GRANDMASTER CACHE

Yeah, that's how it goes, lol. We've all come across some raunchy caches, I'm sure... well, many of us. I carried notebooks for new logs, extra goodies... and then all of a sudden I was a "negligent cache placer." lol I don't ever remember whining - and I was really stumped when people decided on their own to trudge through poison oak when people CLEARLY stated they followed an open path in. And then they piss 'n moan. I wouldn't have "bragged" if I were them, when previous logs stated all poison oak could be avoided... But that's sorta like saying, "I didn't want to WORK for the cache, and instead of walking the trail I broke brush and got poison oak...." HERE'S YOUR SIGN! lol.... All is well, and thanks to ya both for the well-wishes. Good luck to you too, Ambrosia! We are waiting for the good weather to place some good caches... And they will have to be worked for... We did plenty of "easy" caches, but the one's people whined about cost over a hundred bucks to place... I guess you can take a direct line to the milk in the supermarket - but then complain about falling off the shelves as you hop up and down to get there, instead of walking the aisles. Yes the people here are cool, but the folks that enjoyed our caches in California were TOTALLY cool, too. There seems to be a similarity between those who don't place any caches at all, and those who constantly whine... Is there a way to give back money for something that was free? lol. Y'all take care - and I can't wait to get some good caches out - and we'll probably do some easy ones for the kids... that was always our goal. See ya!

Hi all, First off, bad personal accident took me away from this a couple years back... Read some old logs from caches we placed... and some people got a little snotty... HINT: Don't assume someone that had a history of good cache placements just "left." Maybe something bad happened. That said, it's personal and I am back... relocated to Alabama, and there are some awesome people I've hooked up with... And in the awesome tradition of cool caches placed by Team BigM we are going to stoke the fires... (pun intended). The "new and improved" Team BigM consists of firefighters. 'Nuf said. We are planning a very cool Firefighter Cache. Been doing this personally since my little guy was being wheeled in a stroller. (See, Mr. Binks Baby Buggy). Anyway, hope the sport hasn't changed too much. I miss the old folks back in Calif (Marky, Joanie, and everybody). Sorry my caches "went bad," but it's kinda personal and if I was able to keep 'em alive I would have. Kinda made me a bit growly to see some of the "not so nice" comments from people complaining about various things after plenty of people found caches... It's not MY bad if people hoof from the trail and go heading through poison oak to get to a cache that PLENTY of posters said could be had WITHOUT making a beeline through the nasty stuff. Just wanted to highlight that, as we are planning some GOOD loot, but it won't be "grab 'n go." They will be safe, but require some forethought. Anyway, to all the old-timers, HIYA! Dunno if Jeremy is still around, or how big this has gotten - but wanted to say hi to everyone in charge and go on record as saying this cacher did not just throw the old caches to the wind. Looking forward to placing some awesome caches, and hoping to continue finding more. My fellow firefighters I went with tonight are hooked... and we look forward to bringing the FFR to Team BigM. See ya, and if this isn't the right forum, please move it, mods. Send me a message if ya need to, and it's good to be back. Warm those thinkin' caps up! And just for old time's sake, we were in the middle of placing the GI JOE cache, and I still have it... it will be placed as planned several years back.

Yes, I did reinstall the firmware. I even cleared the download from the 'puter, and got it fresh. Still have the problem. I also did the memory clear/all both before and after the upload. That's exactly what the directions called for. Very confusing, and I'd gladly take the Sportrak the way it WAS because I don't notice any difference other than the negative problem I stated. I think there's the "turn-by-turn", but I don't have the software for that, and wouldn't use the Sportrak that way, anyway. I'm kind of "accustomed" to using the "antiquated" way of using my rubberband and figuring how to "get there" using it that way. This is really a headscratcher, I'll agree. Thanks for understanding that I did toggle the Depart-Dest line... and that it still appears.

