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Buzz on the Street: Cyprus Barely Makes a Dent in the Little Bull Market That Could
A look back at the happenings on Wall Street this week, as seen by Minyanville's Buzz & Banter.
All day and every day, some of the stock market's best and brightest traders and money managers share their ideas, insights, and analysis in real-time on Minyanville's Buzz & Banter.
Here is a small sampling of this week's activity in the Buzz.
Monday, March 18, 2013
This Time is Different... Or Exactly the Same
Peter Tchir
The first arrow points to the Greek election. The second arrow points to our own election. The immediate reaction of futures was to sell off. In both cases, they bounced and were calm for a few days. Then the sell-off hit.
On multiple choice exams, they say go with your first instinct.
For those who read our notes last night, we thought sell-off, bounce, then real sell-off.
I think this is real.
Remember, corporations, banks, family offices, even individuals don't react quickly. In the former they have meetings before they decide what to do.
Will Ben be enough? Will weakening data here reinforce Europe?
I don't know, but I do not take the last 24 hours of price action as any sign that the market has digested the news.
This will come down to flows that move slower than we are used to. This is in the hands of people who don't make decisions like teenagers on a video game.
I think the longer-term move is for market weakness.
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Risk of Overreaction
Michael Comeau
It is not a pretty situation in Cyprus.
However, I would keep in mind that many market prognosticators overplayed the potential severity of many events in terms of impact to the markets (debt ceiling, Greece/Europe, fiscal cliff, Obama victory, Obamacare, sequestration, etc.).
So if you're banking on Cyprus driving the last ultimate breakdown of financial civilization, remember all the other things that were 'supposed' to blow things up. Yet, the trend off the 2009 lows has stayed intact.
And remember, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) just came off a 10-day winning streak and was up 11% year-to-date before the Mila Kunis top, so it's not like the market wasn't due for a breather anyway.
I'm not buying here -- just reminding you to look at the other side.
Gold Miners Deeply Oversold, In Need of a Bounce
Andrew Nyquist
While both the price of Gold (NYSEARCA:GLD) and the Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA:GDX) peaked in September 2011 and again with a lower peak in July 2012, it is clear that the Gold Miners have taken the brunt of the recent gold complex pain. With Gold down roughly 20 percent from its 2011 peak, the Gold Miners ETF is down about 45 percent.
Looking back on the Gold Miners ETF, you can see the rounded, broadening top, followed by the swift fall to the 50 percent Fibonacci retracement level (of the '08 to '11 bull run). This produced a nice tradable bounce, but was merely a backtest of the breakdown. The drop from that lower high, has been steady, consistent, and painful to watch. It has lead to a drop below the 50 percent fib and a bounce off the 61.8 percent fib. This also coincides with a February flush and a deeply oversold RSI. See Gold Miners ETF – GDX charts below.
In the second chart, I zoomed in on the current downtrend. Support resides around $35, while resistance sits around $42. Ultimately, it wouldn't be surprising to see a retest of the $41-$42 level. This is the old 50 percent fib and area where price began to accelerate downward in February. But, first things first, Gold Miner bulls need to stop the bleeding. Trade safe, trade disciplined.
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013
My Small, Thin Cypriot Wedding
Professor Pinch
News flow about Cyprus has been fast and furious over the weekend, which is bound to be followed up with a lot of "wait and see" the next few days as the country's central bank declares an extended bank holiday. "Hurry up and wait" seems to be an apt description here.
A couple of questions bouncing around in my mind about this whole situation come from the political/social lens. Specifically, here are some answers I want to know:
Could the EU just be using the Cyprus case as a "shot across the bow" to get the attention of bigger countries? Clearly, the concept of a deposit tax runs a huge risk (almost predictable if you ask me) of touching off the thing they want to avoid: bank runs. Why pay a tax to keep your money in a poorly run institution? If you're Italy, Spain, or some other EU country that has a banking system grossly oversized relative to GDP, policy around this has to be front and center. Seriously, it should've been front and center the past four years.
If you recall, Greece was supposed to be a "special case" as well. If you're a small country that's either in the EU or contemplating joining the EU, do you really want to move forward with that? Or if you're in, do you hold a referendum on leaving? Because the message will be clear if you look at Greece and Cyprus holistically: You're being punished for being small. You're not a country that's too big to fail.
The European Union's new slogan: "We're one Europe that's really two."
Jeff Saut
It was Senator Everett Dirksen who was rumored to say, "A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money." And that quip came up last week as the Senate grilled JPM's former chief investment officer about the now infamous "whale trader" who was responsible for the $6.2 billion loss in the derivatives markets. Concurrent with last week's Senate hearings, the Fed released the results of the 2013 CCAR for the 18 largest banks. As our banking team writes, "In sum, 14 of the 18 'passed,' two were given conditional non-objection to their capital plans, and two 'failed.' On the negative side, we were surprised to see BB&T Corporation (NYSE:BBT) 'failed' for 'qualitative' reasons and JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) was 'conditionally approved,' which we partially attribute to last year's London Whale trading issue. More positively, we view those exhibiting the largest increase in total payout ratios and higher-than-expected stressed Tier 1 Common ratios as this year's winners. These include Bank of America, Regions, and Citigroup. Of note, Goldman Sachs (not covered) also only received conditional approval of its capital plan while Ally Financial (private) failed on both quantitative and qualitative grounds."
Another "banking crisis" surfaced last weekend when Cyprus imposed a plan to apply a 6.75% levy to deposits of under €100,000, and a 9.9% tax to those over that threshold, marking the first time ordinary depositors have been "hit" by the Euroquake debt crisis. That deal, as of yet, needs to be ratified by the Cypriot Parliament, and might still be watered down, but the collateral damage spilled over to our markets yesterday. The resulting action was typical in that one should have anticipated a down opening, followed by rally attempts that failed, leading to a down close at the "bell." The question thus becomes, "Is the buying-stampede over?" My sense is that it is; however, I would use any subsequent pullback as a buying opportunity because I believe the economic recovery is durable. As for portfolio tactics, given what is happening I would trim some positions in Financials and add to positions in Technology. Interestingly, the Technology sector is currently more cheaply valued than the Utility sector, implying Utilities are going to grow faster than Tech. I do not believe it! According, I would increase market exposure to the Technology sector.
China's Last Stand
Eric Parnell
Chinese stocks have struggled mightily over the past several weeks. Although new fixed investment and fresh stimulus programs have historically accompanied the transition of political power in China, the government appears to be taking a different turn this time around. This includes the tightening of credit in order to cool a long overheating housing market and measures to dampen inflationary pressures. None of this is supportive of a rising stock market. And with the global financial system now in knots over the unfolding situation in Cyprus, the risks to the downside are only increasing.
China stocks as measured by the iShares FTSE China 25 Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FXI) are now under heavy pressure. But this was certainly not the case until recently, after bottoming at around $32 per share back in early September 2012, the FXI rallied strongly over the next few months, peaking at around $42 per share through late January 2013. From there the tide turned lower, however. The first downshift was swiftly to $38 per share, where the FXI found strong support through late February into early March. But starting last week, Chinese stocks broke decisively through this support and have been moving sharply lower in the days since.
