AARoads Forum

Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM

Title: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
Welcome to random shower thoughts w/kenarmy. I'll be updating frequently  :spin:

- How far back do bald people shave their heads?? Do they remember their hair boundary and stop there?
- Do people with one eye blink or wink?
- How do vampires get ready if they can't see themselves in mirrors?
- US 98 used to be shorter than US 57... and it was out of grid as well..
- In the future, we will probably try to remove filters from pictures.
- US 278 is longer than US 80.. that's crazy.
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
- Sharks get a week, but mothers only get a day
- The toys in Toy Story had to watch Andy um.. mess with himself.. when he got older
- Some people in this forum are dead..
- Do dogs have names for us?
- During childhood, we are told that jokes about the genital areas are adult content, but once we become adults, these jokes are considered childish.
- We could mount cameras on garbage trucks and get an updated google maps.
- This could possibly be the last thing you read, and you won't know if it is unless you finish reading it.
- How long is now?
- oops, i put this on the wrong part of the forum
- you're reading this
- you won't know the last time someone says your name..

ADD TO THIS


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 11:27:53 AM
One from last night shared in a road group chat after the ship in the Suez Canal was freed:

But are we free?  Are we all just memes for cargo ships?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 11:56:58 AM

- Do people with one eye blink or wink?
- How do vampires get ready if they can't see themselves in mirrors?
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
- Sharks get a week, but mothers only get a day
- Do dogs have names for us?
- During childhood, we are told that jokes about the genital areas are adult content, but once we become adults, these jokes are considered childish.
- We could mount cameras on garbage trucks and get an updated google maps.
- This could possibly be the last thing you read, and you won't know if it is unless you finish reading it.

ADD TO THIS



[/quote]

I will use these for Toastmaster table topics soon
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
...
ADD TO THIS

I disagree. Does that count as adding to it?  :-P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
...
ADD TO THIS

I disagree. Does that count as adding to it?  :-P

How do people fall asleep while driving then? 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 29, 2021, 04:00:13 PM
Why do I waste so much time?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on March 29, 2021, 04:06:36 PM
Several thoughts of mine:

- If you have no nothings, do you have 0 nothings or an infinite amount of nothings?
- To a dog, a human day is an entire week.

I'll add more.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 04:12:09 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
...
ADD TO THIS

I disagree. Does that count as adding to it?  :-P

How do people fall asleep while driving then?

Probably by driving while drowsy?

But even if a driver was fake-sleeping and accidentally fell asleep, that doesn't prove that you have to fake sleep in order to fall asleep for real. The vast majority of sleeping occurs in bed or elsewhere besides behind the wheel.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 06:44:03 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 04:12:09 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
...
ADD TO THIS

I disagree. Does that count as adding to it?  :-P

How do people fall asleep while driving then?

Probably by driving while drowsy?

But even if a driver was fake-sleeping and accidentally fell asleep, that doesn't prove that you have to fake sleep in order to fall asleep for real. The vast majority of sleeping occurs in bed or elsewhere besides behind the wheel.

Nonetheless it definitely is a circumstance where there is documentation that people weren't faking it when they fell asleep.   
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 08:41:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 06:44:03 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 04:12:09 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
...
ADD TO THIS
I disagree. Does that count as adding to it?  :-P
How do people fall asleep while driving then?
Probably by driving while drowsy?

But even if a driver was fake-sleeping and accidentally fell asleep, that doesn't prove that you have to fake sleep in order to fall asleep for real. The vast majority of sleeping occurs in bed or elsewhere besides behind the wheel.

Nonetheless it definitely is a circumstance where there is documentation that people weren't faking it when they fell asleep.

OK, so I don't think we're disagreeing then... we're both disagreeing with the OP.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 08:49:27 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 08:41:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 06:44:03 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 04:12:09 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep
...
ADD TO THIS
I disagree. Does that count as adding to it?  :-P
How do people fall asleep while driving then?
Probably by driving while drowsy?

But even if a driver was fake-sleeping and accidentally fell asleep, that doesn't prove that you have to fake sleep in order to fall asleep for real. The vast majority of sleeping occurs in bed or elsewhere besides behind the wheel.

Nonetheless it definitely is a circumstance where there is documentation that people weren't faking it when they fell asleep.

OK, so I don't think we're disagreeing then... we're both disagreeing with the OP.

Correct, I was trying to expound upon what you were saying.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 09:32:15 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 08:49:27 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 08:41:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 06:44:03 PM
Nonetheless it definitely is a circumstance where there is documentation that people weren't faking it when they fell asleep.

OK, so I don't think we're disagreeing then... we're both disagreeing with the OP.

Correct, I was trying to expound upon what you were saying.

Gotcha - my bad.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 10:00:04 PM
Why is it when someone is running away from a car chasing them in a movie they always run straight instead of running off to the side?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 10:46:13 PM
Dying is something everyone does but they can't tell anyone about it
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 11:12:02 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 10:46:13 PM
Dying is something everyone does but they can't tell anyone about it

Sure you can, all you have to do is be declared legally dead and be revived.  Lots of people have been through something like that although I wouldn't call it common. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on March 29, 2021, 11:18:50 PM
Why are Siamese cats not conjoined?

Why do flammable and inflammable have the same meaning?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on March 29, 2021, 11:49:01 PM
What did I just click on?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 11:57:53 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 11:12:02 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 10:46:13 PM
Dying is something everyone does but they can't tell anyone about it

Sure you can, all you have to do is be declared legally dead and be revived.  Lots of people have been through something like that although I wouldn't call it common.
That's not really dead.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 12:01:52 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 11:57:53 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 11:12:02 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 10:46:13 PM
Dying is something everyone does but they can't tell anyone about it

Sure you can, all you have to do is be declared legally dead and be revived.  Lots of people have been through something like that although I wouldn't call it common.
That's not really dead.

If you're clinically dead, you're usually actually dead. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:03:28 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 12:01:52 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 11:57:53 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 11:12:02 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 10:46:13 PM
Dying is something everyone does but they can't tell anyone about it

Sure you can, all you have to do is be declared legally dead and be revived.  Lots of people have been through something like that although I wouldn't call it common.
That's not really dead.

If you're clinically dead, you're usually actually dead.
Theoretically that shouldn't mean they are dead, since dead means the state of no longer being alive. If there are still functions of the body (heart, brain) working they are not dead. But I'm not a scientist so what do I know.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 12:29:56 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:03:28 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 12:01:52 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 11:57:53 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 11:12:02 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 29, 2021, 10:46:13 PM
Dying is something everyone does but they can't tell anyone about it

Sure you can, all you have to do is be declared legally dead and be revived.  Lots of people have been through something like that although I wouldn't call it common.
That's not really dead.

If you're clinically dead, you're usually actually dead.
Theoretically that shouldn't mean they are dead, since dead means the state of no longer being alive. If there are still functions of the body (heart, brain) working they are not dead. But I'm not a scientist so what do I know.

Being declared clinically dead is generally considered actual death.  If there was no intervention from said point all life functions would cease.  Essentially all any of us are a collection of cells that are fighting to maintain living.  Once that is no longer possible then you are essentially dead.  So in theory, if you were revived somehow by a physician past that point of what would be normally the point of no return you could tell others what your experiences were in dying.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 12:31:13 AM
Quote from: Big John on March 29, 2021, 11:18:50 PM
Why are Siamese cats not conjoined?

Why do flammable and inflammable have the same meaning?

What is the point of flammable and inflammable when literally everything burns if heated enough?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 30, 2021, 05:41:57 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 12:31:13 AM
What is the point of flammable and inflammable when literally everything burns if heated enough?

Some things only melt instead of burning.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 30, 2021, 08:10:47 AM
why does the number of horses' asses exceed the number of horses?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on March 30, 2021, 08:37:52 AM
Newton's First Law is directly responsible for my horrid sleep schedule
Anytime I searched a "bypass" on my school computer it got blocked. "By-pass" and "By pass" were fine though. Is there something I don't know?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 30, 2021, 08:39:02 AM
Quote from: I-55 on March 30, 2021, 08:37:52 AM
Newton's First Law is directly responsible for my horrid sleep schedule
Anytime I searched a "bypass" on my school computer it got blocked. "By-pass" and "By pass" were fine though. Is there something I don't know?


I'm guessing they blocked anything that contained "ass" and allowed certain common words (whole words only) that contained "ass", and "pass" was on that list but not "bypass".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on March 30, 2021, 08:43:37 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 04:12:09 PM

But even if a driver was fake-sleeping ...

Funny story told by an inter-city bus driver.  He was on an overnight trip and a lady in the front seat next to the door was afraid of him falling asleep.  He randomly closed his right eye - freaked the lady out.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: texaskdog on March 30, 2021, 08:54:04 AM
Quote from: Big John on March 29, 2021, 11:18:50 PM
Why are Siamese cats not conjoined?

Why do flammable and inflammable have the same meaning?

We drive on a parkway and park in a driveway
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on March 30, 2021, 10:47:06 AM
- Why are we scared of alien invasions when we are quick to go to war with others on Earth??
- What if you are the only one that hears certain things? ..
- If you were wrongfully put into an insane asylum, how would you convince them that you're actually sane and not just pretending to be sane?
- "Superheros" cause global warming and destruction.
- What were antiques when our antiques were new?
- Your salary is a monthly subscription from your employer.
- Think about the bugs in the Buckingham Palace, they probably have ancestors from the Victorian times just like the royals.
- How do you prove there isn't a dust particle in your house?
- Dropping a cup of coffee wakes you up more than drinking it.
- How do you prove 1 comes after 2? Someone told you that
- If you get second during a track meet, and the team gets second, are you helping them win or lose? (dont overthink it!)
- National Parks are just what our country used to look like
- Taking down "lost pet" signs can be really bad or good
- Why does "in a minute" sound longer than "in 2 minutes"


- A tree right now is growing wood for your coffin..

