spawn such dating. Other applications could include job applicants who are being sought by employers. Any of the individuals who reside in the on-line community can begin using any of the tools or capabilities of the platform.
Note the level of interest rating component to
If the slider is moved to the right (indicating a strong preference for this particular individual), then the person can be moved to an "Active Matches" tab (i.e. a queue), where the relationship progresses to the next level. If the slider is moved to the left (indicating a low level of interest in this individual), then this person can be placed into an "Archive" where the relationship does not continue. Note that an inference can be made based on the level of the slider bar such that a potential candidate can be immediately directed to an end user's active matches. In other embodiments, there is no default to "Active Matches" and the end user must manually make this decision: no matter his level of interest rating. For example, a simple prompt may be provided to the end user such that, for a proffered candidate, the end user makes an election (e.g. by clicking his mouse to make a selection) for "Active Matches" or "Archive."
The slider bar represents an easy way for an end user to engage in the candidate selection process. Engagement could yield a progression toward a future relationship or it could remove individuals from consideration from an end user's queue. Both of these actions are productive, as both are results-oriented. Deciding not to engage a certain individual is certainly useful, as choices associated with an end user's dislikes are valuable for identifying and proffering new candidates. This feedback information is imperative to achieving a high level of success in an on-line dating environment.
In the context of the particular example of
Consider the case where congruency is not necessarily optimal in the context of a dating scenario. Todd may be extroverted and excessively social, but if his mate shared this character trait, this situation may be unworkable. Character traits may have complimentary effects, whereby strict commonality would not always produce an ideal relationship connection. In other embodiments, the personality profile of
Characteristics of all four personality types can be found within each person, but there is almost always one personality type that is dominant. This is called the major personality type. The test also identifies minor or secondary personality types. An end user may exhibit some aspects of this personality type, though not to the same degree as with the major personality type. In the context of Todd's personality profile, a pie chart is illustrated to signify his personality makeup. The analysis is based on his responses to a questionnaire provided by system 10. The results here identify Todd's major and minor personality types, as well as the personality types that are most likely to be compatible with his personality.
In this instance, Todd's major personality type=Director and his minor personality type=Explorer. Hence, Todd is a DIRECTOR/explorer, which (in the narrative) indicates: "You are courageous; and you seek challenges. You are a tough-minded, independent, and daring thinker who likes to explore ideas or problems thoroughly. You focus easily. And you are persistent, systematic and competent in pursuing your interests and goals. You also assertive; and you enjoy the opportunities your hard work wins. You have a lot of energy. You think quickly, make decisions more easily than most, dislike unnecessary rules, and take a rational approach to people, issues and ideas. You don't often enjoy "small talk." You are generally not interested in pleasing boring people and you gravitate to men and women who are intellectually exciting and get to their point quickly during conversations. You are not conventional in most of your attitudes and values. You tend to be irreverent and pragmatic and you like spontaneous people. You can be an exciting, yet hard driving and exacting, friend and companion."
In addition, in this example Todd is E-Explorer—25%, N-Negotiator—25%, B-Builder—22%, and D-Director—26%. The Explorer element of his personality is known for high energy and high creativity. Explorers seek novelty, risk, and pleasure. Also, Explorers are intellectually curious and not easily swayed by opinion. Todd is also 22% Builder. These Builder individuals are usually popular and have a deep attachment to home and family. Builders exhibit a calm demeanor and low anxiety and are often focused on achieving financial security. Todd is also 25% Negotiator. A Negotiator excels at seeing the big picture, long-term planning, and consensus building. Negotiators are quick witted and intuitive. These individuals are also imaginative and nurturing. Finally, Todd is 26% Director. These individuals are skilled at abstract thinking and short-term planning. Directors are often assertive, competitive, and interested in rank and status. Directors are known for easily making people laugh.
Note that any segment of the test of
As a general proposition, system 10 is designed to learn from end user feedback (e.g. what the end user likes, who the end user likes, what the end user does not like, etc.). Input is integrated into system 10 so that over time system 10 gets a more complete picture of whom exactly the end user is and whom the end user appears to be seeking. System 10 continually learns about the end user. From the first moment the end user makes a dating decision, system 10 begins to gather and compile important data about end user preferences. Throughout the operations of the site, system 10 queries the end user for feedback (e.g. Are you interested in this match? If so, how much? Do you like the way your match answered this question? If not, what is your preferred answer?). Input is immediately processed and used to reevaluate parameters in hopes of offering more compatible matches for the end user to consider.
In this example, the #2 slot on Todd's list reflects a potential mate named Brooke. However, on Brooke's list of potential matches, Todd is only listed in the #8 slot. Because of his position (and assuming that only five matches will be seen by a given end user), Todd may be seen by Brooke tomorrow, or the day after that, or (in theory) never. Todd's displacement is dependent on new matches that are populated into Brooke's queue.
However, Todd can signal that he is interested in Brooke right now because she is currently occupying his second slot in the list. One positive effect of Todd signaling that he is interested in Brooke is that Brooke will generally rate Todd higher than if she would have simply seen Todd in her Active Matches. This heightened level of attractiveness is fully supported by statistical research and empirical data.