Today, China stocks are making their last stand. At $36.32 on the FXI as of late morning on Tuesday, it is perched right on long-term support at its 200-day moving average. The bullish case might suggest a bounce may be imminent from these levels, particularly given that the FXI is now oversold based on relative strength and its momentum readings are now at bearish extremes. But the 200-day moving average has not been a reliable source of support or resistance for China stocks over the last few years, and recent history from late 2011 has shown that the FXI can become much more deeply oversold before finally finding a bottom. Furthermore, if the FXI does break decisively below what is already weak support at its 200-day moving average, an additional double-digit move to the downside to $32 per share would likely be in short order.
As a result, either now or following any short-term bounce in the coming days may be the time to close any remaining positions in FXI and move to the sidelines, particularly given the ongoing market uncertainty associated with the events unfolding in Cyprus and potentially across Europe. And watching for any move to $32 per share on the FXI may warrant a fresh look at reestablishing positions.
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Weezie on the Hop!
Todd Harrison
On top of navigating risk in this trippy tape, writing about it in real-time and countless other to-do's associated with managing a media enterprise, MVHQ is in the midst of an office move (we're moving to midtown -- cue the tunes!).
I bring this up to help paint the visual -- boxes galore -- and in an effort to share the journey, as we have for the past dozen years. It's been some ride, I'll tell ya, and it continues to continue!
Some Random Thoughts, in no particular order:
Yesterday, after I covered my Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) short, I oh-by-the-way mentioned that it didn't lift with the futures during the afternoon Snapper. In hindsight, that was telling, as the stock is down a deuce (2%) in an otherwise firm tape.
Other red beans in the green sea include JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM)--the next contestant on Short Sale of American Icons?--Barclays (NYSE:BCS), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), the energy patch (the OIH (oil service sector)) and the trannies (TRAN -50 bips).
And of course, the VXO is down 12%, and back at an 11-handle., which is nuts, in a way (given Europe) and intuitive in others (volatility is the opposite of liquidity).
We're getting some strong feedback from Minyans who would like to explore custom Buzzes and/or bulk licenses. Thanks for that, and keep 'em coming please! Critter food ain't cheap.
A few notable bears--Adam Parker from Mother Morgan and Meredith Whitney--turned bullish yesterday. They may be right--time will tell--but I was struck by Ms. Whitney's level of conviction. When asked if she would buy stocks now, after a four-year 125% rally that took the DJIA to all-time highs, she said, "Without a doubt." I've been trading 23-years and for the life of me cannot understand how any view can be "without a doubt" when there are always two sides to every trade. Not a dig; just saying.
In terms of my current risk profile, I haven't shifted my stance after selling 50% of my BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY) into the opening rush (near $16) and adding back the 10% short SPY exposure I nipped at yesterday (to get me back to 50% of a full position). And yes, I continue to hold plenty of dry powder as the market is a master and I'm simply a pawn.
As always, I hope this finds you well.
Joy Global Looks Shortable
Jeffrey Cooper
Joy Global (NYSE:JOY) looks lower and shortable on any rallies.
A weekly from April 2011 shows a waterfall decline from a 3rd lower high followed by a 1 2 3 Swing Snapback from last August into January 2013.
JOY looks set for a test of the 50 low, perhaps as early as April which is 2 years from high (720 degrees in time).
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Face-Plant-Down Update
Duncan Parker
Face-plant, err, Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) is doing serious damage to my reputation as an idiot-savant this morning. BUT, I can't stop telling everyone I want to BUY this darn thing based on the chart. Clearly, we have a bull pennant consolidation and the 200 day Moving Average just below where we're trading. RSI is dropping into the mid-30's, which is the area where the roil for the previous rally was born. I'm realizing now that the stock gods want FB to test the 200 before any rally is attempted. So, if you've got the guts -- I'll be floating my bid in said area for a 50% position. The second half bid is drilled-in like a whirling dervish at at the bottom of the gap around $24.50. If that mocking bird don't sing I'm done with FB if only until Zuck starts shaving. (aka - I'll be shorter than Todd Harrison on his scooter at Space Mountain.)
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Thursday, March 21, 2013
Socionomic Insight Into Recent Events
Woody Dorsey
Some Socionomics insights: The Lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU) behavior is a reverse metaphor of the Emperor's New Clothes. Suddenly, the stock is seen as not really what everyone thought. The "Transparency" revelation is a symbol for all stocks. They are not as desirable as they seem.
Meanwhile, Cyprus is just a metaphor for Uncertainty, but the market is still not sure what it "means." Note that Ben Bernanke has become more and more of a symbol rather than a real person. He has become locked into a Role. Indeed, he is Role Playing. Bullish men and moods always become boring before they change into their opposite.
Meow Mix
Todd Harrison
Lighten up while you still can, don't even try to understand; just find a place to make your stand and take it easy.
-The Eagles
That anthem has been playing in my crowded keppe all week but consistent with my opening missive, there are two sides to the current construct. I'm not going to Pete and repeat the levels--we're both strapped for time, and their in the link directly above -- I'll simply reiterate there is two-sided risk as we chop our way through another day.
With that said and respected -- respect but don't defer, right? -- and quite possibly because I'm slated to be away from the fray Monday through Wednesday (Disneyland with three kids during spring break with a very painful hip situation; AWESOME!), I've further pared my risk into the morning slippage. I'm currently sitting with a 20% position in SPY (NYSEARCA:SPY) puts, which is fine, through the lens of "just trading" and "hit-it-to-quit-it."
IF we see a last gasp higher (to S&P 1580), I'll unleash the hounds for a trade (even if I'm in Space Mountain, if that's still there). If we trade lower, I'm represented (albeit not what I was but consistent with the discipline that has served me in good stead). If we sit here, sat as a flat on hat? My theta-or decay -- won't trigger a starvation diet for my cats (one of whom is Crash, and we like to keep him happy).
Someone asked me on Twitter (@todd_harrison) if Deustche Bank (NYSE:DB) is an upside tell today--it's up 30-odd cents. I shared that the stock is down 21% this year, and it literally kissed the 200-day moving average yesterday. That's an intuitive place for a Snapper but hands over ears, it's a function of the technical metric. I've included the chart below, for those looking for a visual.
Lemme jump and get this to you, as the tape is trying to do the same. As always, I hope this finds you well.
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What Are POMO Coverage Ratios Telling Us?
Michael Sedacca
Since the beginning of the year and since Twist morphed into QE, POMO became straight reserve injections rather than a net neutral operation. As such coverage ratios through the Fed's POMO spiked up to start the year, but have trended down ever since. At the time, we thought it may be linked to the TAG expiration, as in dealers were unwinding securities holdings in concert with a drawdown in deposits, which could still be the case. It could also be linked to mortgage selling, but I am not totally sold on that idea.
See it below. While there are fluctuations in each direction as different baskets have different coverage rates, the trend lower is clear. For example, the 30-year basket usually has coverage ratios in 2.85 range while the 7-10 year basket is closer to 3.15. And if you look at the second comparison chart, you can see how the general trend in coverage mimics the general trend in yields. So, I think this should provide a tailwind to bonds, not a major one, but something, as the amount of supply being pushed out is lessening.
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Friday, March 22, 2013
Let the Games Begin!
Todd Harrison
The final fifth of our freaky week arrives with the bears -- or at least the Montana Grizzlies -- up in arms. They've had every opportunity to knock the bulls back--earnings misses, the specter of Cypriot default (and the attendant impact on psychology throughout Europe)--and they've captured a grand total of 1% in the S&P (INDEXSP:.INX). That Cyprus situation will seemingly come to a head shortly but investors have been conditioned to believe that aid packages will continue to save the day. This will again prove true--until it doesn't.