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 10:48:25 AM
How do I prove anyone but me actually exists?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 10:49:00 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 30, 2021, 08:10:47 AM
why does the number of horses' asses exceed the number of horses?
Do some horses have more than one ass?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 02:48:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 08:49:27 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 08:41:34 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 06:44:03 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 04:12:09 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 29, 2021, 03:54:10 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 29, 2021, 03:29:28 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on March 29, 2021, 10:25:21 AM
- You have to fake being sleep in order to sleep

I disagree. Does that count as adding to it?  :-P

How do people fall asleep while driving then?

Probably by driving while drowsy?

But even if a driver was fake-sleeping and accidentally fell asleep, that doesn't prove that you have to fake sleep in order to fall asleep for real. The vast majority of sleeping occurs in bed or elsewhere besides behind the wheel.

Nonetheless it definitely is a circumstance where there is documentation that people weren't faking it when they fell asleep.

OK, so I don't think we're disagreeing then... we're both disagreeing with the OP.

Correct, I was trying to expound upon what you were saying.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the forum in a nutshell.




My contribution:

Your funeral is one of the most important days of your life, but you miss attending it by a matter of days.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 30, 2021, 02:55:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 02:48:05 PM
My contribution:

Your funeral is one of the most important days of your life, but you miss attending it by a matter of days.

I will have to disagree. It is important to those one leaves behind, but it can't very well be important to the person that just passed away.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 30, 2021, 03:17:19 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 30, 2021, 08:10:47 AM
why does the number of horses' asses exceed the number of horses?

Centaurs aren't horses but they have horses' asses.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 30, 2021, 03:17:19 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 30, 2021, 08:10:47 AM
why does the number of horses' asses exceed the number of horses?

Centaurs aren't horses but they have horses' asses.

How to the Motaurs from the Progressive Commercials go to the bathroom?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on March 30, 2021, 03:38:50 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 30, 2021, 03:17:19 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 30, 2021, 08:10:47 AM
why does the number of horses' asses exceed the number of horses?

Centaurs aren't horses but they have horses' asses.

How to the Motaurs from the Progressive Commercials go to the bathroom?
They leak.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 03:40:44 PM
Quote from: renegade on March 30, 2021, 03:38:50 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 30, 2021, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 30, 2021, 03:17:19 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 30, 2021, 08:10:47 AM
why does the number of horses' asses exceed the number of horses?

Centaurs aren't horses but they have horses' asses.

How to the Motaurs from the Progressive Commercials go to the bathroom?
They leak.

So would they go to a mechanic or a doctor for that? 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 03:43:27 PM
Hopefully, yes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on March 31, 2021, 08:11:24 AM
Why do books cost so much money at book fairs?? It goes against the whole read more idea.
If you fail to plan, are you really planning to fail since you failed at planning in the first place?
You could be the only one that remembers a song.
Who are supposed to call if there is a sudden zombie apocalypse?
You've probably eaten hundreds of dead animals by now.
Why do vegans drink water? that's a fish's house you liar.
Aliens would probably think our numbered system is cute, but what would they make of our anomalies?
This message can be accessed until the end of time somehow.
Every song with "every time" has been spelled "everytime" since 1998.
Why don't students have substitutes?
If you become a teacher, wouldn't it NOT be your first day at work or school?
I said I would update this page frequently!

Did I knock off the minor things that annoy you thing with my unpopular opinion threads??
If humans could fly, it would be considered exercise.
Horses used to carry vacuum cleaners (??)
You'd think Windsor Castle was named after the House of Windsor, but it's the other way around.
You can't spell Presbyterians without "Britney Spears"
!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on March 31, 2021, 10:59:22 AM
Quote from: Big John on March 29, 2021, 11:18:50 PM
Why are Siamese cats not conjoined?

Why do flammable and inflammable have the same meaning?
https://youtu.be/Q8mD2hsxrhQ
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on March 31, 2021, 02:09:15 PM
That the word unpopular would become such a popular word on this forum.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2021, 02:23:35 PM
The word mailman is sexist.  It should be personperson instead.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 31, 2021, 02:38:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 31, 2021, 02:23:35 PM
The word mailman is sexist.  It should be personperson instead.

Parcel Jockey
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hbelkins on March 31, 2021, 03:00:57 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 30, 2021, 02:55:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 02:48:05 PM
My contribution:

Your funeral is one of the most important days of your life, but you miss attending it by a matter of days.

I will have to disagree. It is important to those one leaves behind, but it can't very well be important to the person that just passed away.

Aren't there some faiths that put a great deal of importance on the funeral/memorial service for the deceased?

I have a bit of firsthand experience with juggling the wishes of the departed vs. the emotional needs of the survivors. My mother did not want a funeral and wanted a closed casket. My grandmother (her mother) wanted to see her one last time. We compromised by allowing her to have a private visitation with the open casket, then closed it before the public visitation. We held a graveside service for immediate family and a few close friends.

My dad did not express any sentiments about what to do after his death. I was in favor of doing nothing -- turning the body over to the funeral home and letting them bury him. I did not have an emotional need for a service. The whole thing was an ordeal I didn't want to have to endure. My brother was of the opinion that we needed to do something because of his brothers and sisters. We had no public visitation, and a private graveside service for immediate family. We didn't even announce his death publicly or allow an obituary to be placed in the newspaper until we had secured his home with an alarm system. The afternoon of his funeral, I departed for the 2010 Akron/Canton road meet held the next day. I wanted life to go on.  I actually went to work the day after his death, I just missed the day he died and the day of his burial. Everyone deals with grief differently and mourns in their own way.

I don't particularly want any kind of service when I die. Just stick me in the ground. But I will defer to what my wife wants to do, because in the end I want whatever will be easier to help her deal with the loss.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2021, 03:21:01 PM
Historically speaking–at least for Christians and Jews–birthdays were considered profane, pagan celebrations.  They saw no reason to celebrate the day a sinful soul entered a sinful world.  The date of one's death was much more important.  Christian saints days, for example, tend to observe the traditional date of the person's death.

The earliest written reference to Christmas falling on December 25 is a calendar otherwise dedicated to the dates of various martyrs' deaths.  Christmas appears to have been added several years later as a matter of convenience, more or less as an afterthought.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on March 31, 2021, 03:59:20 PM
(Sees Bitonto, an Italian city, on a map) Twice stupid

N.b.: Tonto means "stupid" in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hbelkins on March 31, 2021, 10:11:37 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 31, 2021, 03:59:20 PM
(Sees Bitonto, an Italian city, on a map) Twice stupid

N.b.: Tonto means "stupid" in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

So that's why he called the Lone Ranger "kemo sabe." Wonder what that translates to?  :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 02:14:17 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 31, 2021, 10:11:37 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 31, 2021, 03:59:20 PM
(Sees Bitonto, an Italian city, on a map) Twice stupid

N.b.: Tonto means "stupid" in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

So that's why he called the Lone Ranger "kemo sabe." Wonder what that translates to?  :bigass:

I used to think it was a butchered "quien no sabe", which means "who doesn't know".  But apparently it derives from a much less offensive Ojibwe word.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hbelkins on April 01, 2021, 07:12:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 02:14:17 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 31, 2021, 10:11:37 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 31, 2021, 03:59:20 PM
(Sees Bitonto, an Italian city, on a map) Twice stupid

N.b.: Tonto means "stupid" in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

So that's why he called the Lone Ranger "kemo sabe." Wonder what that translates to?  :bigass:

I used to think it was a butchered "quien no sabe", which means "who doesn't know".  But apparently it derives from a much less offensive Ojibwe word.

I've read that it's the name of some summer camp that meant something to someone involved with the show.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 02, 2021, 11:16:38 PM
Why do people say "why aren't blueberries blue" ?? they look blue to me-
Do twins think about how one of them was unplanned?
Something is going to get dirty when you clean.
Radar backwards is radar.
You read that taht wrong.
Replacing "W" with "T" gives you the answer to What, Where, and When.
US 6 junctions(ed) with US 20, US 30, US 40, US 50, US 60, US 66, and maybe US 70, that is crazy af.
Every 60 seconds in Africa, there's a minute.
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
US 195 is 95 miles long. Coincidence? I think not.
Is it silverware if the spoon is gold?
What if US 301 is really just DE 1's branch route??
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on April 02, 2021, 11:38:15 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 02, 2021, 11:16:38 PM
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
Why doesn't a spider's web stick to its butt?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 03, 2021, 01:28:43 AM
Some radar detector detector detectors have radar detector detector detector detectors to avoid being detected by a radar detector detector detector.

Why do noses run and feet smell?

Why do they call it apartments if they're built together?

Is it called sand because it's in between sea and land?

If you're waiting for the waiter, you're the waiter.

When you buy a bigger bed, you have more bed room but less bedroom.

There are Interstates...that never leave a state.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hbelkins on April 03, 2021, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 03, 2021, 01:28:43 AM
Some radar detector detector detectors have radar detector detector detector detectors to avoid being detected by a radar detector detector detector.