Title should say it all... If I hit GOTO and enter an address, the stupid departure/destination lines stays ON as this big, fat line. I have it turned off in the settings, and only want the POS/DEST line on. Even when that's selected, and the depart/dest is NOT selected, I still get this big fat line AND the one that shows where I'm at, and where I need to go (POS/DEST line). :confused: I notice that this is only when I hit "GOTO" and enter an address "on the fly." If I mark a waypoint, save it, THEN select it as a GOTO, I don't get the DEPART/DEST line. :confused: Why is this? I don't remember this before I did the upgrade, and I just REdid the whole firmware upgrade. (ver 5.34). I am curious... I did this upgrade around December/January. What exactly is the "upgrade" for? I didn't notice any changes, and in fact there are some roads (like Summit Road) where the map on the GPS is actually MISSING a few chunks of road. I've noticed this on some other roads, and it's discouraging especially when I'm "exploring" some fireroads and whatnot in the Santa Cruz mountains. Is the line-problem something anyone else has encountered? I'm using a Sportrak Pro, and I guess I'm wondering why I ever DID the "upgrade." :confused: Any help is greatly appreciated. I did search, but came up empty. TIA!!! Monty

Thanks - that's what I did. I wasn't able to find what the upgrades/differences are. Is there anything better about this version I should look for? I noticed right away that there was one chunk of road missing, and wasn't sure if that had anything to do with the upgrade. Thanks!

I found the Magellen site, downloaded the STANDARD firmware... question - should I do the MARINE? I currently have marine stuff on there (hazards, buoys, etc... and have used them). If I do standard, do I lose that stuff? THANKS!

Hi all.... I'm just preparing to go out where I'll need to use my GPS... It's been a few years since I've done anything... but is there a software upgrade for the Sportrak Pro I should upload? I tried the search... I'm not sure what version I have, but I have done no uploads for three years, at least. Thanks, I'm leaving this on to check!!

Thanks, all! I posted in the software area, and I got a great link - I'm going to do the cache program for my palm, re-register, and be good to go. Thanks for the kind words. Believe me, I know I'm hardly the "toughest case" cacher out there. I just consider to have had a bit of a setback that might keep some of the tougher caches "at bay" some of the time. But I'm looking forward to placing some nice caches with some cool goodies again. That was fun. What was the funnest was when I did a "fake" lottery ticket and totally got Markie and Joanie who "thought" they won $10,000! (I'm not a total jerk, we took 'em out for pizza for being such good sports! ) Anyway, nice to see some old names, some new names - and the same great game. I'll do my best to up some caches in the old-school style! Howdy back, and kudos to those who have it so much worse that still have a go at it. I still have some old caches that never got placed, so all I need to do is have a good day and go drop 'em!

Thank you so much! I am printing them out now and I will now go look for my cable and get back on board! Wow, did I sound that pathetic??? hahaha It was late! Thanks again!!

Hi all, I was pretty sick (posted in the main forum) but the long and short of it is after a few years I'd like to get back into this. I was real into it for a couple years, and I remember having my handheld synced, and having all the caches on my GPS. I did some searches, but I'm as stupid as I ever was, and then some.... Anyway, I believe I used spinner, or some other program.... but here's what I have, and I'd like some advice. I have a Zire 71, and a Magellan Sportrak Pro. I had tons of "technical problems" because I'm not the savy, but I eventually got it all dialed in last time. If there is some soul who has the patience, can someone tell me what is my best route to go to "automate" things a bit? I'd like to get back into this, and I read about that cachemate... If that is better than spinner, or whatever, that is fine. $8 for an application is okay. I'm just blanking when it comes to the steps to do to get everything loaded, and synced. I had the instructions, but that was years ago, and that computer fried. Again, if someone has the patience to take Mr. Stupid under their wing, I'd appreciate it. I DID place some nice caches and would like to place some more large caches... but it's nice to have some on hand "whenver/wherever" if I'm out and about. I'm starting from blank, and would appreciate any help. I know we go through this time and again, I remember from before. I've just been real sick for a few years, and have pretty much forgotten everything. Much thanks for any help!!