Yesterday we recapped our current vibes--the market writes the script and Minyanville tells the story--including dueling technical patterns and the battle between fragile psychology and Teflon sentiment. With quarter end less than a week away, that smoke you smell is emanating from the grinding teeth of portfolio managers throughout the land who have to pen letters in short order. Whether or not they're holding up the tape or sitting on the edge of their seats with itchy trigger fingers will shape the tape in the coming days.
I've had an active quarter trading--more active than I've been in some time--and I've lightened up ahead of a family trip to the House of Mouse (we leave tomorrow morning and return Wednesday). As detailed yesterday in real-time on the Buzz, I flattened all but a 5% short-side SPY placeholder (September paper) which I'm not married to but I need not divorce. My intention has been to trade around the short side as we edge close to S&P 1580 -- while capturing opportunities in individual situations--but I wanna focus on the fam, as that is precious time, and I abhor blind risk.
I would expect (at the very least) a press lower today (vs. the opening print), and we'll then turn to our tells for guidance. Keep your chin up, eyes open and right hand up, for the risk profile you go home with today will be the exposure you wake up with on Monday.
Good luck, as the March Madness continues...
The Mask of Comedy and Tragedy
Peter Atwater
While the outcome of Cyprus remains a TBD, I would strongly encourage Minyans to reread my thoughts on the battle between the "faced" and "faceless" from December 2009.
While clearly early, based on what I am seeing on many fronts, the issue is accelerating, and for corporate shareholders and bank and sovereign creditors I cannot emphasize enough what this means to co-investment risk.
Are the "faced" for or against you?
Transportation Average Saying Time to Carpool?
Duncan Parker
A quick look at the hourly chart of the DJ Transportation Average (INDEXDJX:DJT) (or as we traders refer to it, "The Tranny") reveals the possibility of a head & shoulders top forming. This is particularly worrisome as the Tranny has lead equities (both higher and lower), especially so in recent weeks. Please keep in mind I'm only monitoring the formation at this point and there is no reason to assume it will be validated thus far. Should it be validated, the initial target is 5300 +/-… An outcome of such likely has very bearish implications for the broad equity markets. I'll do my best to update Minyans as this potential situation unfolds
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Twitter: @Minyanville
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I've decided to delay writing the next part of what is turning into a bit of a thesis to post up something a little snappier and more, um, immediate.
I've been reading blogs written by British Asians over the last few days and am a little disappointed by the quality of the racism in some of the comments people are leaving anonymously. Admitedly, the comments are abusive enough and frequently ignorant enough but they are conspicuously lacking in originality.
There's far too much emphasis on the fact that all Muslims are fundamentalist scum who, even when they're not actively supporting terrorism, condone terrorism by harbouring homocidal psychopaths in their communities. Occasionally, some commentators also remember to throw in the fact that most Muslims are foreigners who smell, but even that observation is getting a bit tired.
Come on guys! There are loads more reasons to hate Muslims than that.
Just to get the ball rolling, I've decided to put together a quick list, in the time it takes my Saturday evening potatoes to roast, of fun alternative reasons to hate Muslims . Here goes, just pick the nearest demographic that best describes you and fire away …
Liberals – Why not try despising Muslims for believing in God, maintaining traditional gender roles and their disapproval of homosexuality? After all, we should all be inclusive, except when dealing with people whose beliefs we disagree with.
Capitalists – Why not dislike Muslims for their faith-based concerns over consumerism and Western style business practices? For Christ's sake, they even think charging excessive interest to be sinful. Where would we all be without the freedom to max out on our credit cards, buying shoddy goods manufactured by child labour that leave us feeling all empty inside five seconds after we've bought them? What would happen to tranquiliser sales? Besides, now that the Commies have gone, who else are we going to drop all those expensive bombs on? There's always the Chinese I suppose, maybe we'll get round to them later.
Christians – These guys killed Baby Jesus and they've got to pay. Hang on, it was the other lot wasn't it? No matter, Muslims would have done it if they were around at the time
Jews – Come on, after 2,000 years of persecution don't you guys deserve a break?
Zionists – er, Palestine…
Aryan Nationalists – For a rereshing change from Blacks, Jews and Catholics, why not try blaming Muslims for eroding your own culture and simultaneously stealing your welfare money and your jobs? Much more fun than concentrating on those whiter, richer people who are really selling you out isn't it? Ah, the fine art of misdirection. The old ways are the best ways after all.
OK, that homicidal terrorism is some serious shit, but those Muslims have got to work out a lot more issues than just that before we can think about inviting them round for a barbecue and a brew. The sooner they embrace our ways and become fully Westernised, atheistic, pill-popping, debt junkies who'd sell their own grandmothers, or heritage, for a Big Mac the better.

subset: commoncrawl


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Founded in 1990 as a non-profit organization, ASAA is dedicated to reducing injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea and to enhancing the well-being of those affected by this common disorder. The ASAA promotes education and awareness, the ASAA A.W.A.K.E. Network of voluntary mutual support groups, research, and continuous improvement of care.
Review Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The primary mission of the American Sleep Association is to improve public health by increasing awareness about the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep disorders. A secondary mission is to support other efforts and organizations that share our primary objective or help to improve public sleep health in other beneficial ways.
ASA was founded in 2002 by sleep professionals as a member-driven public awareness effort. ASA believes that every member of the community (physician, scientist, allied health care, technologist, patient, family member, and corporate partner) can make a positive impact in this effort.
Review Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Established in 1979, the Better Sleep Council (BSC) is the consumer education division of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA). The BSC is devoted to educating the public about the importance of sleep to good health and quality of life and about the value of the sleep system and sleep environment in pursuit of a good night's sleep.
Review Date: Thursday, October 13, 2011
This national, non-profit, patient-based organization serves people who have narcolepsy -- or related sleep disorders, their families and friends, and professionals involved in treatment, research, and public education regarding narcolepsy. Membership is open to all who share an interest in narcolepsy and other sleep disorders.
Review Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Established in 1990, this nonprofit organization promotes public understanding of sleep and sleep disorders and supports sleep-related education, research and advocacy to improve public health and safety. The Foundation's goals are: increased understanding of the importance of sleep to good health and productivity; prevention and/or remediation of health and safety problems related to insufficient sleep and untreated sleep disorders; expanded scientific research in sleep and sleep medicine; and implementation of public policy that promotes sleep education, research and treatment. NSF's programs are funded by corporate and individual donations, and through it's partnerships with corporations and government. Visit their web site or write for more information.
Review Date: Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Founded in the early 1970s by Dr. William Dement, the Stanford University Sleep Clinic was the first medical clinic ever established to specialize in sleep disorders. The clinic diagnoses and treats patients who have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep at night, problems with excessive daytime sleepiness or other medical problems occurring during sleep. The Stanford Center for Narcolepsy was established in the 1980s as part of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Today, it is the world leader in narcolepsy research with more than 100 articles on narcolepsy to its name. The Stanford Center for Narcolepsy was the first to report that narcolepsy-cataplexy is caused by hypocretin (orexin) abnormalities in both animal models and humans. Under the direction of Drs. Emmanuel Mignot and Seiji Nishino, the Stanford Center for Narcolepsy today treats several hundred patients with the disorder each year, many of whom participate in various research protocols. Other research protocols are conducted in animal models of narcolespy.