Note that this condition can be exploited in order to achieve greater dating success for the operator of the dating platform. For example, if Brooke is generally rated a "7" but only dates persons who hold a level of "7" or higher, Brooke's queue can be populated with persons having a "6" rating or higher (through manipulation of the "Interested in You" component of system 10). These people will consistently respond to Brooke's picture/profile by indicating that they are interested in her and, subsequently, she will uniformly rate these 6s much higher (e.g. as 7s or greater). Hence, one way to achieve the desired effect is to populate Todd's New Matches with Brooke: this strategy fully expects Todd to indicate that he is interested in Brooke. Once Brooke receives the signal that Todd is interested in her (i.e. Todd shows up in her "Interested in You" queue), then Brooke will rate Todd higher than his "deserved" 6 designation. Once Brooke inputs a level of interest rating sufficiently high, Todd will be placed in an "active state" (e.g. in active matches for Brooke) such that the relationship progresses to a next level. The flow in such a scenario is Interested in You (1st direction), then Interested in You (2nd direction), then relationship essentials, then short answers, then e-mail, and then a meeting. These stages can readily be modified or changed based on particular needs.
In one embodiment, the evolution of the relationship is as follows: 1) relationship essentials; 2) short answers; 3) e-mail; and 4) meet. In other embodiments, these stages are altered considerably. For example, short answer questions could begin the dating process, whereby stage two would be relationship essentials, followed by short answers and then e-mail.
This rating scale can be used to aggregate scores and to identify an average rating value for a particular individual. For example, if Todd rated his interest level of Pam as moderately high, that designation would be correlated to an '8' rating, which could be added to other end user's interest ratings of Pam. Although Todd has evaluated Pam as an '8,' her true average score could be only a '6.' Because Pam's aggregate score is a '6,' Pam would be placed into other Active Match queues of people who are also in this 6 category. Stated differently, if Pam had an average interest rating of 6, then she would be matched with other 6s.
This matching of people with (approximately) equivalent level of interest ratings is performed because such matching yields the most success. This result has been proven through statistical data, which tracked the patterns of people who shared similar level of interest ratings. Some of this data is associated with the field of anthropology, but is nonetheless grounded in simple logic. While it is true that the person having a '1' rating can successfully date a 10-rated person, this scenario (on average) is not as likely as a relationship in which two people share a 7 rating. As a total population, people having commensurate scores are more apt to move further along in a dating process than mismatched individuals.
Thus, Pam could have her Active Matches populated with other similarly rated individuals (e.g. 5s, 6s, 7s). To Pam, the choices are all relative (i.e. Pam would not necessarily realize that she is being shown nothing but 6-rated people and, accordingly, she would arbitrarily rate this group of people (e.g. as 4s, 9s, 10s, etc). This phenomenon is associated with 'positive associative mating', which is part of a growing body of anthropological research.
There could be a multitude of questions, which could be used to explore the personalities and character traits of the participants. In one example, an end user is asked to select five of the questions: the answers of which may be important or intriguing for the end user. These are the questions that will be presented to the active match that is being targeted (in this case, the active match is Pam). Hence, a given end user is afforded the opportunity to ask probing questions about subject matter that has significant value to that particular end user. (Note that in other embodiments, the end user can develop their own questions to be asked to a potential mate. This ability to exercise creativity in querying a potential mate for certain information can be provided at various stages of the dating process.)
This level of precision in asking questions that are pertinent to the end user's fundamental value principles yields greater success in an on-line dating environment. In addition, this level of specificity and the actual question selection process is generally not provided in similar dating systems. What is imperative in this whole process is the ability to relay the information that is most important to the end user at an early stage. Consider a simple questionnaire that does not account for an end user's preferences. Questions could focus on politics in the Middle East, the most romantic city a given person has ever visited, or feelings about a person's most recent breakup. But, these questions are useless if none of these topics are vital to an end user's calculus in electing whether to pursue a relationship with another participant. The present invention addresses this issue, and others, in providing an optimal user-configurable system that resolves these deficiencies. System 10 offers flexibility to the end user by allowing them to choose the questions to be posited to a potential match.
The questions could be provided in a simple multiple choice format for purposes of simplicity. Other formats (e.g. true/false, fill in the blank, short answer, etc.) could also be readily used. Brooke would be sent this list of questions to be answered. Brooke would select her preferred responses. Both individuals (the end user and Brooke) will be completing the same questions independently without knowing how the other participant responded to these questions.
Once both parties have completed the questions, each party is then presented with the answers. More importantly, the answers of the potential mate can be viewed in the context of their own answers. This allows the end user to see exactly how the other party shares specific interests or how truly disparate responses are from one another.
Note that the answers submitted by both parties can be used by algorithms that process this feedback. For example, if Todd answered any of the short answer or multiple choice questions associated with money as "A penny saved is a penny earned" then such a response would be matched to other users who responded in a similar fashion (not necessarily verbatim, but conceptually). In this sense, there is a constant feedback loop that is present in system 10, as each piece of data is considered in the evaluation of future potential matches.
After the short answer phase has been completed, the parties can agree to move to stage three, which is the e-mailing stage. Note that the end user can skip the last stage in the progression by simply e-mailing the other party in order to determine whether or not the other party would feel comfortable meeting sooner. If the other party agrees to skip stage three, then both participants can progress together to a potential meeting.