Hi all, First, I apologize that all my caches went by the wayside. I had some good ones out there, and they basically "ran their course." There's this nasty little disease called multiple sclerosis that reared its nasty head and decided to take a bite into me! Well, I've sort of had to deal with that and it's presented some "obstacles" in life. So basically I've not been able to enjoy this in quite some time, but I'm going to try to get back into the saddle and hopefully not much has changed. I used to download everything into my handheld and that was cool... but my membership went bye-bye and so I'm going to go the old "antique" route and use some printouts and do the homework like I first did... I forget how I did all the syncing stuff, but I'll go down to the techie section and see what new software there is if I can get back into this... Anyway, it's cool to see this place again - I did sign in briefly last October, but I wasn't able to do any caches and was kind of uncomfortable about blabbing why I was gone... But whatever... crap happens and I know that a lot worse has happened to a lot more people since I've been around here. I used to go do some all-night caching (my favorites!!) and lots of those were trails! It might take a bit longer, but it would be fun to do that again!! Well, I just logged in, and figured I'd post while I still had the guts! It's not that I get so embarassed or anything, it's just that sometimes people think life totally changes when there's a little hiccup. I've been on total disability since the nasty attack, of course the wife left.... but she was never really into caching anyway!!! hahahaha... But my little guy will be 5 in October (anyone remember the infamous Mr. Binks Baby Buggy tracks in the muddy trails??? that was me and him!!) and while the going is good I'm going to make a run for it and try and get back into this sport... So like the title says, hopefully I'll post a few more with the RESURRECTION OF GRANDMASTER CACHE, and I thought I might be in debt to a few folks who have watched my caches, and to those who've wondered what the heck the status was on them... and if my name pops up here and there I just don't want to get bashed... I kinda sorta had an excuse. Hopefully I'm welcomed back into the fold!