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We're at the end of "extend and pretend." The crisis of the Eurozone is now acute. The headlines are specific. The best analysis suggests that only extraordinary action can keep it afloat. And even that would work only to delay the inevitable for a month or two more.
The reality is that the Eurozone no longer offers any good option for continued unity. As an Italian policy-maker told Martin Wolf of the Financial Times, "it would be better to leave (the eurozone) than endure 30 years of pain."
At the center of the storm sits German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is being told by one and all that she must take extraordinary action to save the day. But the truth is she doesn't have the authority to do so, doesn't have the votes, doesn't have the political throw-weight to over-ride the judicial, legislative and political vetoes. She won't save the day because she can't.
So what does she do?
In the days leading up to the collapse of Lehman Brothers, then French Finance Minister (now IMF Managing Director) Chistine Lagarde told then-Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson that he could not allow Lehman to fail. The ramifications would be catastrophic, she said. She was mostly right.
Three years later, it will be Angela Merkel talking to President Obama,Treasury Secretary Geithner and Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke with exactly the same message. The United States government and the Federal Reserve must come to the rescue of the Eurozone or the ramifications will be catastrophic. And she will say that she needs roughly $1 trillion in financial guarantees and liquidity support. That's the number that will calm the markets.
She will do this publicly (it will be leaked to the FT or the NYT) because (a) she wants to maximize the pressure on the US to ride to the rescue and (b) she wants the blame to fall elsewhere in the event that the "situation" goes haywire.
And there will follow perhaps the defining moment of the Obama Presidency. If Obama goes forward and provides all or part of the $1 trillion guarantee, he will likely cut his own political throat in so doing. If Obama declines to go forward and provide all or part of the $1 trillion guarantee, he will likely preside over the second massively destabilizing financial panic in four years, thus insuring a second Great Recession, thus cutting his own political throat.
Sometimes, the choice a president has to make is between really, really bad and truly awful. That's the choice that Angela Merkel will likely drop on President Obama's desk within the next month, and probably sooner rather than later.


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401 91 666 (Sat-Thu : 8AM to 3PM) 600 54 00 48 (8.00 AM to 6.00 PM) 22052622 (Sat-Thu : 7.00 AM to 8.00 PM) 22034034 (Sat-Thu : 9AM to 4PM) (00973) 17558320 (Sat-Thu : 9AM to 7PM) 920022330 (Sat-Thu : 8AM to 3PM)
Introducing the most beautiful smartphone engineered by Samsung, the Galaxy S6.We proud to introduce one of the most decorated smartphones of 2015. Throwing away the plastic exterior, the Galaxy S6 sports a slim, seamless, and full metal and glass construction designed to not only make it the object of desire for consumers, but its raw processing power will make it a dominating force against its competition. Get the best of both worlds with the Galaxy S6.
Detailed 1440p display
Go beyond the HD resolution's point of no return with a 2560 by 1440 resolution being rendered on the Galaxy S6. Watch every app icon, image and every remainder of pixel transform in to the most awestruck element that you have ever witnessed on the 5.1 inch AMOLED screen of the Galaxy S6. We recommends this smartphone because not only is its display the most crisp that you will ever witness from a premium device, but also because it has been reinforced with Corning's Gorilla Glass 4, which has been constructed to provide further resilience to scratches as well as the dreaded falls on those hard, unforgiving concrete surfaces.
New dimension of performance opened
With the Exynos 7420 chipset, which is running a 64 bit capable octa-core processor, 3 GB of RAM andMali-T760GPU, the Galaxy S6 is capable of reaching a whole new echelon of processing power and energy efficiency with its next generation chipset. Experience 4K resolution content and taxing gaming applications with absolutely no limits, lags or moments of stutter on the Galaxy S6.
New generation image capturing and video recording
Think a DSLR becomes an encumbrance to carry around all the time? Whip out the Galaxy S6 since its powerful 16 MP sensor is able to transform your images in to lifelike objects. The camera sensor's OIS chip helps to capture stabilized images and let us not forget the device's 'UBER' capability of recording 4K videos at a steady frame rate of 30 FPS. If you happen to be a selfie-addict, this is perfect weapon of choice for you. With its 5 MP front shooter, you will be able to capture high resolution images, and host video calls as if the individual you are speaking to you is present at that current moment.
What's a smartphone without a smart charging feature?
Cannot find time in your busy schedule to charge your Galaxy S6? You need not worry because the smartphone's ability to fast charge its battery will grant you back uptime that will allow you to watch 2 hours of HD video from just 10 minutes of charging. In addition, there is also a built-in wireless charging feature, which allows you to provide juice to your Galaxy S6 with 'no strings attached.'
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Armed with a LTE category 6 modem and an 802.11 ac wireless standard adapter, experience unprecedented levels of mobile carrier network and Wi-Fi speeds. With the wireless adapter's dual-band functionality, you can effortlessly stream high resolution videos without delay.
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Combine the efficient octa-core processor, Android Lollipop 5.0.2 update 'out of the box' and of course the Galaxy S6's 2,550 mAh battery and what do you get? Insane amounts of battery life. With the Galaxy S6, you can rest assured that you will be able to take out 12-14 hours of backup power while connected to the battery hungry LTE network.
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De Lustige Kapoentjes
Tom Bouden started drawing at an early age. He began in the early 80s, by winning a comics contest for children at the BRT. During his school years, he cooperated on several schoolpapers. He also won a comics contest of the weekly De Volksmacht. Bouden studied animation in Ghent from 1989. He developed the comics character 'Boudewijn de Grom', of which some pages are published in albums later on. While drawing for an advertisement campaign, Bouden created the characters 'Max en Sven'. These characters are featured in the gay papers ZiZo in Belgium and Expreszo in Holland since the early 1990s. The first book collections appeared in 1994.
From 1997, he draws the series 'Max en Karel' in the Gay Krant. From 2000, his gay work is featured in the German magazines Queer and Freshmen, as well as the British DNA Magazine and the Dutch Gay & Night. His gay comics are collected in the album series 'Flikkerzicht'.
In addition to his adult work, Bouden has worked in mainstream comics. He started writing Disney stories for Donald Duck weekly in 1997. He has also written for theatre plays and television shows. He worked as the assistant of Hec Leemans on 'FC De Kampioenen' since 1998. Bouden has also written for 'Les Schtroumpfs' and 12 books in the series 'En Daarmee Basta!' for Swerts and Vanas.
Boelie en Kroepie Boemboem
In 2002, Bouden created a comic about songfestival contestant Sergio, and he wrote and drew the first 'Kid City' album, based on the website www.kidcity.be. In 2003 his comic 'De Lichtrode Ridder' appeared, created in cooperation with Kim Duchateau. In 2010 he released 'Boelie en Kroepie Boemboem', a comic featuring a revival of Pom's classic characters 'Piet Pienter en Bert Bibber'.
In 2011 he revived yet another classic from Flemish comics history, when he bought the rights to the title of 'De Lustige Kapoentjes'. Bouden created a cast of new characters for this children's gang, and gave them a supporting role in his 'Kroepie en Boelie' albums, while hiding small tributes to the previous creators and albums in his panels.


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Look at all beautiful palette of pop of violet & turquoise with an universally flattering golden pink base!!! I'm amazingly surprise that it's not at all funky (I was not able to tell with Andy Warhol's collaboration)...in fact, it's very modern and wearable!