Note that both participants input their zip codes when their profiles are established. The platform can take that address information and use it to find an optimal dating location. Both participants can also provide contact information such that if either person is running late or needs to cancel the meeting, the other person can be notified. A pre-date is a short, low-pressure, in-person meeting between an end user and the selected match. The pre-date may be thought of as an intermediate step between email and a full-fledged date, which may be inclusive of dinner. System 10 can work to find a mutually-convenient time and location for the meeting, but the end user is welcome to suggest a time or place that works better for the two participants. Both participants can designate their availability and their general dating preferences. This information generally will be used to find a mutually convenient time and place for participants to meet. Except for the details regarding availability, this information will not be shared with the potential match.
Hence, system 10 can operate to integrate the schedules and preferences together in order to identify a mutually agreeable location. The first date location could be a coffee shop, a restaurant, a bar, a park, a library, or any other appropriate location for these individuals to meet. Hence, a simple coffee encounter could be replaced by a lunch, a dinner, a movie, a round of drinks, etc. Note that a simple call could be placed twenty minutes after the date has begun in order to signal that the date should end. In other embodiments, a call could be placed to extricate someone from a terrible dating experience. This could be done in the context of a longer date, whereas one person is simply not enjoying the dating experience and the date is scheduled to continue for several more hours.
By setting up a call in the first scenario (i.e. a coffee encounter), the onus is then removed from either party to truncate this initial meeting. Note that voice-mail or text messages can be sent to either user in cases where an individual is running late or cannot make the pre-date meeting. The appropriate contact information could be provided in the pre-date profile stage. The platform can autonomously trigger a query for both participants in order confirm that the date occurred. If it has, then the system offers a final feedback opportunity for both participants. Hence, once the date has concluded, both parties can return to their computers and signal their thoughts on how the date occurred. A series of questions can be used in order to solicit important responses from the end user. For example, a given end user could be asked: 1) Was your date on time? 2) Was she interesting? 3) Was she a good listener? 4) How was the chemistry between the two of you? 5) Was she well-mannered or polite? 6) Did her photo match her appearance? Chemistry is an essential quality of every successful relationship. The sooner an end user can find out if there is chemistry between him and the selected match, the sooner the end user will know whether or not this is a relationship worth pursuing.
The most important question of the post-date follow up could relate to whether or not the end user cares to see this person again. Note that the responses from the post-date follow up are an invaluable tool for the operator of the website. The responses reflect important character traits that can be fed back into the system for future matches. In addition, the operator can offer constructive feedback to an end user who appears to be struggling in some area. Thus, a cumulative average (e.g. after three or more dates) could be taken of several questions, whereby a single area can be pin-pointed for improvement. This is verifiable, informative, and truthful dating information for the end user to consider. Note that such a "dating report card" is simply missing in the area of on-line dating. In some cases, an end user may only need to tweak certain aspects of his dating makeup in order to achieve the desired result. For example, a given end user may be habitually late or he may not dress appropriately. By admonishing him (in a professional way) about these deficiencies, he can correct these inadequacies in order to increase the likelihood of him finding a successful relationship. In other scenarios, the end user may be counseled on how to better highlight his strengths in his profile or how to better phrase questions for potential matches. Thus, such dating advice is highly specific and, furthermore, could extend to any of the components identified herein in this patent application.
In one embodiment, in cases where the date went extremely well, the other end user is only shown a positive sentiment associated with the encounter. The results of each question are not necessarily sent over to the other side in this particular embodiment. Other embodiments may include a full disclosure of the exact responses from the reciprocating end user. In cases where the end user has scored poorly in the post date follow up questionnaire, that negative information can be minimized or toned-down in order to spare the feelings of the other person. In such an instance, the end user receiving the negative feedback would only receive a benign message signaling that his counterpart did not enjoy herself or that she would simply not be interested in pursuing a future relationship with this person. Note that using such a protocol obviates concerns of those individuals who are reluctant to answer post date feedback questions honestly for fear that those responses would be shown to the other participant.
Another component of the present invention allows the end user to turn ON or display their own feedback such that other users can see how this person is generally reviewed. The person whose feedback will be made public can have the option of participating in such an arrangement or elect to keep this information confidential. In this arrangement, other members of the on-line community can see how this person is systematically reviewed (e.g. after 3-5 dates). For example, the end user may be consistently reviewed by others as "a good listener" which may be the very quality that certain persons are seeking. Other feedback could include items such as: "his photograph was accurate" or "he was 20 minutes late." virtually any information can be shown to the on-line community, whereby a certain amount of control is exercised by the person whose information is about to be disclosed to the public. This feature allows for greater transparency for other members of the on-line dating community, as truthful information is being presented for other end users to consider.
Yet another feature of system 10 relates to a limited search tool, which can be executed by a given end user. The term "limited" in this context only relates to the operator's desire to confine or to restrict such searching capabilities. In other embodiments, the end user may be able to freely search: unfettered by restrictions imposed by an operator.
This freedom to search for any type of person allows a person to express interest in people that he would not otherwise find (i.e. that would not be sent to his "Interested in You" tab). For example, the end user may elect to go outside his normal criteria in search of a potential mate. In a similar fashion, the person identified in the search may not be expecting to see such an individual in her "Interested in You" box. Consider a case where the identified woman in this case is adamant about not dating people who smoke and the person performing the limited search is a smoker. She will see this particular end user in her "Interested in You" tab and wonder if she has configured her preferences properly.
One way to address this lack of congruency is to provide an additional tab (or a sub-tab) for her in order to indicate that there are other people (outside her normal circle of interest) that have expressed interest in her. Thus, a simple "Other Interested in You" tab could be provided for her and she could elect whether or not to engage this person in conversation or questions, etc. In another embodiment, there is not a special tab for these (unexpected) individuals and the receiving party can simply ignore these end users or archive these individuals immediately.