Every single "gun hater" can easily be converted. All it would take would be to see your son/daughter with a thug hovering over them with a big knife - about to plunge it straight through them and into the bed where they lie sleeping. As the thug heaves his arms upward to gore as deeply as possible - ask yourself: DO I WISH I HAD A GUN WITH ME RIGHT NOW???? And please don't tell me that your "house is safe" and that you are "in control." You are never safe as long as there are menacing people out there. And the one "tool" that menacing people understand and avoid is a gun. Period. Whether it's in your home, or on the trail. I can see some people don't have children, nor anyone else in their lives worth protecting if the moment came down to it. Here's a thought to ponder. You don't have any thought about whacking annoying flies, do you? Nope. They annoy you, they get on your food... and you roll up a paper, curse them and whip your hand back for a quick snap down on them. Follow me, even I understand this. Now, there's a wasp! Oh my. Different ball, game, isn't it? Mr Bug-Swatter isn't so courageous now, are you! Nope. All of a sudden you have this revered respect for a similarily-sized bug... only difference is this one can launch a zesty stinger right into your skin. I guess you could say "one is armed," right? Well, there are too many "people-swatters" running loose out there today. So I choose to be a wasp as opposed to a poop-fly. Which is okay by me, anyway. I prefer sweet nectar to a steamy dog-pile any day of the week. If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Please allow me to join in. It's been awhile, and first let me offer salutations to so many of you I've blathered with before. I've noticed one thing. People who do not choose to excercise their legal rights seem to have a problem with those that do choose to do so. Those that do "carry" don't seem to have bunched panties because many others choose not to carry. At the very least, there seems to be a fair amount of "disgruntled" folk who think those who carry are "irrational" or that they seem to enjoy a power-trip because they have a big piece of fine, manly metal strapped to their leg. All to often there seems to be these pre-conceived notions of people who "carry." They are all lumped together like a bunch of lunatics. I dare say I would rather live in a neighborhood with fellow lunatics than live in this sweet, patsy world of people who think guns are evil. Those are the people who are left with dropped jaws when an evil crime happens to them or a loved one. You know, the teary-eyed defenseless soul wailing about how "I never thought this could happen to me......" I do own weapons. Ideally, my weapon of first personal defense would be my Benchmade Elishewitz lockback knife. This I carry almost 100% of the time. On night caches, I wear my Aitor Jungle King II knife. I have a beautiful Survival Staff which makes a great tool for personal defense at about 6' tall. Oh, dear me... Here goes my memory kicking in. We just had a lady get raped and killed while on a trail. Uncommon? No. Too many times for me to list. This is definitely one of those issues where, if questioned, I can swiftly suggest the person doubting me do a bit of current-events homework. A gun might save a person's life against an evil attacker, or an attacking animal. Sorry, but I value my life far more than an attacking animal, or "person" for that matter. Some can effectively use a knife even against some crook wielding a throwaway Saturday-night special. Do I sound aggressive? Do I sound like a nut? Am I "making the case" for those that say gun-toters are maniacal lunatics? Are you leaning back from your computer screen, smiling that you have "outed" yet another nut? Well, let me "out" myself as a father of three - three children whom I love dearly. And I shudder to think that if an armed intruder (ever hear of home-invasion robberies? again, current events...) were in my house, prepared to rape/beat/kill any of my family members that I would be defenseless. "Oh, wait Mr. BadGuy... Let me dial 911. Please hold while they play 21 questions... Hold off on that strangle-hold; my son's only 2 1/2 years old..." I would consider myself a disgrace to my family if I didn't protect them to the fullest extent in my power. Notice I didn't say YOU would be a disgrace if you didn't. That's the difference between "gun nuts" and lovejoys. Gun nuts don't care if a percentage of the population makes a personal choice to depend on others to keep their families safe. We may feel sorry for your family, but when it comes down to it we realize their fate is in your hands and the choices you've made for their safety. So, now you say "Slack up, there big Grandmaster Cache fella... We're talking about packing while caching." Thank you. That will bring this full circle. I like to think of my home as the best, safest sanctuary for my family. You would agree, perhaps, with my decision to protect them and keep a gun here to use if necessary. Check back a few lines.... My home is my sanctuary... S Still confused? Here's the black-and-white: If I would keep a gun in my home to protect myself and my family, why in damnation wouldn't I extend that same protection OUTSIDE my sanctuary???? I'm travelling across the country - I'll be leaving in two weeks. I'll be taking my 2 1/2 year-old, and my 12 year-old daughter. Just us. We hope to make it out to Ohio to see a good friend, then travel back along old U.S. RT 66. Just the three of us. We're on a really tight budget, but I don't want that to be the reason for not taking this opportunity to let my daughter see at least 16 states, the Grand Canyon, Roswell N.M., (okay, that's my wish!) Flaming Gorge in Utah, and a host of other great spots. No time is the "right" time. But we will have fun. We may have to roll out and crash in the Suburban a few nights, but we're going to have a wonderful, educational 2 months. I hope to get some good writing material. I want to see Oklahoma City. We'll pass through the top of Texas. We might spend a few days in Kansas. But if I didn't have my gun, I wouldn't feel safe. If someone attempts the unmentionable, I will not be marched off to the sidelines to watch my son or daughter lose their innocence by some sicko. I remember the Yosemite killer, Cary Stayner. What if they would have had a gun? They'd have been alive, that's what. I feel like I offer better protection for my family if I am armed, and prepared to use whatever weapon necessary at my disposal. I trust I would make a rational decision on whether or not to use lethal force. But I know I won't have to make that decision if nobody decides to infringe upon my right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I would like to point out that there is not a trend of violent shootings by those who carry a firearm for personal protection. WE are not the problem. If anything, there is an inferiority complex. "Hey, I don't have the juice, why should you????" Well, I have it because I have three children who depend on me to do whatever it takes to keep them safe in this increasingly screwed up world. That means either in the home or ON THE TRAIL where rapes/murders occur all too frequently (again, see current events). And this world is not being made any safer by those who would choose to have everybody sink to their level of personal vulnerability. Because that's what it all boils down to: Personal vulnerability. I'm not the "brave" one. Not by a long shot. The "brave" person to me is the person who gambles his/her own life and/or the lifes of family members who would otherwise depend on them for protection. I know my kids would think me far more a "lunatic" if I entrusted them to their common man and put away my weapons of personal protection. And when I close this dialogue box, that's who matters to me: My kids. Someone who practices personal vulnerability and thinks of me as a lunatic is otherwise fine by me. I'd actually prefer if you advertised, as someone has already suggested, that you practice said personal vulnerability... The sign is wonderful... Hey, then you would be saving the life of some potential criminal. If they come in my house they'll most likely get shot. So invite them in to do their "business" with you and yours, and promise them complete surrender. Well, okay... You can wield a bat until they yank it out of your hands with a chain... But odds are you won't. If you won't wield a gun, you'd be even more nuts to pick up a bat to a thug(s) in the darkness of the night. For some people, guns save lives. I respect firepower. I respect the danger presented with having firearms around children. That's where education, safety and a good deal of love come into play. If I'm going to offer that protection in my sanctuary (home) I can't imagine discarding such protection and heading out for the boonies where some people are sending a clear message that there are easy victims to be had. Excuse me for not being part of the wooden duck club. Peace, hopefully.... If not? Protection. Monty If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Seeing as a few others added what works for them, I'll add the one I just got yesterday. It was pricey, but it works. It is a KEYSPAN USB Serial Adapter. It was $49.99 at Frys, but after reading about how some adapters weren't working with GPSrs, I was encouraged by the compatiblity part: "For use with all RS-232 serial devices including modems, graphics tablets, digital cameras, serial PDAs, GPS devices, cell phones, hand held scanners, point of sale devices, data acquisition devices, UPS devices, medical and scientific instrumentation, and other serial devices." On one other note, mine was working fine with the Magellan MapSend - but I was getting error messages with EasyGps. It might be redundant to add, but maybe it will save someone the headache to note that the baud rate had to be set at 4800 to work. I think the default was something like 9600 on the EasyGPS preferences, but once I selected 4800 the data flowed. I wonder if the baud could be boosted on the GPSr (Sportrak Pro)? Has anybody selected a higher baud rate and had it work with a corresponding higher baud rate on EasyGPS? Just a curiosity. Anyway, I'm happy with the Keyspan, although I think the price is way too much. I'm sure the $30 units do the same exact thing and are just as reliable. Cheers! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