They do? I need one for traveling in Virginia.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 04, 2021, 07:57:38 PM
What if US 101 is supposed to be US 0 and there was an error in documentation? Is that why most of the X0's touched it?
All of us have experienced pregnancy.
If humans could fly, wouldn't it be considered exercising?
When you get a random itch, is it the ghost of bugs you've killed?
Chances are none of you will be aware that I died when I die..
How do you know when you were born? What if it's the wrong certificate?
Why are stay at home moms always gone?
Isn't telling someone that it's unbelievable calling them a liar?
What do you say when an atheist sneezes??
If we only use 10 percent of our brain, how do we know we only use 10 percent???
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on April 04, 2021, 08:23:49 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 04, 2021, 07:57:38 PM
What do you say when an atheist sneezes??
gesundheit - it roughly means health
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 04, 2021, 08:37:50 PM
Why is everyone in this thread posting in italic?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 04, 2021, 08:41:44 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2021, 08:37:50 PM
Why is everyone in this thread posting in italic?

Because people are following the lead of the OP, I guess.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 04, 2021, 09:09:30 PM
I've seen Wikipedia talk pages where someone forgets a closing tag (italics, bold, color, size... it's usually in their signature), and that makes the entire rest of the page have the same markup.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 05, 2021, 12:26:15 AM
"This is shit" => bad  ("Doordash is shit")

"This is the shit" => good  ("KGATLW is the shit")

"This is the shits" => bad again ("That checkin process was the shits")

English is weird
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 05, 2021, 01:52:33 AM
Quote from: kurumi on April 05, 2021, 12:26:15 AM
"This is shit" => bad  ("Doordash is shit")

"This is the shit" => good  ("KGATLW is the shit")

"This is the shits" => bad again ("That checkin process was the shits")

English is weird


Yeah, no, yeah = Yeah
No, yeah, no = No
No, yeah = Yeah
Yeah, no = No
Yeah, yeah, yeah = No
No, no, no = Yeah

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 05, 2021, 09:17:09 AM
- I told you I was going to update frequently!
- Birthdays are just a reminder that you have one less year to live
- Did you know snails play hide and seek with us when they are touched?
- What's wrong with "W" being double U? It looks like two cursive U's.
- Incorrect is always spelled incorrect
- Why does a pineapple not have a pine or an apple?
- Where do Dentists go if they need an extraction?
- Password is supposed to be a secret, but it means to pass to others.
- Did you notice I used dashes this time, but not last time?
- Does the "k" "a" or "ay" make the "aye" sound?
-Your first birthday was really your second.
- Why is it birthday instead of birthdate?
- You might've visited something for the last time recently..
- Dogs are smarter than us, they know our language, but you don't know it's barks  :meh:
- Are these thoughts actually "random" since we have thoughts all the time?
- What if Covid gets erased from history? How is it going to get stopped when we all die?
- You have more ancestors than your ancestors.
- If you don't eat half-popped kernels, wtf are you doing in life?
- If you divide US 6's distance in half, you get US 99's former transcon distance.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 05, 2021, 09:53:23 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 05, 2021, 09:17:09 AM
- Why does a pineapple not have a pine or an apple?

I instantly thought of Mike Myers's Linda Richman bit on SNL upon seeing this.

Quote from: Linda Richman
I'm getting a little verklempt! Talk amongst yourselves.  I'll give you yet another topic: chickpeas are neither chick, nor a pea.  DISCUSS!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 05, 2021, 10:55:22 AM
Why does running tend to induce bowel movements?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 05, 2021, 05:48:13 PM
You can never say "I'm dead"  and be correct.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: andrepoiy on April 05, 2021, 09:35:15 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 29, 2021, 11:18:50 PM
Why are Siamese cats not conjoined?

I believe a Siamese cat refers to the breed of cat from Siam, which is the name Thailand went by before changing its name to Thailand.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 09:56:38 PM
"Buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo" is a perfectly valid English sentence
Peanuts are nuts but aren't peas, but peanuts are a vegetable
How do 8 million people live in NYC if the rent is too high?
If God is a god, why does he insist on having his name capitalized?
We are all related to each other
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 05, 2021, 11:14:25 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 05, 2021, 05:48:13 PM
You can never say "I'm dead"  and be correct.

Unless you're playing a game. Or you're an actor.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 06, 2021, 07:16:45 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 09:56:38 PM
Peanuts are nuts but aren't peas, but peanuts are a vegetable

Peanuts are not nuts.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 06, 2021, 07:40:49 AM
somewhere, somebody's cat is stalking me
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 08:24:14 AM
The earth will be less beautiful tomorrow
You may have killed insects that are going extinct.
US 62 is shorter than US 40. Idk I just think that's crazy.
plants are really farming us, giving us oxygen until we eventually expire and turn into mulch which they can consume..
Theme parks snap better pictures of you at 70 mph than banks do of robbers.
Lawyers hope you get sued, doctors hope you get sick, cops hope you're criminal, mechanics hope you have car trouble, but only a thief wishes prosperity for you.
Why does 1984-2000 seem longer than 2000-2016?
An "unlimited minutes per month" phone plan really only gives you 44,640 minutes per month at most, it's a scam.
You complain about your laptop charging slow even though it takes you hours. and then you still don't have enough battery.
Why don't we have "The Price is Right" with billionaires?
When the older generations says this generation is terrible, they're really saying they sucked as parents.
*inhale* Almost every hand you've shaken has had a *!çk in it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 06, 2021, 09:18:55 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 08:24:14 AM
*inhale* Almost every hand you've shaken has had a *!çk in it.

that might be the most disturbing random thought on this thread. hats off for raising the bar.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 06, 2021, 10:24:26 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 06, 2021, 09:18:55 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 08:24:14 AM
*inhale* Almost every hand you've shaken has had a *!çk in it.

that might be the most disturbing random thought on this thread. hats off for raising the bar.

If it makes you feel better all us essentially are just cobbled bacteria and viruses. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 06, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2021, 11:14:25 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 05, 2021, 05:48:13 PM
You can never say "I'm dead"  and be correct.

Unless you're playing a game. Or you're an actor.

In that case, your character is dead. Not you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 06, 2021, 12:10:16 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 06, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2021, 11:14:25 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 05, 2021, 05:48:13 PM
You can never say "I'm dead"  and be correct.

Unless you're playing a game. Or you're an actor.

In that case, your character is dead. Not you.

Unless you're a method actor, then all bets are off.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on April 06, 2021, 03:27:44 PM
If semi means half, why are the big trucks called semis?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on April 06, 2021, 03:30:00 PM
Why are they called kung fu masters and not karate chaps?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 06, 2021, 04:35:57 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 06, 2021, 09:18:55 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 08:24:14 AM
*inhale* Almost every hand you've shaken has had a *!çk in it.

that might be the most disturbing random thought on this thread. hats off for raising the bar.

Is that what they're calling it these days?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 06, 2021, 06:13:42 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 06, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2021, 11:14:25 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 05, 2021, 05:48:13 PM
You can never say "I'm dead"  and be correct.

Unless you're playing a game. Or you're an actor.

In that case, your character is dead. Not you.

Yeah, but if your character says "I'm dead", the words come out of your not-dead mouth...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Duke87 on April 06, 2021, 11:13:45 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 08:24:14 AM
Almost every hand you've shaken has had a *!çk in it.

It also logically follows almost every hand you've shaken has had one or more of its fingers inside of a vagina.

Might as well be equal opportunity with this line of thinking!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 11:21:36 PM
Strawberries aren't berries, but bananas are.
How do you know your 1st grade teacher isn't dead?
If you give it everything you have, doesn't that mean you have nothing to give?
Do Somethin' by Britney Spears peaked at #100. That's such a rare thing.
My future self is probably not smiling back on this..
Why do we expect people to change, if we don't change our expectations? Isn't that hypocritical?
Nightmares are horror stories that you produce, direct, and star in. And it's free :biggrin:!
I think this was a crappy addition, but oh well
Do nipples bleed? I spiked myself pretty bad and it just left a mark.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on April 07, 2021, 12:20:09 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 11:21:36 PM
Nightmares are horror stories that you produce, direct, and star in. And it's free :biggrin:!

And then you wake up and only remember the most frightening bits and pieces
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 07, 2021, 01:01:54 AM
Why does this post scroll?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 07, 2021, 10:38:28 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 11:21:36 PM
Do nipples bleed? I spiked myself pretty bad and it just left a mark.

I had a tick on my nipple once.

Why do you italicize each line separately?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on April 07, 2021, 02:54:40 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on April 06, 2021, 11:13:45 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 08:24:14 AM
Almost every hand you've shaken has had a *!çk in it.

It also logically follows almost every hand you've shaken has had one or more of its fingers inside of a vagina.

Might as well be equal opportunity with this line of thinking!
No.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
I have a major project due in like 30 minutes, but i'm too lazy to finish hehe..
I like Italicizing every line. Idk it's just pleasing.
Penguin Egg whites turn clear when you boil them.. Also why is that even a thing?
You can buy a bag of $10,000 worth of shredded currency for $45 from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Why does the percent sign go behind the number, but not the dollar sign?
By the time you finish reading this, people died.
You probably won't know any of your death mates, unless it's some kind of disaster.
Who came up with the idea of extreme ironing? Like that's so random..
Thoughts was thought of as a word for thoughts.
Isn't tripping over a bra a booby trap?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on April 08, 2021, 01:11:16 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
I have a major project due in like 30 days, but i'm too lazy to finish hehe..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 02:32:15 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
Why does the percent sign go behind the number, but not the dollar sign?

The position of the currency sign depends a lot on the language being spoken. In English-speaking countries, it usually goes in front. However, in other languages this is not the case; according to Wikipedia the dollar sign goes after the number in French Canada. Likewise, in the eurozone, some languages place the € in front and some after.