In operation of an example flow, consider a case where there are five new matches in the Active Matches tab and an end user indicates that he has interest in only one of the five (the other four being sent to the archive). The end user can be afforded the opportunity to perform one limited search (e.g. one per day) in order to identify other participants who meet specific criteria in which he is interested. For example, the end user may have detailed criteria concerning the age, physical activity level, and education of a potential mate. Criteria can include any of the profile information identified herein. The search criteria can also include any of the items illustrated in
The platform allows the end user to search the system using any selected parameters and, further, the platform can re-populate the Active Matches list with these newly discovered individuals. The limited search can be run on central web site 18 or on supplemental web site 20 or be executed on other devices (e.g. end user devices).
As evidenced by
Some of the steps illustrated in the preceding FIGURES may be changed or deleted where appropriate and additional steps may also be added to the process flows. These changes may be based on specific communication architectures or particular interfacing arrangements and configurations of associated elements and do not depart from the scope or the teachings of the present invention. It is important to recognize that the FIGURES illustrate just one of a myriad of potential implementations of system 10.
Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that various other changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although the present invention has been described with reference to a dating protocol, any service that deals with (or that leverages) photos could readily benefit from the present invention.
Moreover, although the present invention has been described with reference to a number of elements included within system 10, these elements may be rearranged or positioned in any appropriate manner to accommodate any suitable networking configurations. In addition, any of the elements of
It should also be noted that any of the question portions of the platform can leverage any type of format. Thus, in establishing a personality profile, in generating a pre-date profile, in executing relationship essentials, in answering short answer questions, any suitable question format can be employed. Example formats include a Yes/No format, a multiple choice question format, a short answer format, a true/false format, etc. Other formats can readily be used in order to achieve the desired responses.
Additionally, it should be noted that the dual-slider bar configuration (as depicted in
Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the present invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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text:
How do you guys think naruto will end ?
Who of the major characters will die or be brought back to life?
Which of the good guys will become evil and which villains will become good guys ?
Who will end up as couples?
And finally who will be the final battle between?
I started this thread in the olf forum and decided to put it back. Feel free to post your thoughts.

subset: commoncrawl


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BBA to add 20 acres to campus
The properties, which are geographically contiguous to the school's current campus of approximately 30 acres and border its present northern boundary, are under contract. Both the school, and the current owners of the property - the Olcott and Morgan families - are committed to making the sale go forward, said Mark Tashjian, Burr and Burton's headmaster, on Wednesday.
"We bought it recognizing that they're not making anymore land," Tashjian said. "When the perfect puzzle piece comes up to re-shape the campus, then you buy it. For the long term, we needed this property for us to be able to consider the future of the school in as broad a way as possible." A closing of the property sale is expected later this summer. That will allow the Morgan and Olcott families to enjoy a final summer in their residences, according to a separate statement released Wednesday by Burr and Burton.
The property is north of the school's current property line and is adjacent to the existing buildings there; the Rowland Center, the Riley Center for the Arts and the school's gym. The new acquisition extends westward up the eastern side of the range of hills north of Mount Equinox. Two existing property parcels - about 2.16 acres owned by the Morgan family and an additional 17.8 acres owned by the Olcotts, make up the new acquisition. The Olcott parcel includes a pond and an Adirondack-style summer lodge , known as Birchbrook, which was designed and built in 1929 by Shirley Olcott, was the Dean of Princeton University's School of Architecture. The smaller Morgan parcel comes with a four-season cottage, according to the statement released by the school on Wednesday.
The property is virtually hidden from view from all main roads in the area.
The property has been owned for several generations and was much loved, said Anne Battle, a co-owner and granddaughter of Shirley Olcott.
"Our grandfather, who designed and built the Birchbrook house and was an educator himself, would be delighted to see the land used to support education and young people in this community," Battle stated in an e-mail.
The price Burr and Burton will pay to acquire the land was not disclosed. Tashjian said it was a "fair" price, based roughly on current assessed values of the property. A phone call to the Village's office seeking the assessed values of the property was not placed until after the village office closed at noon. The purchase price, and whatever investment and development that may follow, will be done through private fund-raising efforts, said Seth Bongartz, the chairman of the school's board of trustees, in the statement released Wednesday.
"The possibilities are simply endless," Bongartz stated. "As we consider the future, we want to be sensitive to the history of the land and the Birchbrook house, the natural environment, our neighbors, and the traditions and history of Burr and Burton Academy."
The school has no particular plans for how it might use the property immediately. What it does is give school trustees and administrators much more flexibility on how they might reconfigure the campus or add new buildings if such moves were deemed wise at some point in the future, Tashjian said.
"It gives us a way to examine the property as a 50-acre whole," he said. "Fifty acres gives us far more flexibility and allows us to do what is best for the school or the community."
Among the long term needs of the school is more indoor athletic space and enhanced performing arts space. But the school of the future may have very different space needs than the present, Tashjian said.
Other potential purposes could include using it as a nature preserve, faculty or administrative offices, which would be largely screened from view and not visible, he said.
"We're not going to turn it into a parking lot," Tashjian said jokingly, "They (the Olcotts and Morgans) cared about what happened next - so from their standpoint I think they wanted to see some sense that the legacy of the properties would continue into the future."