Available exclusively at Sephora starting Oct 1st. Additional products to collection available at major department stores starting Nov 1st.


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Turkey wanders into Wisconsin Walmart, peruses aisles
It's not known what it was looking for, but a turkey wandered into a Wisconsin Walmart on Monday for a little shopping.
The unusual shopper was the squawk of the town.
The turkey walked in off the street about 3:30 p.m. Monday and started perusing around just like any other customer.
"They were able to shoo the bird out, but they said he wouldn't leave, so I drove out to Walmart, and I saw two ladies playing with a turkey in the patio section of the Walmart," said Mark Hess, of the Humane Animal Welfare Society.
Hess managed to lure the turkey into a net.
"The bird was fine. There was no injuries to the bird. I'm just assuming it was a bird that lived on the outskirts of the city of Waukesha. It was used to people and activities and became a little too friendly," Hess said.
Hess said it's not unusual to see turkeys in urban areas these days, but you'll rarely find one brave or bold enough to go shopping at the local retail.
After determining that the turkey was fine -- no harm, no fowl -- Hess released it back into the wild.


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Jay-Z (Feat. Lil Wayne) Performing Hello Brooklyn / Duffle Bay Boy [Live @ The Hammerstein]
Jay-Z Ft. Lil Wayne - Hello Brooklyn/Duffle Bag Boy (Live Hammerstein). Shout out to Arsenal 1200
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Here be Remans?
Remans are only comfortable in the dark. The scene the mystery alien appears in is dark.
The mystery alien has red eyes. Remans do not.
The mystery alien's skin colouring is, as far as lighting allows us to judge, almost identical to a Reman's.
The mystery alien has two small ridges on his bottom lip. Remans do not.
Remans would be expected to be enemies of Earth at this point; the mystery alien is, presumably, hostile/evil.
Reman ears curve outwards. The mystery alien's do not.
Remans have a built up ridge around their eyes, which has a break in the middle. The mystery alien does not.
The mystery alien has a prominent V-shaped ridge beginning at his nose. Remans do not.
The mystery alien has jowls to the sides of his mouth. Remans do not.
Although the mystery alien is very similar to a Reman in overall look, there are numerous detail differences between the two - the most notable being that the mystery alien has red eyes, something Remans do not. There are various differences in facial structure which also argue that the mystery alien is not a Reman, but these are a little less convincing. It might be that there is a fair bit of variability in Reman facial features beyond that seen in Nemesis, and that the mystery alien is just a little further from the norm than the Nemesis Remans.
Overall, it's just about possible to believe that the mystery alien is a Reman. However, all the evidence we have at the moment argues against it. Whoever the mystery alien is, he seems to be a new species.
Well, that was then and this is now. Turns out that , as predicted, the mystery alien was nothing to do with the Remans. They are a new species, one of the nastier temporal cold war factions. Problem solved, nothing to see here, move along.
I'm going to leave this here as a bit of a historical curiosity. Twenty years from now we can all look back and smile fondly at how we speculated over this...
|Yellow text = Canon source
|Green text = Backstage source
|Cyan text = Novel
|White text = DITL speculation
|Copyright Graham Kennedy
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Waihi Beach - a paradise for honeymooners
Each year we get to meet honeymooners from all across the globe as they include Waihi Beach as part of their stay in New Zealand. The Beach is a magnet.
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Waihi Beach is a magnet for honeymooners from across the globe. Each year we meet couples from all corners of the world. Last season couples from Austria, India, UK, USA, Germany, France, Ireland, Spain, Mexico and Belguim all included Waihi Beach as part of their honeymoon with the Austrian couple actually getting married at Waihi Beach.
The attraction is the 9kms of sandy beach, beach walks and picnics coupled with lazing under an umbrella seem to be order of the day as there is as much or as little to do as you want.
Orakawa Bay is a honeymooner's dream - just a 35-minute walk to a pohutakawa tree-lined stunning bay perfect for a picnic or a lazy afternoon.
if you want something more challenging a day in the Karangahake Gorge checking out gold mining history of the late 1800s could be your thing with a leisurely lunch at the Bistro.
Kayaking through the glow worm caves is a popular night activity - this is done with Waimarino at McLaren Falls with couples reporting back magical times.
Swimming with the dolphins is also popular - this is done in Tauranga with couples coming back fizzing about their encounter with the friendly playful dolphins.
For those wanting some adrenalin then take a Harley ride around the Coromandel - you can hire a bike or be a pillion passenger - I have seen many get on the back of a Harley and all come back with a huge smile without exception
The best months are from November to April but we would suggest avoiding late December and January as thats when kiwi's holiday - March and April seem to have more settled weather with less people around.
Article by
Waihi Beach Lodge
A boutique bed & breakfast 150 metres from the beach & less than 2 hours from Auckland International Airport. the Central location allows day trips to Coromandel, Hobbiton and Rotorua. Locally visit the Karangahake gorge and the Martha gold mine.


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We've seen a lot of reports going back and forth about whether or not Linux is doing well in the netbook space. As it turns out, research firm ABI Research as well as Dell say about one third of their machines ship with Linux pre-installed - which is pretty darn impressive.
According to ABI Research, out of the 35 million netbooks that will ship this year (I'm assuming that's worldwide), 11 million will ship with Linux pre-installed. This figure does not include dual-boot netbooks or those that have Windows removed and replaced with Linux - but nor does it include those where Linux is removed in favour of Windows.
This conclusion mirrors the words of Dell's Todd Finch, who in August stated that nearly one-third of Dell's netbooks ship with Linux pre-installed; Dell added that Linux netbooks' return rates are similar to those running Windows XP. This one third figure is a lot more than Microsoft's official figure, which says that about 93% of netbooks ship with Windows.
ABI Research further added that the arrival of ARM netbooks will push Linux in the netbook space to overtake Windows by 2013. Of course, we've been hearing the same heavenly predictions being made about these elusive ARM nebooks for a long time now, and yet here we are, in 2009, with only 4% of netbooks shipping with an ARM processor. ABI Research's Jeffrey Orr now claims 2010 will be the year of the ARM netbook.
"This year, ARM-based netbooks will only represent about four percent of total units. We estimate that the Intel Atom will ship in 90 percent of netbooks sold this year, and the remaining six percent are based on other x86 processors, such as Via's chips," Orr states, "Yet, next year there will be a lot of netbooks shipping on ARM Cortex-A8-based processors, and by that we're including the nVidia Tegra and Qualcomm Snapdragon, which are essentially Cortex-A8 architectures."
Well, I certainly do hope these unicorn-powered ARM netbooks arrive, because we've been hearing promises for a long time now. They sound like little dream machines, HD capable, with long battery lives and good performance.
Then again, Orr did add this: "I think Microsoft really should consider porting a version of Windows 7 to ARM." That kind of makes me question his qualifications.
Return to linux news headlines
View Linux News Archive


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|2010-12-07, 05:02
|Link #1
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 37
Ore no Imouto - Anime vs. Your Expectations
The purpose of this thread is for all posters -- whether first-time anime viewers or existing novel readers -- to express their opinion about the Ore no Imouto anime (so far) and how it has lived up to their expectations in terms of presentation, content, delivery, plot, animation, acting, and other matters. This can be considered a pre-cursor to the Overall Series Review thread that will be presented after the 12th TV episode will air. (I am supposing that we will post another Overall Series Review thread after the 4 additional episodes air, based on the "True Ending".) It is not intended to supplant the Series Review thread, though; only to allow the discussion of opinions still in development based on the content presented thus far.