Interestingly, the Cape Verdean escudo places its currency symbol in the middle, that is, where the decimal place goes. This is a $2.50 coin:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/1985escudo2.50.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 03:24:33 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 02:32:15 AM
Interestingly, the Cape Verdean escudo places its currency symbol in the middle, that is, where the decimal place goes. This is a $2.50 coin:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/1985escudo2.50.jpg)

Using a unit as a decimal marker is known to happen in French as well.

The time is usually expressed, for example, as 9h55. And also, heights are often given as 1m82, and prices as 9€75. These last two, though, are less common in more formal written contexts.

On a side note, are you sure that's a Cape Verdean escudo? I ask since it says "Republica portuguesa."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 04:11:06 AM
Correction–that's a Portuguese escudo, which stopped being a thing when Portugal changed to the euro. Cape Verde used to be part of Portugal, however, and maintained the practice after independence (whereas I don't have any source saying that Portugal transferred it to the euro).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2021, 09:52:11 AM
Italian is just a dialect of Latin.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on April 08, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
Why does the percent sign go behind the number, but not the dollar sign?

Even more random, the cent sign goes after the number.  And for that matter, why don't we have a cent sign on a computer keyboard?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 08, 2021, 01:09:34 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 08, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
Why does the percent sign go behind the number, but not the dollar sign?

Even more random, the cent sign goes after the number.  And for that matter, why don't we have a cent sign on a computer keyboard?

Blame whoever created ASCII. The keys we can normally type are exactly the ASCII set of characters, minus the ones for internal use (and British keyboards don't have `). Fortunately, as I'm using a Mac, I can just type option+4 to get ¢.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 08, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
And for that matter, why don't we have a cent sign on a computer keyboard?

Really.  How often do you use curly brackets or a pipe symbol?  Replace one of them, already!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 08, 2021, 01:28:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 08, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
And for that matter, why don't we have a cent sign on a computer keyboard?

Really.  How often do you use curly brackets or a pipe symbol?  Replace one of them, already!

Wikipedia editors use them. If there's one to replace, it would definitely be `.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 01:48:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 04:11:06 AM
Correction—that's a Portuguese escudo, which stopped being a thing when Portugal changed to the euro. Cape Verde used to be part of Portugal, however, and maintained the practice after independence (whereas I don't have any source saying that Portugal transferred it to the euro).

Having examined the matter further, for reasons I can’t really explain, it appears that Portugal has issued coins with the € symbol in both positions:

(https://i.imgur.com/rnmPZQY.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/9MUWBpp.jpg)

Now, that second coin, as it turns out, is noncirculating. And so, if I had to guess, there’s some EU regulation somewhere stating how to use the € symbol on official coinage, which wouldn’t apply to the second coin.

ETA: Here's one with both:
(https://www.coin-database.com/images/Portugal/3202-v.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 08, 2021, 01:53:45 PM
I don't think the first coin circulates either. Euro coins have a common design up to 2€, and anything higher is for commemoratives. (Commemoratives are legal tender, but only in the issuing country, not the whole Eurozone.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 02:01:05 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 08, 2021, 01:53:45 PM
I don't think the first coin circulates either. Euro coins have a common design up to 2€, and anything higher is for commemoratives. (Commemoratives are legal tender, but only in the issuing country, not the whole Eurozone.)

Well, so much for that theory then.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2021, 02:01:38 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 01:48:26 PM
And so, if I had to guess, there's some EU regulation somewhere stating how to use ...

Well, it's always a safe bet that the EU has regulations somewhere about anything.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on April 08, 2021, 08:05:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 08, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
And for that matter, why don't we have a cent sign on a computer keyboard?

Really.  How often do you use curly brackets or a pipe symbol?  Replace one of them, already!

Those of use who develop software use curly braces and pipe symbols all the time.  Depends what you're using the computer for :)  And as stated before I can get the ¢ symbol with option-4 on a Mac keyboard.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2021, 08:49:08 PM
This reminds me: Why do so many countries use a comma to separate digits in a price number? It makes no sense. A decimal looks much cleaner, and commas already have a separate meaning in sentence structure. I read "$2,50" as "This item is 2...(awkward pause)....50."

$2.50

$2,50

You tell me which one looks better.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 09:05:46 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2021, 08:49:08 PM
This reminds me: Why do so many countries use a comma to separate digits in a price number? It makes no sense. A decimal looks much cleaner, and commas already have a separate meaning in sentence structure. I read "$2,50" as "This item is 2...(awkward pause)....50."

$2.50

$2,50

You tell me which one looks better.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that one or the other makes no sense. It's pretty much just what you're used to. For everything you'd want to know about decimal separators, look here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decimal_separator).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2021, 09:12:02 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 09:05:46 PM
For everything you'd want to know about decimal separators, look here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decimal_separator).

It's funny you link that, because I was just looking at that exact article before I posted that reply to see if it was just a few countries that used the comma or many.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 09:28:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 08, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
And for that matter, why don't we have a cent sign on a computer keyboard?

Really.  How often do you use curly brackets or a pipe symbol?  Replace one of them, already!

Computer programmers use both of them all the time. And given that computer programmers would be the ones that would have to make the change...

If we're going to get rid of something on the keyboard I'd rather see ¢ replace ^. ¢ was in the spot currently occupied by ^ on IBM typewriters. Actually, if we really have to get rid of a key, why not Pause/Break? It is literally useless (so is SysRq, but at least that key has been cannibalized by Print Screen, meaning you have to do some sort of meta-shift-cokebottle nonsense if you actually want to emit a SysRq keystroke, which you don't, because it doesn't do anything).

Actually, the best thing would be if Windows copied the Unix Compose key. If I want a ¢ I hit "Compose" (set to right alt on this keyboard, but I usually set it to the menu or right Windows key if those are around), then |, then c, and it creates a ¢. Very easy to remember how to use.

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2021, 08:49:08 PM
This reminds me: Why do so many countries use a comma to separate digits in a price number? It makes no sense. A decimal looks much cleaner, and commas already have a separate meaning in sentence structure. I read "$2,50" as "This item is 2...(awkward pause)....50."

$2.50
$2,50

You tell me which one looks better.

Note that in countries that use "," as the decimal separator, they use "." as a thousands separator. So $1,063,292.76 would instead be written $1.063.292,76. Which kind of makes some sense, as the purely-presentational thousands-separator characters are smaller than the more-important decimal separator.

Some countries also do their quotation marks differently than the US. In the UK, the roles of single quote and double quote are often reversed (He said 'I talked to Josh and he said "The documents are ready."') French uses quotes «like this», German uses quotes "žlike this", and Japanese uses quotes 「like this」.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 08, 2021, 09:31:41 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 08, 2021, 08:05:47 PM


Those of use who develop software use curly braces and pipe symbols all the time.  Depends what you're using the computer for :)  And as stated before I can get the ¢ symbol with option-4 on a Mac keyboard.

OR ALT+0162  in Windows ;)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 09:37:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 09:28:14 PM
Note that in countries that use "," as the decimal separator, they use "." as a thousands separator. So $1,063,292.76 would instead be written $1.063.292,76. Which kind of makes some sense, as the purely-presentational thousands-separator characters are smaller than the more-important decimal separator.

You'll also occasionally see 1'063'292.76 or 1'063'292,76 as well as the SI versions with spaces, 1 063 292.76 or 1 063 292,76.

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 09:28:14 PM
French uses quotes «like this»

To be pedantic, officially in French, you would put a (nonbreaking) space on the insides of the quotes, « like this ».

Also, not that anyone asked, in French, a change in speaker in a dialogue is indicated with — on a new line, whereas in English, the quotation marks will close and then open again on a new line with an indentation:

« Qu’est-ce que tu as fait hier soir ?
— Rien. »

versus

“What did you do last night?”
   “Nothing.”
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 09:41:24 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2021, 09:37:23 PM
To be pedantic, officially in French, you would put a (nonbreaking) space on the insides of the quotes, « like this ».

Thanks, now I know to be officially pedantic in two languages! :D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 10:05:30 PM
Why are y'all breaking the italicizing chain  :verymad:
I never realized that "italic" actually comes from Italy..
Why are cakes one of the most important things at weddings, baby showers, and etc when they are the desert?
How do you know today isn't your death day? You don't.
Why does hearing our favorite song on the radio feel better than streaming it? Is it because you're glad someone else recognizes it?
How does censoring work in sign language? Like do they just pause?
If you expect the unexpected, nothing expected is expected - or unexpected.
Are you really ugly, or are you just not your type?
Why do we act like the Ancient Romans were just brief and they had the same experiences? That's like saying people in 1021 and 2021 are the same.
Why can cars hook up to our smartphone, surf the web, and all that other mess but can't tell us why we have a check engine light?
If aliens come to earth, wouldn't we have to explain why we made tons of movies were we depict them as bad and kill them? Or is that why they stay away..
Do you ever feel sad for actors that die in tv shows? Sometimes, we just saw them get fired in front of us.
Why do we glorify foods for having natural ingredients? wutindehale??
A guy can decline an invitation by saying his girlfriend won't let him go and everyone will likely understand. But if a girl declines an invitation by saying her boyfriend won't let her go, people will start wondering..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: lepidopteran on April 09, 2021, 01:46:09 AM
At home, we write a check to pay the bills. But at a restaurant, we use bills to pay the check. Huh? (And let's complicate matters by asking if that's why Congress passes bills to help with checks and balances.)
Why is it that when we get a delivery by car, it's called a shipment, but when the delivery is by ship it's called cargo?
Why is a bag of potato chips hard to open, but even harder to close?
Why is it hard to get into the pool because the water is too cold, but when comes time to get out, the air is too cold?
What do they call upside-down cake in Australia?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 09, 2021, 08:08:53 AM
Quote from: US71 on April 08, 2021, 09:31:41 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 08, 2021, 08:05:47 PM


Those of use who develop software use curly braces and pipe symbols all the time.  Depends what you're using the computer for :)  And as stated before I can get the ¢ symbol with option-4 on a Mac keyboard.