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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How the boom in climbing, biking and sailing is costing the earth
In the first of a two-part sport and environment special, Isabella Kaminski reports on how habitat damage, waste, nanotechnology and persistent organic pollutants are increasingly linked to our favourite outdoor pursuits.
Whether for health, love of nature or just for a serious adrenaline rush, millions of us regularly take part in outdoor sports such as climbing, biking or sailing. Although true aficionados are out in all weathers, braving the rain and snow, Britain's lush rolling hills and temperamental waters are most enticing at this time of year.
According to the Outdoor Industries Association, 43 per cent of the UK population takes part in outdoor activities at least once a month, with 35 million people hiking every year in the National Parks alone. But growing evidence suggests that these relatively green activities, powered by human muscle, wind or water, have hidden environmental costs.
David Cole, a research geographer at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute based in the US state of Montana, says the impact of outdoor sports is typically very intense but highly localised: 'The general populace is probably largely unaware that their activities, when multiplied by the effects of everyone else out there, can have a significant effect. But I think it is widely recognised that these sports are not completely eco-friendly.'
Article continues: http://www.theecologist.org/investigations/natural_world/995647/how_the_boom_in_climbing_biking_and_sailing_is_costing_the_earth.html


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Sylvia Rhone Headed To Sony?
Sylvia Rhone Headed To Sony?
Former Motown Records President Sylvia Rhone may be headed to Sony Music Entertainment to relaunch the company's Portrait Records, according to Billboard.biz. Rhone, who resigned from her post at Motown in May, would share a staff with the recently named Chairman and CEO of Epic Records Antonio "L.A." Reid. (7/21)
Warner Music Group Acquisition Complete
Following a recent report, Access Industries has completed its $3.3 billion purchase of Warner Music Group's recorded music and publishing divisions. The company will assume approximately $2 billion in debt from WMG and $320 million in cash, and will pay shareholders $8.25 per share. Additionally, WMG has amended its bylaws and certificate of corporation in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, noting that all board directors have resigned, with the exception of Edgar Bronfman Jr. (7/21)
Apple Tops Nokia After Quarterly Loss
Nokia reported a second-quarter loss of $523 million, a wide deficit compared to a profit of $326 million during the year-ago quarter, and a 7 percent drop in revenue to $13.4 billion. Nokia shipped 88.5 million mobile devices during the quarter, down from 111 million in the year-ago quarter, and smart phone volumes fell to 16.7 million units. The performance marks the first time Nokia has been supplanted in the smart phone sector by Apple, which sold 20.34 million iPhones during its third quarter. (7/21)
Katy Perry Leads MTV VMA Nominees
Nominations for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards were announced July 20 with GRAMMY-nominated artist Katy Perry leading the field with nine nominations, including Video of the Year and Best Female Video for "Firework," and Best Collaboration for "E.T." featuring Kanye West. GRAMMY winners Adele and West garnered seven nominations, including Best Pop Video for "Rolling In The Deep" and Best Hip-Hop Video for "All Of The Lights," respectively. Bruno Mars received four nominations, followed by 30 Seconds To Mars, Beyoncé, Eminem, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj, who each received three nods. The 2011 MTV VMAs will air live from Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Aug. 28. (7/21)


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Ladybugs used as natural pest control inside Mall of America
Why is it that we swat away every other bug that happens to land or crawl on us, but when a ladybug finds us, most of us observe it, count its spots, and maybe even blow it away and make a wish?
Ladybugs have become popularized in children's stories and in popular media, so we tend to have a positive perception of these coccinellids being a cute and harmless bug. But another thing that these bugs are known for is being a predator of aphids.
Aphids are a destructive insect pest that affect many cultivated plants. Aphids feed on a variety of plants and those exhibiting aphid damage can experience decreased growth rates, wilting leaves, and browning.
So when the Mall of America was faced with an aphid problem what did they decide to do? Use ladybugs as a natural pest control, of course.
For those of you who have never been to the mall, this Bloomington Minnesota landmark is over four million square feet and includes not only retail space, but a theme park, an aquarium, a wedding chapel and much more.
The Mall also includes more than 30,000 live plants, including about 400 trees, which act as natural air purifiers for the indoor mall. And unfortunately these plants were being affected by aphids that were thriving inside the Mall of America's landscaped areas.
According to reports, approximately 72,000 ladybugs have been released inside the fully enclosed shopping center and entertainment complex to combat the problem.
"Ladybugs are what I like to call, sort of a biological defense system," Lydell Newby, the Mall of America's senior manager of environmental services, told local news station KARE 11.
This is not the first time the mall has released ladybugs, reports the International Business Times, as in the past ladybugs were used as an alternative to commercial pesticides.
While some may argue that the addition of these ladybugs may become a nuisance themselves, by flying onto people and onto food, a mall spokesperson commented that the insects tend to spend their lives on plants.
Ladybug populations throughout North America have been changing rapidly, for reasons that may include climate change and land-use patterns. The Lost Ladybug Project is an effort (partly funded by the National Science Foundation) to track the insects' population across the continent.
For more information, see LiveScience.
Ladybug and aphid image via Shutterstock.