Example topics to consider:
Future Event Spoilers from the Novel are not permitted, even behind Spoiler Tags
Relevant Comparisons to already-seen events from the novels, or to other works, may be discussed behind properly-labeled spoiler tags ONLY.
Please keep discussions on-topic and relevant, and do not flame other members for their personal opinions (which are necessarily subjective). If you find a problematic post, please use the "Report Post" option and the moderation staff will investigate the issue as soon as possible.
Most importantly, have fun!
|2010-12-07, 10:59
|Link #4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
However, the problem is when the main characters get no character development because of the changes. Ep 8, the story about Kirino's light novel, is a huge offender of this.
|2010-12-07, 11:06
|Link #5
Komrades of Kitamura Kou
Join Date: Jul 2004
Age: 34
On the upside, all the violence in the sub forum will get concentrated here so I don't have to read bickering from both sides every time I take a look.
As for me, as long as the series manages some sort of acceptable ending, I can live with it.
|2010-12-07, 21:02
|Link #6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Given LN as the source, you'd find there's not much more there either. As extra you'd get Kyousuke's narration but that's about it. The anime's been pretty faithful to the source material with a few exceptions, and the so called 'filler' are simply self-contained events in the LN. There's rarely an overarching plot in slice of life shows and I don't believe it is necessary either. There's not a whole lot they can do with the number of episodes therefore it is natural that characters felt underdeveloped. But then again the 'developments' tend to be tid bits reader discover about characters.
To be honest the Kirino hate is amusing given the only difference between Kirino and Kuroneko is the latter has a more acceptable personality. Character development-wise Kirino has way more exposure (ep1-3, ep5-6, ep8) than Kuroneko (who was rather static since ep 2), we don't even know what drives Kuroneko to be the way she is. I guess many viewers just cannot seperate dislike of a character sterotype from the story telling.
Funnily a lot of the omitted scenes are about Manami. I'm not a Manami shipper but she's pretty essential in the novels to tie together many threads but not getting much love. Ep6 gets chosen in the anime because it's easy to animate but there are better choices development-wise.
Spoiler for Manami sulk:
Spoiler for Manami visit:
|2010-12-07, 21:58
|Link #7
Senior Member
That being said, I think that slice of life shows sometimes have more plot to them than what they're given credit for, which as someone who very much likes overarching plots and find them beneficial, I think is great. For example, I found that K-On!! had a lot more plot than what some fans said it had (but that's a topic for another place and time, of course). As an aside, though, I have to wonder what you have against overarching plots? I personally find that they can aid a great deal in character development and providing good dramatic stories that help the viewer be more emotionally invested in the characters.
As it pertains to Ore no Imouto, I find that the various episode premises and plots for this anime have been pretty good, actually. Furthermore, there were two multi-episode plot arcs (for the first five episodes) that were very good. Truthfully, I get a sense that this anime does have an overarching plot. Or at the very least that's what I took from the first five episodes of this anime.
Whatever flaws are in the plot aspect of this anime is much more with failings in the execution of plot premises, and not in the plot premises themselves.
I mean, isn't it fairly common for people to prefer characters with more endearing personalities to those with less endearing personalities?
Yes, there are exceptions to this in works of fiction (a good villain being an obvious one, of course). But with Kirino being in the role of lead female protagonist and obvious star of the show (going by how Ore no Imouto is advertised and promoted, at least), I don't see where Kirino is such an exception. In other words, I don't get much sense that we the viewer aren't supposed to like her, or to view her in an antagonistic light.
|2010-12-07, 23:45
|Link #8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Note regarding plot I was specifically referring to the source material, and LN formats in general. LNs come in chapters, most of which are self-contained. The plot threads are loose, though decent authors do remember what was written earlier and can draw upon past events, but 'plot' is just one out of many elements in LN's arsenal, never an essential element.
As for 'character development', I'll do a run down what can be deduced from the top of my head:
amber haired bitch:
is passionate about things she like
good academically/sports
is 100% tsuntsun to bro, except maybe ep3 end
does not compromise
understands the weight of responsibility and expectations of other people
not honest with her feelings to certain people/bad at expressing it
is possessive
siscon fetish, by extension moeblob
hate pretentious shows
hide otaku hobby from normal friends
typically do not ask for help -> need an excuse to ask bro to do things
try-hard and is usually successful
black thing -
not honest with her feelings to certain people/bad at expressing it
kind behind the facade - loving sister
hate moe blob
like plotty shows
pretty good at handicraft
skilled gamer
poor social skills/interact with non-otakus
try-hard but not successful at certain things
Both characters really did not 'develop' in the sense change the why they behave. We've learnt bits and pieces and character got 'fleshed out'. In the most recent episode, Ayase and Kirino are somewhat converging on the otaku side of things, but fundamentally character's values did not change, just circumstances warrants different type of interactions.
Finally as for why Kirino treats Kyousuke this way, I'm sure you've heard it all before. There's no point preaching a concept outright rejected by the other side.
|2010-12-08, 00:28
|Link #9
Senior Member
This level of plot also works well in a slice of life anime. I think that we might have been taking the term "overarching plot" a bit differently from one another.
I meant it to mean "anything not totally episodic". I get the sense that you probably took it to mean something as tight and ever-present as, say, the plot of Code Geass.
You're right that a slice of life anime doesn't need something as ever-present and tight as that in its plot.
That's probably a good summation of her character, yes. And in fairness there's some good points here... but for a lot of people the very title you assigned to Kirino is what can be overriding.
I'll admit, though, that the way you lay it out as made me reconsider something - Kirino's character is constructed with a fair deal of thought and a certain type of consistency. I mean, the vast majority of her character elements seem to naturally fit with one another.
|2010-12-08, 23:07
|Link #10
Obey the Darkly Cute ...
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: On the whole, I'd rather be in Kyoto ...
Age: 61
In my case, I had no expectations. I had not read the LN or anything else - just knew what the preview summary said ("little sister into non-mainstream hobbies").
So all my incoming expectations are based on what the few few episodes themselves implied.
Net result so far? Great but flawed - a lot of really interesting potential, some fascinating story thread starts... but much of it left in the air to start yet more threads. The intent of most anime is to get you to buy the source and the merchandise... in that sense it might succeed as I may hunt up the source. But really, good anime should be able to stand on its own as a story and rise up above "infomercial".
I certainly enjoy the series... but like many other series I like a lot, it is certainly still a bit lacking in some ways - so far.
Last edited by Vexx; 2010-12-09 at 04:20. Reason: tuning
|2010-12-09, 03:46
|Link #11
Join Date: Aug 2010
I've watched 10 episodes of the anime, and then went to finish the 7 volume of LNs currently out recently. I have to say the two is different but the Anime adaption has its own charms, plus though the events are different at least the major plot-based events/character developments haven't changed that much.