OR ALT+0162  in Windows ;)

nerd.

seriously, cool tho.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hbelkins on April 09, 2021, 11:36:53 AM
Why do dogs like to eat cat poop, but cats don't eat dog poop?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 01:03:56 PM
|kenarmy| is really fascinated with death.

I didn't realize until now that the pipe symbol | has no italic form.  I assume that's because it would be confused with a virgule.




Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 09:28:14 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2021, 08:49:08 PM
This reminds me: Why do so many countries use a comma to separate digits in a price number? It makes no sense. A decimal looks much cleaner, and commas already have a separate meaning in sentence structure. I read "$2,50" as "This item is 2...(awkward pause)....50."

$2.50
$2,50

You tell me which one looks better.

Note that in countries that use "," as the decimal separator, they use "." as a thousands separator. So $1,063,292.76 would instead be written $1.063.292,76. Which kind of makes some sense, as the purely-presentational thousands-separator characters are smaller than the more-important decimal separator.

The bolded portion is my opinion as well.  I prefer a comma for the decimal separator because it stands out more, and a period for the thousands separator because it stands out less.  Personally, I use a space for the thousands separator because it doesn't even deserve any ink at all.

14.320,88
14,320.88

Turn your brain off for a few seconds and just look at those two numbers.  Forget that you already know what each separator is supposed to mean.  Then ask yourself which separator naturally seems more important.  In my opinion, the comma looks more important.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 09, 2021, 02:07:34 PM
Of course, in normal writing, periods are more important than commas, since commas only separate clauses and periods separate sentences. So maybe we got that backward too, and that's why using a period as a decimal separator "makes more sense" to most Americans.

Written communication is weird!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 02:15:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 09, 2021, 02:07:34 PM
Of course, in normal writing, periods are more important than commas, since commas only separate clauses and periods separate sentences. So maybe we got that backward too, and that's why using a period as a decimal separator "makes more sense" to most Americans.

Written communication is weird!

Don't the French use periods at the end of sentences too?   :pan:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 09, 2021, 02:42:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 02:15:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 09, 2021, 02:07:34 PM
Of course, in normal writing, periods are more important than commas, since commas only separate clauses and periods separate sentences. So maybe we got that backward too, and that's why using a period as a decimal separator "makes more sense" to most Americans.

Written communication is weird!

Don't the French use periods at the end of sentences too?   :pan:

Yes, but the point is that, if they should be reversed for numbers, they should be reversed for regular written sentences, too. Whichever one looks more important in one context also looks more important in the other.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 04:47:38 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 09, 2021, 02:42:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 02:15:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 09, 2021, 02:07:34 PM
Of course, in normal writing, periods are more important than commas, since commas only separate clauses and periods separate sentences. So maybe we got that backward too, and that's why using a period as a decimal separator "makes more sense" to most Americans.

Written communication is weird!

Don't the French use periods at the end of sentences too?   :pan:

Yes, but the point is that, if they should be reversed for numbers, they should be reversed for regular written sentences, too. Whichever one looks more important in one context also looks more important in the other.

So you think the French should use commas for a full stop, but periods for lists?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 09, 2021, 04:50:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 04:47:38 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 09, 2021, 02:42:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 02:15:18 PM
Don't the French use periods at the end of sentences too?   :pan:

Yes, but the point is that, if they should be reversed for numbers, they should be reversed for regular written sentences, too. Whichever one looks more important in one context also looks more important in the other.

So you think the French should use commas for a full stop, but periods for lists?

Well, if the premise is that a comma looks more important, and thus should fulfill the more important function, then yes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 04:58:51 PM
I think my point was (!) that even being rational about this isn't a very rational approach.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GenExpwy on April 10, 2021, 04:20:00 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2021, 01:03:56 PM
I didn't realize until now that the pipe symbol | has no italic form.  I assume that's because it would be confused with a virgule.

A few fonts do have an italic |. In Windows: Calibri, Cambria, Comic Sans MS, and Consolas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on April 10, 2021, 01:56:20 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 10:05:30 PM
Why are y'all breaking the italicizing chain  :verymad:
For people with vision problems, large blocks of italicized text can be difficult to read.     :hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 10, 2021, 02:12:59 PM
Italicizing text just to italicize it is technically against the forum rules, too. I just haven't bothered bringing it up because it's less obnoxious than changing the font or color.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 11, 2021, 09:29:59 AM
Are you really living, or are you just taking a break between claps?? Or what if you aren't on break and you had your last one ...
3g used to be the stuff, but now if you have it your phone is really slow.
Why aren't free gyms normal?
Men get all of the blame for splashing when they go to the toilet, but none of the credit for naturally jet washing skid marks away.
If you hit yourself and it hurts, are you weak or strong?
The last rock you threw could never be touched until the end of time..
Strap-on backwards is No-Parts.
You've most likely seen someone else's um, *bh*, more than you've seen yours  :colorful:
Are other countries confused when we call ourselves "America"?
A true mad scientist would only destroy half of the earth, since the other half is the control group.
What if dogs destroy shoes because that's what humans put on before they leave..
Brushing your teeth is the only time you clean your skeleton.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 12, 2021, 01:09:07 PM
Many biases are bad, but confirmation bias can be beneficial, as it helps you gather evidence for things you know are true.

In a related vein, circular logic is the soundest logic, because it is.

A lot of people fall prey to Dunning-Kruger, but I'm smarter than that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 12, 2021, 01:16:38 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 12, 2021, 01:09:07 PM
Many biases are bad, but confirmation bias can be beneficial, as it helps you gather evidence for things you know are true.

In a related vein, circular logic is the soundest logic, because it is.

A lot of people fall prey to Dunning-Kruger, but I'm smarter than that.

In a similar vein, the slippery slope is real in many cases because the Overton window of what is acceptable/unacceptable is shifted.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on April 12, 2021, 02:18:20 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 12, 2021, 01:09:07 PM
Many biases are bad, but confirmation bias can be beneficial, as it helps you gather evidence for things you know are true.
In addition, there is no such thing as an unbiased person, news source, or organization. Being unbiased is nearly impossible.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 13, 2021, 10:46:32 AM
What's below the Earth??
Is US 8 in grid or are US 4 and US 6 out of grid? Or is it both?
Why can't everytime be one word.
People who are good looking but have terrible personalities are basically real life click baits.
Nowadays you can use a usb port to smoke or to charge your book
It's hilarious how people are looking down on the royal family for the megan and harry mess, when historically royals have executed people for no good reason.
When people think about travelling to the past, they worry about accidentally changing the present, but no one in the present really thinks they can radically change the future.
When you bake bread, you give thousands of organisms false hope by feeding them sugar, before ruthlessly baking them to death in an oven and eating their corpses.
You aren't worthless.. Mosquitos *LOVE* you.
Nothing is on fire, fire is on things.
Tripping on a bra is a booby trap right? I think I already said this but I wanted to say it again.
You use your driver's license to buy things that can impair you from driving..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 13, 2021, 10:48:04 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 13, 2021, 10:46:32 AM
What's below the Earth??

Nothing is "below" it as Earth is a 3d ball in space.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2021, 03:44:45 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 11, 2021, 09:29:59 AM
Are other countries confused when we call ourselves "America"?

Confused?  No.

Irritated?  Yes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 13, 2021, 10:38:40 PM
Well, I guess they should be. ^
Why can't unicorns be real? Sounds more realistic than an animal with a 6 foot neck
Do you really only live once if you are always living, until you die once?
Oranges weren't and still aren't naturally orange, how did it get that name?
Everyone that sees this is going to die  :D
Tall people are expected to use their reach to help shorter people, but if a tall person asked a short person to hand them something they dropped on the floor it'd be insulting.
Aliens invaded the moon. Didn't I already say this?
Britney Spears is richer than you.
How do you know that the borders are correct?
Tobacco companies kill their best customers and condom companies kill their future customers.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 13, 2021, 10:47:36 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 13, 2021, 10:38:40 PM
Tall people are expected to use their reach to help shorter people, but if a tall person asked a short person to hand them something they dropped on the floor it'd be insulting.

As a tall guy, yes! LOL!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 14, 2021, 12:06:29 AM
If life exists on Mars, they are watching their planet being slowly invaded by robots.

My astrological sign is Sol... that star has an outsize effect on my day to day life.

Could a Möbius beltway serve twice the traffic on half the ROW?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on April 14, 2021, 03:13:22 AM
Quote from: kurumi on April 14, 2021, 12:06:29 AM
Could a Möbius beltway serve twice the traffic on half the ROW?

Only if everyone's car got equipped with that Mario Kart 8 DLC package
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 14, 2021, 03:26:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2021, 03:44:45 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 11, 2021, 09:29:59 AM
Are other countries confused when we call ourselves "America"?

Confused?  No.

Irritated?  Yes.

I've also heard secondhand that the residents of los Estados Unidos Mexicanos also get irritated when we go by "the United States".