text: EP 6 - OUR MRS REYNOLDS So pre-credits I was hmmming "hmm, she looks like a young Christina Hendricks". Ta da. Never knew she was part of Whedon's Pre-Raphaelite harem. I guess I was expecting this to be more of a 'Vegas wedding' akward-com but it predictably turned into ENT's Raijin/Bound. Still, a return to form after Safe. Much zingier and nice to see Zoe and Wash get some more onscreen bonding time.


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TC2FS57 Price Match
Shop with confidence. If you find a lower advertised price from any authorized U.S. dealer, CALL US at 1-800-925-5776 or fill out the form below and we will meet or beat the advertised price, after verification.
1 For prices advertised online, please have the competing website address (preferably the specific product page URL) ready for our representatives if you call. We'll verify the online pricing and product description, brand name, availability, and relative price and product specifications. Due to manufacturer restrictions, some products are excluded from this guarantee. Advertised items must be factory-sealed new product. Demo models, factory seconds, sale items, discontinued merchandise, and floor samples not included. Items must be advertised, and verifiable on the web or in a local or national paper, magazine, or catalog by an authorized dealer (you may be required to email or fax a copy of the competitor's offer). All Pro Sound will beat combined or multiple offers at its sole discretion.


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- Ferrari news
Reliability Ferrari's main priority - Domenicali
- Drivers:
- Fernando Alonso
- |
- Stefano Domenicali
- Teams:
- Ferrari
Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali is making reliability his team's No. 1 priority for the rest of the season, but he has conceded that it must also improve its performance if Fernando Alonso is to hold onto his championship lead.
Alonso has not suffered any race-ending reliability issues this year and has only retired from one race when he got caught up in Romain Grosjean's accident in Belgium. His title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have both registered a DNF due to reliability issues at the last two races and Domenicali thinks such problems will be crucial in deciding the championship.
"At the end of the day we know that the points are the things that count and if you have a reliability issue the consequences are very heavy," he said. "So we have to make sure that first of all we are clear on that point because up to the moment that you don't have any issues on that you can concentrate on the performance side."
The Ferrari boss said the situation would become more critical over the remaining races as drivers get closer to hitting their eight engine limit for the season.
"Do not forget that now we also have a situation where the engines will be short for everyone. Mileage will be important, so there is something on that side of the cake that is very crucial. Reliability for me is the fundamental aspect until the end of the season. We know that we have suffered problems on our side in Monza and we know that we could have suffered problems today. You never know so we will have to wait and see. But for sure this is a priority."
Ferrari did not run a new rear wing in Singapore after it failed to deliver the performance it had hoped for. Domenicali also made clear that his team could not afford any wrong turns in development for the rest of the season.
"From now onwards we have six races to go with different characteristics of the track. For sure we need to improve the car in certain conditions, so we need to put more downforce on the track as the others seemed to have found the right path to improve their cars. We need to be rational and calm and make sure that at home when we are working flat out to bring developments to the car we make the right choice to improve the car.
"Sometimes when you push so hard to improve the development you run the risk of putting stuff that will not improve or can have the opposite effect of making the situation worse. This is the fundamental point that we have to make sure is not happening in the coming weeks."
Asked if he felt Alonso, who is 29 points clear of Sebastian Vettel, could win the drivers' championship without winning another race, Domenicali said: "In my view we have to make sure that Fernando will win again, otherwise we will have to rely on the problems of the others, which is not the right thing to do or say at the moment. We need to be focused on giving Fernando the chance to win again otherwise it will be very difficult. Not impossible, because you never say never, but for us it is fundamental to make sure he can win more races before the end of the season."


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Weather Station
Not into outdoor activity much these days apart from the beer garden, but I want the weather station.
Experiencing the great outdoors is fundamentally about escaping the trappings of modern life – leaving all the gadgets and gizmos we carry around at home – right? Well, maybe not – as there's a mountain of technology ready to enhance, rather than detract from your chosen outdoor pursuit, however extreme or placid. To document …
Not into outdoor activity much these days apart from the beer garden, but I want the weather station.
See title.
Has it actually become viable yet though? Does it manage to charge its own battery in less than a day for example?
if you leave them in a draw over winter, the self discharged battery will take quite a while to charge and youve probably fubared it anyway, by letting it go so low.
However, leave it on a windowsill, and jobs a goodun.
As for recharge rates, it depends on your usage, size/type of panel, and the weather. Most (non toy) units can probably manage 1 smartphone never seeing mains power, but that assumes panels are in a position to charge most of the time. Not just for ten mins when you notice the phone is beeping low battery.
If your going to try and run 3 phones and a digital camera off one, you are going to come unstuck.
For any more detail than that, you'll have to look at the specific figures per device. Eg my phone takes 1 hour to fully charge of a 5w charger. These panels will be lucky if they can charge their internal batteries at a rate of 1w (assuming expensive monocrystalline panels) , so plan accordingly.
Your idea of viable is arbitrary to some. If you're out in the wilderness, presumably you didn't go there hoping to spend the day conversing with those back home. Instead, a solar charger can give you a few minutes of vital phone runtime in case of emergency... or just keep the phone with a charge for daily status reports, etc.
Can a tiny handheld solar panel recharge a decent sized mobile phone battery in a day? Usually not. Depends also on where you are, cloudiness, whether you're repositioning the panels to track the sun, have the optimal angle in doing so, etc. Most people would be better off simply taking a 2nd charged battery with them or for extended outtings, a non-toy-like crank generator.