All's well. It doesn't sync without being told to update, so as long as I don't neither file overwrites the other. This is good. We're going on a cross-country trip and I wanted to make sure I can have my laptop working with the GPSr so I can update my regions as needed... I'm using the KEYSPAN USB serial adapter... It was a nasty $49. at Fry's, but with all the horror stories about cables not transmitting data to/from GPSrs, I went with one that claimed it did. I know there are others that work fine for less money, but this was all they had (I figured I'd give it a shot and return it if it didn't work). Hopefully all will remain peaceful! Thanks to everyone, again, for your patience! I really do appreciate it - Monty If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Well, it took some more fiddling, but I suppose my baud rate was the culprit in getting the waypoints to my GPSr. Once I tweaked it down to 4800 it "took." Wow... What a learning experience. Now, with my luck everything will go and get changed again! Hopefully not. This will take some getting used to, but hopefully all will remain well... Just one more "test" and that is to see that Plucker doesn't "update" when I sync.... I only have the one index file, and it remains as whatever I last "spun." Kinda of confusing? Me too! Off to test... Thanks again! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Thanks, Gimpy! I had a friend look into it, and we got it working... we weren't going in and getting the INDEX file... The location string didn't have that, I was just using the entire file after I spun it. So now we have the Clie all charged up with the two queries (I have to sync the Clie each time so I can have my two different queries - I'm not wise enough to figure out how to mess with customizing everyting in one whole file). But I have the cache pages, which is all I wanted... Boy, it sure does take a lot longer than the Classic, but I'm just so glad to have the cache pages once again! Now, I just have to figure out how to get my GPSr to "receive" data... This is the first time I'm using it with the laptop, and I'm hoping the adapter is working... I just have to figure out which com port, etc. etc. So I'm still working well into sunup! Thanks so much, Gimpy! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Hi everyone... Thanks again for the time!! Hi Gimpy, and HI MARKY!! Say hi to Joani from us. We've moved... a lot of yuck has sort of happened. But working with this stuff gives me something to do! Well, I have plucker installed, and I've been trying and TRYING to get this right... But the crud that comes out is all yucked up. I've followed the instructions, but I'm just getting garble... I can read a bit of it, but I think there's all this html code or something mixed in with it all. I'm getting the channels I've created, and I've followed the instructions.... It's just the data seems so corrupted. I'm going to keep on trying... I'm trying to get two files onto my PDA. One is of all the caches in my area (300) and the other is just set up to show the new ones in the last week... usually about 30. When I drag one into spinner, it replaces the spun file from the other. I guess I don't know if my plucker channel is getting the right file. I'm pulling my hair out... Yuck... I was just fine with the Classic, and using it through Avantgo... but something yucked that up, too. One day everything was fine... I was gone for a few months, and now everything is yucked up. Well, at least I have this plucker utility... I just need to figure out the right files to go to the channels I create, I suppose. I want the two channels, but the spinner only seems to keep one spun file... I've even been reading the help pages... again and again... Well, I'll take a break, clear my head and delve back into this... Any additional help will of course be so much appreciated.. Thanks in advance, especially for putting up with my S L O W N E S S... Sorry! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Hi, I'm not sure I understand... I don't have a Palm, I have a Sony Clie (but that's not really important, because it uses a Palm OS). Are you saying I can use both Avantgo and Plucker when I hotsync? When I click the Hotsync, does it sync with both of them seperately? Sorry if I'm being confusing, but I haven't deleted the Avantgo yet, and was just waiting for clarification. If the handheld syncs with first Avantgo, and then anything I have from Plucker, that would be awesome. Thanks so much, again, for your patience! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Thanks so much for the step-by-step. Can I do this even though I use Avantgo? Meaning, can I use both Plucker and Avantgo? This was sort of the "choice" I had the first go-round, and seeing as everything on my Clie synched via Avantgo, I used that to synch the pages created by Spinner; it all used to work perfectly. I'm not familiar with Plucker - and I've heard some folks say they like it much better than Avantgo (no pop-up page), but dropping Avantgo for Plucker would mean I'd lose all my pages that I struggled to set up and get synched. I really understand Avantgo, and I'm really happy with it. I don't think I'm going to nix it for Plucker, just to get spun files... I'd just like everything to work the way it used to... Thanks so much for your help, though... I'm sure things will work out, they did the first time! Heck, if I don't hear differently I'll try the exact steps you recommend and just see if I can't synch both Avantgo and then Plucker, seperately. Or something like that. If you can't tell, it all confuses me, but I'm willing to mess around and try it till I get it right! Thanks again for such a detailed response! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Hi all, Gimpy helped me out SO much, and so did a few others, when I needed to coordinate my Sony Clie, Avantgo and the Spinner utility. I couldn't have been happier with the way everything was working. Long story short, I had a few personal problems and haven't used the utility or even my GPS for the last few months. I went to "re-learn" how everything was working - I still had my two queries, and everything was still synched. But I also got that "garbledygook" html string before the actual caches on the spun file. I didn't think it would be a problem, but on one query (which Spinner came up with 37 caches) it only put one into my Sony Clie. In short, did I miss something? I did my search, and downloaded the new Spinner, but it just opens a DOS window for about 4 seconds before closing it. I'm real slow at this stuff, but I DO try and do my homework before asking you folks. I've spent all day trying to figure this out, but I'm genuinely lost and I've given it my effort. I feel like I'm back to square one. I see this GPSBabble which I'm not familiar with. I'm using GPS Spinner Classic Version 1.2.7b1. When I download the spun files, they look just fine in EasyGPS. That's what I don't understand. It looks fine on the EasyGPS page, and my Clie synch using Avantgo has worked flawlessly in the past. This took me so long to figure out in the beginning, and I feel like I'm totally lost and back at square one. Gimpy? You were my saviour last time! Can you or anyone else help an "e-challenged" cacher who has at least spent some effort searching the site before asking questions? Thanks so much!! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