But "The United States of America" is so long. We need something shorter. Maybe something ending in -land to show that we're a country, since a lot of other countries do that. Possibly combined with someone's given name? I like the sound of Scottland, but that's taken already. Hm, maybe Kyleland? That's nice and short, since "Kyle" is only four letters...I wonder if there are any other short names that have a ring to them...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 14, 2021, 03:46:29 AM
Society and advanced civilization is merely a distraction. A distraction from the endless universe, vast cosmos, and how infinitely small and short human existence is. So we can live in our own little world and think about things other than how truly insignificant we actually are.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 14, 2021, 03:52:09 AM
I don't know about that. I think if we didn't have society we'd be all so busy finding food and shelter and sex we wouldn't even have time to even stop and consider whether we're significant or not.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 14, 2021, 04:09:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2021, 03:52:09 AM
I don't know about that. I think if we didn't have society we'd be all so busy finding food and shelter and sex we wouldn't even have time to even stop and consider whether we're significant or not.

That's basically what society is today. Except we have laws, inventions, and things not necessary for human life. Paradoxically, if we didn't have society, we wouldn't have ever discovered how insignificant we are in the first place.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2021, 10:01:24 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 13, 2021, 10:38:40 PM
Do you really only live once if you are always living, until you die once?


Quote from: kenarmy on April 13, 2021, 10:38:40 PM
Oranges weren't and still aren't naturally orange, how did it get that name?

The name of the fruit came first.  The name of the color came later.

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2021, 03:26:23 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2021, 03:44:45 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 11, 2021, 09:29:59 AM
Are other countries confused when we call ourselves "America"?

Confused?  No.

Irritated?  Yes.

I've also heard secondhand that the residents of los Estados Unidos Mexicanos also get irritated when we go by "the United States".

But "The United States of America" is so long. We need something shorter. Maybe something ending in -land to show that we're a country, since a lot of other countries do that. Possibly combined with someone's given name? I like the sound of Scottland, but that's taken already. Hm, maybe Kyleland? That's nice and short, since "Kyle" is only four letters...I wonder if there are any other short names that have a ring to them...

1.  Spanish already has a one-word term for "of/from the United States of America":  estadounidense.  Note that the "America" part is nowhere in there, so it still leaves open the ambiguity as to its referring to the Estados Unidos de América or the Estados Unidos Mexicanos.

2.  I've personally been referred to as los americanos in Mexico by more than one person, so the chip on the shoulder might be overblown.  However, that could be because there's no better term.  After all, los estadounidenses is rather cumbersome, and some folks might need to take a breath halfway through that word [j/k].  Technically, it's only one syllable longer, but it just makes one's mouth do extra gymnastics to say it.

3.  My favorite over the last few years has been to refer to myself as gringo, which is a fairly common informal term in Mexico.  (I was once stopped at a military checkpoint while approaching Saltillo from the west.  The guard was dressed in full camo, with face mask and rifle and everything.  While she was walking back to her vehicle with my papers, I heard her say "Gringos..." to the other guards and, for a second, I was a little worried.  But when she handed my papers back, she told me to have a good day–in English–with a smile showing through the face mask.)  However, Mexicans seem to be embarrassed about using the term.  They realize it's kind of racist, and they generally want to be polite and respectful.  So, when I simply refer to myself and my companions as gringos, they half-smile at it, seem uncomfortable for two or three seconds, and then the ice breaks and all is well.

4.  Kyle is difficult for them to say.  Believe me, I know.  In years past, several people misunderstood my name as Caillou, like the cartoon character.  I've also had Latin American friends and coworkers take to simply pronouncing my name in Spanish:  KEE-lay.  But for years now, I've simply gone by the name Cayito or Callito (identical pronunciation) when I'm in Mexico, which is sort of a contrived diminutive form of Kyle.  I've never written it out, so I occasionally ask people which way they think it should be spelled.  The former would be a small key (the geographical kind, not the kind that opens doors).  The latter would be a small callus.  Most people tell me they think the former, which accords with the aforementioned politeness and respect of the Mexican people.  I personally think the latter, as I am rather insignificant but still mildly annoying.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TravelingBethelite on April 14, 2021, 08:53:54 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 14, 2021, 03:46:29 AM
Society and advanced civilization is merely a distraction. A distraction from the endless universe, vast cosmos, and how infinitely small and short human existence is. So we can live in our own little world and think about things other than how truly insignificant we actually are.

Is that a problem? Does mankind really need to worry about its insignificance? There is so much work left to do to improve life on earth that it doesn't need to matter if we are insignificant in the universe. I'd rather spend my life going about my own business and contributing in any small part to improving the life of my fellow man than to worry if we matter or not. (Saves me the existential grief.) Nothing matters to the universe, so ultimately what matters is up to us. Worrying about how little we are in the grand scheme doesn't do anything to make earth a cleaner place or to feed the hungry.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2021, 10:26:19 PM
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on April 14, 2021, 08:53:54 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 14, 2021, 03:46:29 AM
Society and advanced civilization is merely a distraction. A distraction from the endless universe, vast cosmos, and how infinitely small and short human existence is. So we can live in our own little world and think about things other than how truly insignificant we actually are.

Is that a problem? Does mankind really need to worry about its insignificance? There is so much work left to do to improve life on earth that it doesn't need to matter if we are insignificant in the universe. I'd rather spend my life going about my own business and contributing in any small part to improving the life of my fellow man than to worry if we matter or not. (Saves me the existential grief.) Nothing matters to the universe, so ultimately what matters is up to us. Worrying about how little we are in the grand scheme doesn't do anything to make earth a cleaner place or to feed the hungry.

A lot of people could use a serious reality check with how unimportant pretty much all of us are.  None of us are anywhere as special or significant as we think we are.   That doesn't mean life isn't important, but does certainly put it in perspective when compared to things of cosmic scale.  I kind of prefer the reality check sometimes, it certainly helps me tune out a lot of background noise in my own life.  Then again the older the get the less I care about ideals and other things that are really just were a burden (example; politics and following sports too closely).  I kind of dig the simplicity of knowing that I'm not of any real significance and I should focus on what makes me happy. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 14, 2021, 10:48:41 PM
What's the difference in partly cloudy and partly sunny?
I think I already said this, but plants are really farming us, giving us oxygen until we eventually die and turn into mulch which they can consume  :colorful:.
Somebody has your dream job, and they hate it.
Millions of people have what you want.
There will always be somebody hotter, richer, smarter, more talented, educated, and wiser than you.
How do you know you don't have a twin?
How do *you* know your actual age?
How are people that rely on braille alerted not to touch something?
What if there was a website that paired people by search history. That could be brilliant or terrifying..
We stick kids in classrooms 7 hours a day, give them another few hours for homework, actively discourage them from playing outside, and then wonder why kids today are out of shape.  :meh:
When did the first history class occur?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on April 14, 2021, 11:04:38 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 14, 2021, 10:48:41 PM
We stick kids in classrooms 7 hours a day, give them another few hours for homework, actively discourage them from playing outside, and then wonder why kids today are out of shape.  :meh:

Ironically in my experience these are the same kids who never do their homework.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 14, 2021, 11:25:08 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 14, 2021, 10:48:41 PM
What's the difference in partly cloudy and partly sunny?

Quote from: US 89 on April 05, 2021, 10:07:16 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on April 05, 2021, 09:29:28 PM
At the start of my track meet it was mostly cloudy, windy, and 73. Now, a few hours later, it is clear.

Is there a difference between "Partly Sunny" and "Mostly Cloudy"? I have found that the NWS forecasts use the same image for both.

There is. "Partly sunny" is sunnier than "mostly cloudy".

If you're curious, the official NWS public forecast definitions are:
-Sunny: less than 1/8 of sky covered by clouds (at night: clear)
-Mostly sunny: 1/8 to 2/8 of sky covered by clouds (at night: mostly clear)
-Partly sunny: 3/8 to 5/8 of sky covered by clouds (at night: partly cloudy)
-Mostly cloudy: 6/8 to 7/8 of sky covered by clouds
-Cloudy: more than 7/8 of sky covered by clouds
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TravelingBethelite on April 15, 2021, 03:23:42 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2021, 10:26:19 PM
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on April 14, 2021, 08:53:54 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 14, 2021, 03:46:29 AM
Society and advanced civilization is merely a distraction. A distraction from the endless universe, vast cosmos, and how infinitely small and short human existence is. So we can live in our own little world and think about things other than how truly insignificant we actually are.

Is that a problem? Does mankind really need to worry about its insignificance? There is so much work left to do to improve life on earth that it doesn't need to matter if we are insignificant in the universe. I'd rather spend my life going about my own business and contributing in any small part to improving the life of my fellow man than to worry if we matter or not. (Saves me the existential grief.) Nothing matters to the universe, so ultimately what matters is up to us. Worrying about how little we are in the grand scheme doesn't do anything to make earth a cleaner place or to feed the hungry.

A lot of people could use a serious reality check with how unimportant pretty much all of us are.  None of us are anywhere as special or significant as we think we are.   That doesn't mean life isn't important, but does certainly put it in perspective when compared to things of cosmic scale.  I kind of prefer the reality check sometimes, it certainly helps me tune out a lot of background noise in my own life.  Then again the older the get the less I care about ideals and other things that are really just were a burden (example; politics and following sports too closely).  I kind of dig the simplicity of knowing that I'm not of any real significance and I should focus on what makes me happy.

I can vibe with that. I prefer to "live on Earth" so to speak but that point of view helps me to see my problems as smaller and more manageable, or so petty as to be just about ignorable (like politics and sports as you mentioned). That said, an existential bout is good every once in a while to keep on track but I can't stand to live life thinking like a philosopher. Thinking like that for too long drives me into a "everything's meaningless and we all die" funk where very little of what I have to do to stay afloat actually gets done. In that case, I'll happily nest in my petty problems. Ignorance is bliss.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GenExpwy on April 15, 2021, 03:45:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2021, 03:44:45 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 11, 2021, 09:29:59 AM
Are other countries confused when we call ourselves "America"?