Sort of makes you wonder though, why can't phone manufacturers just integrate a solar panel on the phone cover and back so you just lay it down unfolded for integral solar charging, or charge via body heat (zombies don't use phones much).
A kinetic charger. As long as you're climbing up a mountain anyway...
I agree with Valis.
I would have thought a wind-to-charge device ie a wind-to-charge torch would have been up there amongst them. I wouldn't count on solar to be honest.
I so want a pair of these.
You guys get all the fun.
Re Spot - The Delorme inReach is far superior.
As someone who regularly hires out the liquid image camera mask to divers I can tell you this. It sucks.
Its good for people who want a photo of their first few dives, something for facebook etc. For actual high quality photos and videos? Invest in a real camera.
I have a suggestion for reviews like this: please tell us WHAT THE HECK THE THING IS in the title.
Consider the Knog Nerd 12 - The picture doesn't immediately tell me this is a bicycle computer, and I was 2 sentences in to a 4 sentence review (albeit one of those sentences is quite long) before I knew what it was.
Would it be so hard to have the title be "Knog Nerd 12 Bicycle computer"?
Or the Liquid Image Impact HD720P - "Oh, goggles. No wait - goggles with a camera!? Now I understand what HD720P refers to!" Given that manufacturers love to put random strings of numbers and letters after product names it's not worth trying to parse them. "Liquid Image Impact HD720P Goggle/Camera"
We love the Limux TS2 and TS3. Awesome cameras!
The waterproofing is nice, not only in water, but in all outdoor conditions. Take pictures while snowshoeing and not worry about the snow getting in the lens... makes a huge difference! Taking pictures while kayaking, snorkeling, even just the extreme humidity in some areas.
Invented so geeks could have somewhere to use GPS.
0) Water
1) A good pair of boots
2) Multitool
3) 7"Ka-bar
4) Fire starter
5) Good hat
6) hooks & line
7) Salt
8) 3x4 metres of 8 or 10 mil visqueen
9) Clothing appropriate for weather conditions
30 metres of quarter inch nylon line, a cooking pot, bedroll, good map
& compass, signaling mirror, small flashlight, basic medical kit, small handgun etc. are also handy, but hardly necessary. I've crossed the Rockies with no more than my top ten ... Survival training isn't exactly a walk in the park ;-)
Sadly the authorities here in the UK tend to frown on hand guns. Would a water pistol be a suitable alternative?
AC so they don't come to get me in the middle of the night...
"....small handgun....."?
What kind of outdoor trips are we talking about here, "Deliverance"?
Water is a gadget?
The article is aimed at cellar-dwelling ITboys whose idea of wilderness is when they drop out of 3G coverage.
The US and Canada feature wild bears and it seems like most of Australia is prepared to have a go at shortening your lifespan.. The most dangerous thing you're likely to run into in the UK is a bull in a farm unless unlucky enough to step on an pissed off adder that's desperately trying to get out of your way, or perhaps a deer in certain areas.
Having said that, I'd presume the survival list is for summer hiking. For winter I'd forego one of the items for an ice axe.
One could make a case that ability to move and store water is the single thing that made civilization possible. Don't believe me? Try to get along without it for a fortnight or so ...
For reference, see where I commented on "crossing the Rockies". Americus to Paonia, by way of Crested Butte (mandatory stop for a medical checkup). 80+ miles as the crow flies. In under 10 days. On foot.
"Deliverance"? This is the real world, not the movies. Live your life, you only have one ...
"One could make a case that ability to move and store water is the single thing that made civilization possible."
So ... you meant containers, not water. Still not gadgets though.
"Try to get along without it for a fortnight or so ..."
Better put "oxygen" as the minus first item on your list.
... for starting your list with number zero.
Also for the survival cleverness...
Ha! "Live you life..." I love this! His way of living is the One True Way! Everyone else is Doing It Wrong.
Personally, after a billion years of evolution, I expect my play spots to be easily accessible by road and provide a decent hotel.
Moving water implies containers. I thought that was obvious.
You'd want a pretty powerful handgun to stop a bear. Pick one that doesn't quite have it and said bear will be even more pissed at you.
As for Australia, most of the life shortening wildlife is poisonous so a handgun won't be of much use - ambush predators and all that jazz.
I clearly said "live your life", not "live my life".
It never fails to amaze me how few commantards can parse written English ... and how even fewer understand the simple concept of "copy/paste" ...
"Moving water implies containers."
Well ... "moving water" implies rivers to me, but never mind. What is implied is of no matter, you opined that water is a gadget. It isn't. Nor is the bottle you might be carrying it around in.
Shall we move on to how a hat isn't a gadget, and how salt isn't a gadget? Boots aren't gadgets either. Nor rope. A knife? A tool, not a gadget. Nice little USMC reference though. Pretentious? Toi?
Oh look, there you are castigating someone for not parsing your English properly. If it wasn't such self-congratulatory drivel ...
"Moving" also means "transporting". I can move a glass of water to my lips.
A "gadget" is a man-made tool or methodology, designed for a specific purpose or purposes.
Water is indeed a gadget ... It's a tool, tools are gadgets, ergo ...
Bottles are tools for carrying water. Tools are gadgets, ergo ...
Hats are tools for protection from weather or sunlight, ergo ...
Boots are tools to protect feet/ankles from rough or hot/cold terrain, ergo ...
Rope is one of the most useful tools I've ever learned to use, ergo ...
Knives are tools. Ergo ...