SUPER!!!!! What a great challenge (which of course would be cowered from)! How excellent an idea for the 21st Century People's Republik Posse organizations to venture forth into places like, say the Crenshaw, East Palo Alto, Oakland... (you get the idea) and do their smarmy "reporting" of "suspicious activity" there. All sorts of REAL illegalities going on there... if you're brave enough to tackle real criminals. Of course, it is always quite the muscle-bulging prowess of good Party Communists to: A.) Observe thy neighbor through cracks in the blinds or parts in the curtain. B.) Form a personal "conclusion" as to their naughty nature. C.) Call the KGB and "report" said criminal neighbor for crimes to be determined. Out here???? "Neighborhood Patrols" or "Big Brother" groups who dared to have the t-fortitude to do any real good would be better named the "Pinata Party Posse," because that's exactly what would happen - you'd be slapped silly, and totally at the discretion of real thugs. Maybe they might use your life as a gang-initiation, or maybe they might decide to let you live... Whatever the case, they present enough of a real problem for those who wish they were real KGB agents to tremble in their ickle bitty shoes and instead have to pretend to be big shots by keeping an eye out for a raised laptop, or somebody not looking straight ahead in traffic. The "formation" of any "Nosey Neighbors" is a farce against true crime, because true criminals are way ahead of you... I could be the snottiest guy on the block, but I can still carry the little old ladie's groceries into her house with a smile, and she thinks I'm the nicest guy in town. Here's a clue, to all the wannabe KGB agents: If I'm gonna blow up a building, or take out the pentagon??? I'm not gonna sit in front of it with a freakin' laptop and GPS unit. No, I might blend in with all the tourists and VIDEOTAPE it to let you find and recoil at later... so what's your deal? You gonna start KGBing everyone with a camcorder, next? Transcript of Nosey Neighbor 911 call: "911, do you need police, medical or fire assistance?" "Uh, probably." "What are you calling to report, sir?" "Uh, there's this guy sitting in a car, and he's got some sort of computer screen - and I haven't seen him around here before... It looks like he's got some sort of other device... I've seen him get out of the car, hold it up for a minute or two - and then scribble down coordinates. I'm pretty sure it's some sort of timer - you guys better send the S.W.A.T. out, pronto. Did I mention I'm part of a Nosey Neighbor A.S.S? You know, Area Surveillance Society? And can I also tell you I have watched, observed and know exactly what the individual in the car is wearing.... Wait! He's moving now... again, then, slowly down the street... Oh my (beeep beeeeeeep beeeeeeep beeeep) God!! language bleeped out ala COPS style He's coming this way! I can see the words "Compaq".... Yes, it's absolutely a laptop he's got... and he's got a smile on his face!!!" "Ok, sir??? Do you see any weapons?" "Oh oh... Forget about that... I've got something much bigger to report!!! I can't believe it!! Something just happened!" "Ok, sir?? Is something happening?" "Why, yes... As I'm talking to you, there's a guy in some sort of turban walking this way. There's a.... let me see... Yes! It's definitely a woman walking about 15 feet behind him! They must be part of this whole thing." "Sir, do they look like they know the people in the car?" "Well, no! The guy in the car just left. But these have gotta be some sort of terrorists walking towards me. Wait!!! Across the street... The neighbor just drove up in an unusual car - I've never seen him in it. And he drove it straight into the garage and closed the door behind him... Shall I sneak over and take a look?" "No, sir... Stay where you are. The couple you see walking down the street has already called it in. We have that information.... Sir?? Get a life. We have a job to do. Get a dog." If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON [This message was edited by GRANDMASTER CACHE on March 15, 2003 at 09:18 AM.]