Confused?  No.

Irritated?  Yes.

By the exact same logic, are Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Swaziland eSwatini irritated when their neighbor calls itself South Africa? (They're in "south Africa" , too.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
^^ So what are we supposed to call ourselves instead of Americans?
Its 2021, why are people still entertaining Fritzowl's absurd plans?
Why does christmas feel like more of a deadline than a holiday?
Why is it birthday and not birthdate?
What if the stranger you saw last week died?
Someone you passed by once could be fantasizing about you right now.
How do we explain US 412 to aliens? Weren't all those other US routes basically turned into interstates as well?
Why tf do we have to take *years* of algebra? Is y=mx+b gonna help us in a situation?
I feel dumb af and heartbroken when you guys don't respond to my threads  :-/
You get up, and pound all of your weight on the ground everyday repeatedly until it eventually wears you down and you die.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 17, 2021, 11:22:40 PM
"Take me to your leader–but first, what's the deal with US 412? We can't figure it out. Normally, we wouldn't care, but you named part of it after Owen K. Garriott, so it kind of caught our eye."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on April 18, 2021, 12:23:52 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Why is it birthday and not birthdate?

On a another note, why do we measure our age from our birthday and not from our conception? My birthday is in June 2003, but technically, I started living in October 2002.

But that's probably not true either. We all started living in our grandmothers on our mom's side when they were pregnant with our moms (because the egg cell that became us existed in our mom's womb, which was in our grandma's womb) Isn't that a strange thought?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 18, 2021, 08:59:15 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Why is it birthday and not birthdate?

Around here, I see "birthdate" used to mean the day and year of birth. So my birthday would be February 2 but my birthdate February 2, 1990.

Quote from: CoreySamson on April 18, 2021, 12:23:52 AM
On a another note, why do we measure our age from our birthday and not from our conception? My birthday is in June 2003, but technically, I started living in October 2002.

Do you want to know the exact date that your mom got laid? Cos I wouldn't.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 18, 2021, 09:33:23 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Its 2021, why are people still entertaining Fritzowl's absurd plans?

Can't speak for everyone on the forum, but IMHO the answer is in the question...I, personally, entertain them because of how absurd they are :-D

(Although you bring up an interesting point...what would happen if everyone stopped replying to his thread? My guess is he'd keep on posting his plans as if nothing had happened.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on April 18, 2021, 10:08:48 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2021, 08:49:08 PM
This reminds me: Why do so many countries use a comma to separate digits in a price number? It makes no sense. A decimal looks much cleaner, and commas already have a separate meaning in sentence structure. I read "$2,50" as "This item is 2...(awkward pause)....50."

$2.50

$2,50

You tell me which one looks better.
I'm late to this discussion, but I've seen some EU countries also have the euro symbol in place of the decimal, like 2€50. Looks weird at first glance, but I actually like it as a way for noting prices.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hbelkins on April 18, 2021, 10:14:27 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 18, 2021, 12:23:52 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Why is it birthday and not birthdate?

On a another note, why do we measure our age from our birthday and not from our conception? My birthday is in June 2003, but technically, I started living in October 2002.

Probably because it's impossible to narrow down exactly what date one was conceived, unless the parents had sex just once and a pregnancy resulted. Not all gestational periods are the same.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 19, 2021, 01:09:59 AM
Two guys arguing on the street corner is a lot less disturbing than... one guy arguing on the street corner.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 03:01:19 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Someone you passed by once could be fantasizing about you right now.

I've done that.  My girlfriend had dumped me a couple of months earlier.  I had recently spent a week with a warm and inviting family, including an early Christmas dinner at the neighbors' house.  When I got back home on Christmas Eve, my roommate was gone for the holiday, most of the others in my apartment building were gone to, I had no girlfriend, I longed for the kind of family I had just returned from visiting, and I was feeling quite lonely.  I trudged three miles through a snowstorm to go watch Lord of the Rings in the theater by myself.  On my way back home, I saw a young lady walking the other way through the snow on the other side of the street.

All I thought about for the rest of the evening was wondering if she was lonely too, and what if we could have hit if off and been a happy couple together.

I kept thinking of the John Mayer lyrics:  I could have passed you on the sidewalk / Could I have missed my chance and watched you walk away?

Is that depressing enough for you?  Cheer up!  I'm coming up on 15 years of happy marriage.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
How do we explain US 412 to aliens? Weren't all those other US routes basically turned into interstates as well?

I'm quite confident that, if the opportunity comes up for us to explain anything to aliens, they won't care one bit about the number of US-412.

Quote from: hbelkins on April 18, 2021, 10:14:27 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on April 18, 2021, 12:23:52 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Why is it birthday and not birthdate?

On a another note, why do we measure our age from our birthday and not from our conception? My birthday is in June 2003, but technically, I started living in October 2002.

Probably because it's impossible to narrow down exactly what date one was conceived, unless the parents had sex just once and a pregnancy resulted. Not all gestational periods are the same.

Even if your parents had sex just once and a pregnancy resulted, what would be the consequences if your father took a paternity test four years later and found out he wasn't the biological father, and it ended up that the pregnancy was the result of a one-night stand six days earlier?  Would they then have to start throwing your birthday parties six days earlier than they had been?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 19, 2021, 03:56:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 03:01:19 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Someone you passed by once could be fantasizing about you right now.

I've done that.  ...

All I thought about for the rest of the evening was wondering if she was lonely too, and what if we could have hit if off and been a happy couple together.

A very fitting typo. And I enjoyed your story!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on April 19, 2021, 04:14:38 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
How do we explain US 412 to aliens? Weren't all those other US routes basically turned into interstates as well?
The aliens would implement FritzOwl's plan before realizing that US 412 is an oddball route.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 03:01:19 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 17, 2021, 10:45:27 PM
Someone you passed by once could be fantasizing about you right now.

I've done that.  [...]

I had a similar experience once, on a roadtrip in western Oklahoma. There was a long stretch of road construction (I think on SH-152) that had the road narrowed to one lane, so they had flaggers set up on either end of the workzone. I was the only car at the east end of the work zone, which was being controlled by a cute girl, which is fairly unusual, in my experience. I'm guessing she probably lived somewhere nearby and was doing it as a summer job or something.

The one-lane zone was a very long one, so I was stopped for what seemed to be like ten minutes or so. At some point the flagger girl got tired of holding the stop sign up and lowered it to her side. I misinterpreted that as her signaling me to go and started to move forward. She immediately panicked and started waving her arms to get me to stop. I rolled down my window and yelled "Sorry!" She said something back like "It's cool", and then, several minutes later, a caravan of cars passed from the other way, and I got the signal to go forward.

As I passed through the work zone, I started thinking that I should have chatted with her more since I had to be stopped there for ten minutes anyway, maybe got her number or something. (I'm sure that being a roadgeek made me more predisposed to seeing a flagger girl in a reflective yellow vest and thinking "gee, I'd like to know her better".) But, after all, she probably lived several counties away from me, and hitting on a girl while she's at work on a state highway in the middle of nowhere probably would have seemed skeezy as hell from her perspective, so it's probably for the best that I didn't.

Of course, now Oklahoma uses those remote-control stoplight trailers to control work zones, so this story couldn't even happen in the present-day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 19, 2021, 04:27:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:28 PM
...

Of course, now Oklahoma uses those remote-control stoplight trailers to control stop lights, so this story couldn't even happen in the present-day.

New York uses the stoplight trailers for any long-term closures, but you will still see flaggers if the closure is only temporary (say a few hours or less). Of course, short-term closures are usually also over a much shorter distance, so it's unlikely you'd be there for 10 minutes even if there was a flagger.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 19, 2021, 04:47:26 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 19, 2021, 04:27:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:28 PM
...

Of course, now Oklahoma uses those remote-control stoplight trailers to control stop lights, so this story couldn't even happen in the present-day.

New York uses the stoplight trailers for any long-term closures, but you will still see flaggers if the closure is only temporary (say a few hours or less). Of course, short-term closures are usually also over a much shorter distance, so it's unlikely you'd be there for 10 minutes even if there was a flagger.

I'm not sure I've seen the stoplight trailers used outside of MN District 1 (the NE part of the state). There was one set of trailers that I really didn't enjoy because the opposing one was around a bend out of sight that I wasn't convinced some idiot wouldn't be trying to run because he saw no opposing traffic coming.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 05:30:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:28 PM
hitting on a girl while she's at work on a state highway in the middle of nowhere probably would have seemed skeezy as hell from her perspective, so it's probably for the best that I didn't.

You may even have been the eleventh guy to try and get her number that day...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 19, 2021, 09:52:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 05:30:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:28 PM
hitting on a girl while she's at work on a state highway in the middle of nowhere probably would have seemed skeezy as hell from her perspective, so it's probably for the best that I didn't.

You may even have been the eleventh guy to try and get her number that day...