Not self congratulatory, rather tilting at windmills. Hopefully someone reading my drivel realizes there is a world out there, beyond their Mum's dusty cellar windows.
Semper Fi, but wrong branch. I was at Fort Benning[1]. However, the last year of my military life was at Camp Pendleton, trying to teach The Corps how to shoot over dawgs in rough country. Maybe they rubbed off on me. I can only hope ;-)
"I can move a glass of water to my lips."
Yes. You just moved a glass. When did you last "move" some water? When did you last "transport" some water? Not that it's relevant. Water still isn't a gadget.
"A 'gadget' is a man-made tool or methodology, designed for a specific purpose or purposes."
Got a dictionary reference for that? Common usage suggests a mechanical or electronic device. Most dictionaries concur.
"Water is indeed a gadget."
So ... water is man-made ... ? Tell me ...what is water's specific purpose?
Yeah - it wouldn't be anything in the countryside. A handgun might come in handy if you had to hike through certain parts of UK's larger cities - but carrying a handgun, a taser or even a knife is out of the question in the UK.
The bottom right icon on the Garmin GPS watch is obviously not from Somerset, otherwise it'd read "where's it to?"
Would you really pay mega bucks for a watch and a chunky digital map when both can be obtainedfor free/next to nothing as smartphone apps? Okay, maybe the map has a more robust gps, but the watch....? Many free apps and an arm strap will do the same job.
The watch is intended for serious runners. The last thing you want is something that's heavy, has limited battery life, not particularly rugged and difficult to operate with gloves. Smartphones also aren't known to feature heart rate monitors.
The real question is whether the Garmin 410 is worth the massive premium over the 405, or if you're not training seriously, a basic Timex runners watch!
Specialised GPS vs a smartphone is a harder question, provided you already have the phone. Obviously a ruggedised and waterproof case will be necessary, but the software and maps are quite cheap. The question is whether the battery life is up to snuff for more serious hikes.
Motorolap Defy semi-ruggedised smartphone (got one of these for my gf, fantastic bit of kit in most circumstances)
Viewranger application for Android, Symbian and Iphone (which is also used by mountain rescue teams)
Powertraveller range of chargers inc the solargorilla
Obviously you can't please everyone, but still..
... for the powertraveller mention, love their kit. My camera bag always has a fully charged power monkey with every adaptor they have just in case I come across someone in distress (i.e. they have a dead phone/iPod battery).
One outdoor gadget I would recommend, though it is mighty expensive, is a pair of image stabalizing binoculars. I have a small pair of Canon 10x30s. Prior to a big holiday some years ago, I wandered into a shop intending to spend £60 or some cheap pocket binoculars. One look through these Canons and my attitude was recalibrated. Yours will be too. Basically you press a button and the image stops shaking. Never an impulse buyer, but these were a good buy. Google "cannon 10 x 30 is"
the "where to?" icon would seem to indicate calling up directions so if it was using West Country localization then it would be "where goes I?" .... I think mfraz is thinking of "where's I to?" which would be the "my location" button.
N.b. for more on West Country accents see
Aqueous Nikwax. Regular wax assumes your boots are already dry. If you're needing to reproof your boots mid-trip, chances are they probably aren't. Paint on some aqueous Nikwax, and job done.
Compeed plasters. Don't buy anything else. Sure they're expensive, but you can put one on and still have it protecting your blister/cut after 3-4 days, without the blister/cut going manky.
Assuming you're tenting and not bivvying, a Vaude tent. Biggest problem with tents is getting them waterproof quickly. Anything which pitches inner first is a dead loss in Britain or anywhere else with significant rainfall. From taking the tent out of the bag, my Vaude will have the ridge up (and hence be waterproof) in under a minute. Another couple of minutes after that, and the tent is fully pitched.
The problem with Compeed is that other blisters grow over it. If you use it, make sure you use it on every hotspot...
As someone who walks and wild camps regularly, I can honestly say that Garmin sucks. The best solution is a map and compass (and know how to use them) but failing that get a good warterproof pouch (~ £20), a spare battery, and put ViewRanger on your smartphone. Hands down the best mapping software available.
Kudos to you for the comment.
I hate GPS systems...I've been hiking for near enough 10 years and I've yet to get lost using my map and compass...and given that my compass is around 7 years old and cost me only £3...and is more reliable that the sun coming up, I'm not inclined to change my system until the earth's magnetic field switches direction and N becomes S!
"Employed by mountain and cave search and rescue groups across Britain"
How can it locate its position from inside a cave where there's no GPS signal? Does it also have some sort of inertial / gyroscopical 'dead reckoning' position estimate for when it loses GPS signal?
Those Outdoor Adventure look suspiciously similar to some Jaybird Freedom phones I got at Best Buy for US $99.
Absolutely awesome design and light as a feather but the sound they produced was absolutely nasty - thin, scratchy and totally lacking any bass. They did spur me to finally order the Sony-Ericsson MW600 Bluetooth heaphone adaptor, which I couldn't be more pleased with ($50 heaper, too, from Amazon).
Definitely not worth the money, I'm with Martin on this one I use my trusty map and compass
rc planes man


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The O-Zone battle league recruited UW Battle League's Arsonal to fly out to Sweden and compete in a bonus match for the final round of the Vendetta Tournament. Arsonal faced off against the hometown battler Crome, and had to prove his worth as he always does battling in foreign turf.
Do you think he captured the victory?