Oh, yeah... Minor point of observation. You can't commit a felony if you haven't at least commited a crime. I think some folks are letting their imaginations run wild with visions of Grandmaster Cache "hacking" into their home computer and revealing all their "Hot young whatever" websites. I don't believe those with an interest in wireless signal said anything about delving into the private files of others. I do believe that's a crime. Forgive me if the thread's original intent was hijacked by somebody thinking someone's out to get them. My, such self-importance. Maybe I'm naive, but I didn't think the first poster was a troll at all - in fact, I rather like the idea of wireless access points. (Point of clarification - we did not say: Personal Backdoor File Ports) Of course, I understand that few threads don't have some "angle" or "spin" put on them so as to cause posturing of much grandeur and flourishing of admonishment. I should, at this point, recommend that some of ya'll buy a dog to train to obey your every whim. "Hey, I don't like that! STOP! Don't pee on that bush - Here, on this spot of paper! What? Your tail is wagging! Surely that can only mean you jest my new haircut! That's a felony! Off to your doghouse! I am your God! Tip back a cold one (or two) folks. Ain't nobody here trying to see the embarassing sites you frequent, or trying to capitalize on anyone's Circuit City charge account. I do believe we are talking about partaking of God's open airwaves - to utilize a signal to connect ad hoc so that we can check our OWN email. Some services charge monthly or by the minute... some are free. Soon (made possible by paying advertisers) there will be free signal strength with more consistancy than the (oh my god - FREE) satellite signals we use for our GPS units. You will always be responsible to lock your own front door - Now, if you don't follow the conversation - or its intent - why automatically assume there's a crime being committed? Bored? Go clean up a few tangible caches which might classify as litter... punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Absolutely, I think if people break the law they should get arrested. And I'm all for private citizens groups "reporting" suspicious people. That way real officers of the law can respond without being accused of "stereotyping." Gosh, I don't know what would send me to jail first, popping up my laptop while parked in my car, or flying an Iraqi flag from my antenna! Heck, I hope ya'll warned those threads where people use a laptop with their GPS when they're caching. Man, that's another go-to-jail arrest, huh? Or are we supposed to raise up a banner stating our purpose for having an "exposed" laptop in our vehicle. Not currently connected to wireless internet - just using enlarged map to show route to ammo box. ROTFLMAO!! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON

Precisely. No immoral bandwith! If you hide it, they will come. Grandmaster Cache Tank at: FISH WHISPERER'S LAGOON