Bottom line, I had no expection for the anime would be like when I first started it (frankly, I only started this series due to a cross-over with Toaru Majutsu no Index), but I have to say it is certainly a good series (albeit one I'd never recommend to anyone that's not already a anime fan, for the sake of appearances...)
|2011-03-26, 08:55
|Link #12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
I haven't read/got the manga or light novel, but from what I hear I think the creator will do a PC cop-out and bail out the Kyousuke-Ayase route -- though I'm sure deep inside he's for KxK. Alternatively, I can see a Kyousuke-Kirino pairing (just to finally kill all the teases between them) but I think it'd be very brief/burn-out before they jadedly fall out into regular sibs again (like most real sib-pairings do), though Kirino might occasionally knock on his door for some otaku hedonic kicks and he'll begrudge her since the guilt milk's already been spilled and she's good practice for Ayase. But if a writer's real creative, a sib-pair series can be lots of fun with all kinds of unique situations and perils that don't face normal pairs, and just to see someone play with that seldom tread territory I'd be for Kyousuke-Kirino all the way.
|2011-03-26, 12:19
|Link #13
Obey the Darkly Cute ...
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: On the whole, I'd rather be in Kyoto ...
Age: 61
Allowing that the anime is a 'retelling in own words' short version of the LN... it made the same direction error that Petopetosan did. In Imouto's case... it was the LN adventure derail (in Petopetosan, it was the 'little sister festival and contest'). Both gouged a considerable chunk of the series that had set up very interesting relationship dynamics.... and then lost their momentum.
I still like the series as such but I just view the anime as an introduction trailer to the light novels.
Last edited by Vexx; 2011-03-26 at 16:52.
|2011-03-26, 12:47
|Link #14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
never did notice this thread; but there is quite a lot of things cut out in the anime. and the mobile novel arc is pretty messed up, with many differences (not faithful at all). and I absolutely love the LN version. I really want to translate that, though I don't think I'd have the time, now that I'm pitting myself against the upcoming Itsuten anime haha
@B2-Lancer, I hate to say this, but the sib-pair possibility will never come to pass (except for the games), and I don't know why you think the author is gunning for KxK, because every nuance and behaviour in the novel say otherwise, unless you're referring to a non-romantic kind of KxK end.
to conclude however, I don't dislike the anime. some scenes in animation are pretty nice, like Kyousuke crying in 11 (I'm such an S haha ).
|2011-03-29, 14:01
|Link #15
Senior Member
^Really ? I read in wikipedia once below Kirino's name that Kirino and Kousaka would develop an incestuous relationship in the later light novels .. But now it's been removed so I'm guessing it was false ?
Quite sad really .. I wanted for it to be true and perhaps have an OVA about it ( Incest is wincest etc. )
|2011-03-29, 18:32
|Link #16
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: 国立音ノ木坂学院
As far as the main topic goes - with the exception of Episode 8 (It's just BAD, REALLY BAD...they totally butchered the original idea and make Kirino looks REALLY bad), and episode 9 (Original episode, so it doesn't count), the anime is mostly faithful to the source. There are bad pacing here and there (The Manami chapters from Vol. 2 and 3 are condensed too much). Without the time constraint, though, the anime just look MUCH better (Episode 12TR and 13, for example).
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Facebook's year-old project to create open source hardware for data centers has gotten a major boost. A whole bunch of big players have signed on to participate.
It's called the Open Compute Project. Facebook wants new designs for computers, storage and other equipment that are more energy efficient.
But there's a catch. Companies that participate have to agree to "open source" their designs and make them available for free to anyone that wants them. That's not saying they have to give away the hardware itself -- they'll sell it to Facebook and, maybe, others.
But their new designs require that all their pieces and parts work together. Enough with what the OCP calls "gratuitous differentiation."
Today, OCP announced that a whole bunch of big players have joined including HP, AMD, Fidelity, Quanta, Salesforce.com, VMware and Canonical, among others.
These companies are working on a new kind of server called Open Rack. It will pack more motherboards and disk drives into a smaller space. This will let data centers pack more computers into their buildings instead of having to build bigger buildings.
HP and Dell have already contributed new Open Rack server and storage designs. HP's design is called "Project Coyote" and Dell's is called "Zeus." HP and Dell will sell these to Facebook. Enterprises that own their own data centers may insist on Open Rack products, too.
OCP began after Facebook engineers designed their own hardware for the company's first data center in Prineville, Oregon. Facebook then openly shared those hardware designs, including motherboards, power supply, and parts for servers. Other companies, like Google and Amazon have also designed their own hardware, but generally kept the designs secret.
This is a great use of Facebook's power. It is forcing all of its hardware suppliers to work together to solve big design problems and then give those energy-efficient designs to the world — and undercut one of the main advantages of its archrival, Google.


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BUC v2, Luxury WebJune 02, 2003
There should not be a Browser Upgrade Campaign v2, and something we might consider instead.
Reaction to the latest Internet Explorer news has been very one–sided: this is a bad thing for developers, and we have to do something about it. I've been meaning to gather my thoughts and post something more in–depth, but that will have to be put on hold.
A meme was started that appears to be gathering steam. Ronan (zlog) first suggested it in this post on my site, a few people agreed, and commenters on webgraphics have picked up on the idea.
Run another Browser Upgrade Campaign, they're saying.
No, guys, don't. My reaction has been posted, but it's worth repeating here.
The BUC was a success because it aimed to move users off of ridiculously old browers. One of the suggested upgrades was Internet Explorer 6, precisely the browser that will be targetted by this new campaign.
Repeating the same campaign would be disastrous for any credibility the web development community has garnered in the past few years. All the new campaign would serve to accomplish is to portray developers as whiny, never–satisfied ingrates who can't make up their mind about which browser the end user should use. The WaSP's efforts would be completely undermined. And what happens in 3 years when we have to start getting people off of Mozilla's 1.x code base?
Let's think more long-term on this. Destructive reasoning against IE isn't going to solve any of our problems, it'll only work against us. Instead, let's address why a user might want Opera, or Mozilla. Sell a new browser to them by luring, don't shame them into upgrading.
Start a marketing campaign. Run ads for the new browsers that point to 'how to upgrade' pages. Play very nicely, and don't let any of the vitriol you're prone to casting on IE creep into your efforts.
And for heaven's sake, be thankful we're even this far. Being stuck with IE6 for the next 7 years is way better than being stuck with NN4. §
My very first reaction on Friday was that in our day jobs, some of us have to use advertising and marketing techniques to sell our client's products. We've got the collective skills, so why not use them to start selling high–end browsers?
Unfortunately my thinking hasn't progressed passed the 'basic inkling of an idea' stage yet, but I started throwing out a few of my thoughts above.
But, as rough as it is, here's my full pitch — the 'Luxury Web Experience' or something better worded. It would be an elegant site, with high–end design that evokes imagery of haute–culture, jewellery stores, luxury cars, and so forth. Instead of making the hard sell, it would focus on the lifestyle that everyone wants, and the message would be a gentle 'you can have this if you download Mozilla/Opera/Safari/etc.'
There would be some supporting documentation on the site, steps for installation and focusing on features, but the main page itself would only mention a few of the finer features, and let imagery and imagination sell the rest of it.
There would have to be a supporting ad campaign, which is where the rest of the development community can really lend a hand.
The first selling point, and one of the big ones because I've had luck getting people to switch on this alone, is that you no longer have to put up with the annoyance of pop–up windows that the common man has to suffer.
Very rough thinking, and I'm sure some people will want to take a more pragmatic approach. But since we've used up our shot at the hard sell, this is one direction we'd be better off pursuing. §
6/4/03 update: Further thinking inspired by Jeffrey Zeldman's Daily Report.
Reader Comments
Ummmm… The best idea is to pitch how superior tabbed browsing makes the porn-surfing experience. 78^)
Excellent ideas, Dave. I'm with you on all points and have made an update to my weblog on the topic.
matt haughey had a pretty good essay on using moz for blogging a while back, which might have some good points for general marketing of the mozilla experience. :)
Anyone have the fortitude to attach their name to a project like Anonymous has proposed? Even he wouldn't… (although he forgot that MT tracks IP addresses, wink wink)
The idea is starting to bear fruit. Add your name if you'd like to participate eventually.
Great minds think alike.
Hopefully we can get web designers, developers and the like to convert. Seeming as they make sites for companies etc. maybe we can get some where by converting them - a chain reaction of sorts.
Web Developer endorses → Companies endorses → End user gets persuaded
Name added.
The market is changing. I run a web developer community, and since we started promoting the values of Firebird to people it has grown in popularity. It now shares 45% of our browser share. IE is still the biggest but it is droping in number each and every day.
Go the "real" browsers :)
this is an excellent idea… except for the fact that you'll never change a thing.
then again, what is web design but an exercise in futility, frustration—ultimately failure?
i'm in (but is zeldman?)


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Text of the story below. A link to the story is here It's being reported on all the major networks. Some might call this 'meddling in the internal affairs of another country." Personally, it's about time that our elected officials speak out on this on behalf of American women who overwhelmingly support this position. Saudi Arabia is a close ally of the United States, and speaking frankly about this issue that flies in the face of our core beliefs demonstrates that we are not afraid to stand up for basic human rights. Bravo Senators!
U.S. Female Senators Urge Saudi King to Overturn Driving Ban on Women
Published July 26, 2011 | FoxNews.com
The group, led by Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Mary Landrieu, D-La., sent a letter Tuesday that included two Republican women – Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, both of Maine – though no men.
In the letter, the senators wrote, "We strongly believe it is time to abolish the prohibition on women driving once and for all, especially in light of Saudi Arabia's role as a newly elected member of the board of U.N. Women – an entity dedicated to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide.
"We strongly urge you to reconsider this ban and take an important step toward affording Saudi women the rights they deserve."
In May, authorities detained a 32-year-old Saudi woman, Manal al-Sherif, after she launched a campaign against the driving ban for women in the ultraconservative kingdom. She posted video of herself behind the wheel on Facebook and YouTube to encourage others to copy her.
She was released 10 days later after reportedly signing a pledge that she would not drive again or speak publicly.
Her case, however, sparked an outcry from international rights groups and brought direct appeals to the Saudi rulers to lift the driving ban.
Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world to ban women — both Saudi and foreign — from driving. The prohibition forces families to hire live-in drivers, and women who cannot afford the $300 to $400 a month for a driver must rely on male relatives to drive them to work, school, shopping or the doctor.
Women are also barred from voting, except for chamber of commerce elections in two cities in recent years, and no woman can sit on the kingdom's Cabinet. Women also cannot travel without permission from a male guardian and shouldn't mingle with males who are not their husbands or brothers.
Saudi King Abdullah has promised some social reforms, but he depends on the clerics to support his ruling family and is unlikely to take steps that would bring backlash from the religious establishment.


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Friday, 21 May 2010
hamsters, bears & mating doritos
ah. ok. i started twittering. i found all these tweets
in the attic and really needed a place to stuff them.
plus i just found out for super sure that the
chemical brothers used my vocals on three
tracks on their new album! im chuffed &
dancing around. then i saw 8 swans.
really! a mom and dad and 6 babies.
its been a busy day.. do you want
to follow me on twitter where
ive been talking about
bears and hamsters
and mating doritos?
*my tweets*
ps. is there an "e" in doritos?
pps. yes i know theres no e.
ppps. before you come over to twitter
you should know that i have been talking
about eating hamsters, not petting them.
i like pretty things but im also a massive
shit talker. if you dont like that sort of
thing, just stay over here where ill still
talk to you about magic and faeries.
i promise! ♥
13 comments:
- Butterfly姫 said...
I´m following you!=)
Is your hair lighter or it´s just my impression?
Have a nice day!
- 21 May 2010 at 11:58
- faerie finder said...
eee yay thanks! :)
no that is an old picture of me..
i used it as my twitter avatar.
cause im kinda hiding
and saying rude jokes!
- 21 May 2010 at 15:58
- Josephine Tale Peddler said...
You have the cutest Twitter background and the most interesting tweeps. xx
- 22 May 2010 at 01:33
- faerie finder said...
herherhe thanks!
i let the naughty fairy do most
of the tweeting :)
- 22 May 2010 at 10:43
- Jessie said...
I'm following you now! ;o)
- 22 May 2010 at 14:39
- faerie finder said...
yay thanks! :)
- 22 May 2010 at 15:21
- LifeInLargePrint said...
I'm going to follow you :) Your pictures are beautiful and make me happy :)
- 23 May 2010 at 17:03
- Alice Grimm said...
Following you ^^
It's always fun when I discover that favorite bloggers of mine have Twitter accounts :D
- 23 May 2010 at 20:39
- hello birdy said...
Have Chemical Brothers really used your vocals??
- 25 May 2010 at 12:51
- faerie finder said...
yes i sang on 3 songs :)
- 28 May 2010 at 14:26
- faerie finder said...
also... my hair was really blonde before
so it wont hold the dark dye :(
i have to dye it ALL the time to keep it dark.
id give anything to not have ever messed with it
in the first place!!!!!!
- 28 May 2010 at 14:28
- Shan said...
Oh my god your tweets are hilarious. Have just read all of them. Favourites include:
'when pandas get to the end of the bamboo we are plum fucked'
'if it was slow they would have called it buttons.'
- 8 August 2010 at 02:47
- nath said...
your tweets are straight up classic and amazing, i love that you're a pretty-liking shit talker, it's such a happy combination. i have been toying with getting me a twitter...
- 25 August 2010 at 15:21


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Recently, we wrote about the importance of farewell letters and the closure it can provide to both the sponsored individual and the sponsor. Margaret and Bernard Reilly sponsored Rose Anne for 11 years. After she left the CFCA program in June 2010, Margaret and Bernard were able to write her one last letter to say good-bye.
Rose Anne
June 13, 2010
Dear Rose Anne,
Ma'am and I have just received the letter that you wrote on May 12. We are saddened that you are leaving the program, but we know that this had to happen at some point. After all, you are soon to turn 17 years of age, and you are now a young woman with all of the experiences and responsibilities that come with entry into adulthood. Then too, Ma'am and I are now both of us in our early 80s, and so the regular course of life would have ended our relationship, perhaps before very long, in any event.
For all of that fact, it is still a little sad. The two of us have felt very proud to be able to watch you, in some sense, to grow up from a very little girl to the strong and able adult that you are now. We have been very lucky to have been able to help you in some small ways, and we would wish to have been able to do even more for someone whom we have come to love and regard as a very special granddaughter.
We are enclosing one last picture for you to keep. It was taken just a month ago, and in it are two of our grandchildren who are quite your own age. Eliza and Paul are the children of our second daughter, Maureen, and again, like you are not children of our family by blood. Maureen and her husband, Bill, adopted them when it became impossible for them to have children because of their age. Nevertheless, they are our grandchildren in love, as are you yourself.
We ask you to continue to pray for the two of us as we shall continue to pray for you. We will meet again in that heaven where all human sadness is ended, and we shall then have the chance to know and love you yet even more.
As ever and ever,
Sir and Ma'am