Ask her what she wants for Lunch?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
How are you confident that aliens won't care about US 412?
Contacts are basically invisalign but with glasses.
You don't know what I look like.
When you saw forward and back, your lips move in that direction
Who decided what qualified as a cuss word??
You wake up thousands of times, but you still aren't used to it.
US 51 and US 63 are the same length.. That feels illegal.
US 26 is longer than US 85.. Ok but this one actually blows my mind.
If life is a game, what game is it? Is it game to see how much you can harm yourself until you lose?
Aren't we all addicted to oxygen?
If you got a trillion pennies, you would be average.
When I see US71 turn 71, I will be completely satisfied with my life. Also, US 71 has spent 71 days online  :sombrero:.
Do we all read usernames the same? I read kphoger is "K P Hoger"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 19, 2021, 10:22:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM

When I see US71 turn 71, I will be completely satisfied with my life. Also, US 71 has spent 71 days online  :sombrero:.
Do we all read usernames the same? I read kphoger is "K P Hoger"

.

Provided I live that long. or don't change my name :)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on April 19, 2021, 10:41:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
US 51 and US 63 are the same length.. That feels illegal.
US 19, 23, 25, 27 are each longer than US 21 even before the latter got truncated due to I-77, and x1 routes are considered the US routes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on April 19, 2021, 11:26:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
Do we all read usernames the same? I read kphoger is "K P Hoger"
Correct.  But there was a former user who intentionally messed up names with abbreviations.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on April 20, 2021, 07:03:15 AM
There is at least one person who
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/Themes/Button_Copy/images/member_groups/rank11-ltfwwtm.png)

Actually there are 16  :bigass:

NOTE: This is not an invite to talk post counts.

----

Zemo is a terrible dancer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nEzCv5u1O8&t=25s
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 08:47:10 AM
Quote from: Big John on April 19, 2021, 11:26:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
Do we all read usernames the same? I read kphoger is "K P Hoger"
Correct.  But there was a former user who intentionally messed up names with abbreviations.

We don't all read all usernames the same. This could really be its own thread, but I suppose "random thoughts" is as good a thread as any.


Now I'm wondering how many people pronounce mine as web nee 99. For the record, the ny stands for New York.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on April 20, 2021, 08:51:52 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 08:47:10 AM
Now I'm wondering how many people pronounce mine as web nee 99. For the record, the ny stands for New York.
Count me as one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on April 20, 2021, 08:55:32 AM
My username is just a pseudonym using the names of two characters I've played in church plays and skits. My real name is not Corey.

I always read webny99 as web n wye 99.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 10:32:38 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
How are you confident that aliens won't care about US 412?

Because nobody outside this forum or some other roadgeeky site cares one bit about the number of US-412.  Nobody.  No, not even that one guy.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
If you got a trillion pennies, you would be average.

Huh?  There are only 130 billion pennies in circulation.  How would getting a trillion of them make me average?  Explain that one.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
[/b]Do we all read usernames the same? I read kphoger is "K P Hoger"

I read your username as ke-NAR-my.  Even though I'm pretty sure it's actually two words smooshed up against each other, I still pronounce it as one word.

Looking at older posts...

I say J. M. A. C. Swimmer.  Should I say J. Mac Swimmer?  Something else?
I say Web N.–oh yeah, that guy.  I never even really get to the 99 part in my head.
I say D. Listener, even though that isn't how it's spelled.
I say Zachary Ama–something something, because his username is too long to finish.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 11:12:14 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 10:32:38 AM
... I never even really get to the 99 part in my head.

Me either - unfortunately my memory caps out at about 2003 or so.  :-P


Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 10:32:38 AM
I say D. Listener, even though that isn't how it's spelled.

Ooh, good one. I say Dils Turner, even though that isn't how it's spelled either.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 20, 2021, 11:56:10 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 08:47:10 AM
Now I'm wondering how many people pronounce mine as web nee 99. For the record, the ny stands for New York.

I've always read it as web-n-y-99, largely because your location in your profile is NY.  If it were any other state, perhaps I wouldn't have made the connection and thus read it as web-nee-99.

Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 10:32:38 AM
I say J. M. A. C. Swimmer.  Should I say J. Mac Swimmer?  Something else?

The bolded one is how I intend it, but interesting to see that there are other interpretations out there!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 20, 2021, 01:39:06 PM
There used to be a guy on here with the username 'slorydn'. I always mentally pronounced it "sss-lorry-din". Only after he stopped coming around here and I was looking at older posts did I realize it's probably meant to be pronounced "slow ridin'".

There was a fairly important guy on Wikipedia who lived in Florida and played the cello, so he chose the username Flcelloman. New users had a tendency to misread that and get a different idea of his recreational habits.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 20, 2021, 02:20:36 PM
The abefroman guy (of "H. Belkins" infamy) I used to read as "uh-bee-fro-man" before I realized or someone's post suggested it was actually his name, "Abe Froman".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 02:39:33 PM
Some are just because I'm too lazy to figure out what order the letters are really in, so I just approximate the username.  It's not like I'm calling someone by name:  I'm just attaching an online persona to a username.

I think of dvferyance as some weird version of the word defianceD. V. Fiance is how it comes out in my mind.
I read cpzilliacus as C. P. Zalius.
I read rickmastfan67 as Rick Master Fan 67.
I read bzakharin as B. Zarkhin.
I read noelbotevera as Noel Bot–oh yeah that guy.

Also...
I read PHLBOS as Phil Boss.
I read sprjus4 as Spurgeous 4.
I read Grzrd as Gizzard.
I read chays as Chaz (like the nickname for Charles).
I read inkyatari as Ink Yatari.
I read michravera as Mike Rivera.
I didn't even notice till now that Stratuscaster has that extra s in the middle.

As I said, I don't think any of this matters.  A username on here is little more than an icon made of letters instead of symbols.  It's something you glance at for a split-second to know who's posting.  No actual interpretation necessary.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 20, 2021, 02:50:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 02:39:33 PM
A username on here is little more than an icon made of letters instead of symbols.  It's something you glance at for a split-second to know who's posting.  No actual interpretation necessary.

I can think of two examples where a username isn't meaningless:

1. If you're female, having your first name in your username will prevent people from using male pronouns by accident or out of ignorance.

2. Marf207 was an obvious sock of Marf, even with no posts. (207 is Maine's area code.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 02:52:41 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 20, 2021, 02:50:33 PM
I can think of two examples where a username isn't meaningless:

1. If you're female, having your first name in your username will prevent people from using male pronouns by accident or out of ignorance.

Annoyingly, the "Dean" part of |vdeane| always makes me thing she's a man.  I think it just recently stuck in my head, finally.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 20, 2021, 02:53:01 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 20, 2021, 02:50:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 02:39:33 PM
A username on here is little more than an icon made of letters instead of symbols.  It's something you glance at for a split-second to know who's posting.  No actual interpretation necessary.

I can think of two examples where a username isn't meaningless:

1. If you're female, having your first name in your username will prevent people from using male pronouns by accident or out of ignorance.

2. Marf207 was an obvious sock of Marf, even with no posts. (207 is Maine's area code.)

Usernames also aren't meaningless for when the user either has no profile picture, or has one that's more common and not as obvious to distinguish. For example, a standard Interstate shield.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 02:58:31 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 20, 2021, 02:53:01 PM
Usernames also aren't meaningless for when the user either has no profile picture, or has one that's more common and not as obvious to distinguish. For example, a standard Interstate shield.

What I mean is that knowing what it's actually supposed to say isn't important.  All that matters is that the username as a whole tells your brain which user's post you're reading.  You could read my username as K. Phoger or K. P. H. something something or Kap Hog Sewer but, as long as you can relate that to what you know about me, then that's all that matters.  This is unlike reading out loud, where others have to understand the words you say, and it's unlike addressing someone by name, where you might offend him.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 03:09:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 02:52:41 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 20, 2021, 02:50:33 PM
I can think of two examples where a username isn't meaningless:

1. If you're female, having your first name in your username will prevent people from using male pronouns by accident or out of ignorance.

Annoyingly, the "Dean" part of |vdeane| always makes me thing she's a man.  I think it just recently stuck in my head, finally.

That's interesting, because -deane makes me think of Deanne, a female name (although of course in this case, it's a last name, not a first name).

Also, come to think of it, names that start with the letter v aren't usually guys names. I can't even think of that many. Victor... Vince... that's about it. Maybe a couple obvious ones I'm missing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 03:20:58 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 03:09:14 PM
Also, come to think of it, I associate the letter v with female ...

How did that phrase pass your filter?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 03:35:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 03:20:58 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 03:09:14 PM
Also, come to think of it, I associate the letter v with female ...

How did that phrase pass your filter?

What do you mean?

I apologize in advance if I said something stupid. If I did, it wasn't intentional.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 03:41:25 PM
Seriously?  Has high school humor changed that much since the 90s?

(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/46032988.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 20, 2021, 03:48:02 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 03:35:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 03:20:58 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 03:09:14 PM
Also, come to think of it, I associate the letter v with female ...

How did that phrase pass your filter?

What do you mean?

I apologize in advance if I said something stupid. If I did, it wasn't intentional.

I applaud you for not automatically recognizing that joke there as a 21-year old.  :)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 04:53:08 PM
OK, I'm picking up the general vibes. I will try to reword my statement!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 20, 2021, 04:55:08 PM
Why do you call something a "near miss"?  "We nearly missed each other."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 04:58:25 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 20, 2021, 04:55:08 PM
a "near miss"?

"We nearly missed each other."

Those two statements are basically opposites.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TravelingBethelite on April 20, 2021, 06:11:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 03:41:25 PM
Seriously?  Has high school humor changed that much since the 90s?

(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/46032988.jpg)

Will you be my Alantine?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on April 20, 2021, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on April 20, 2021, 06:11:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 03:41:25 PM
Seriously?  Has high school humor changed that much since the 90s?

(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/46032988.jpg)

Will you be my Alantine?
Aaaaand another thread devolves ...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 20, 2021, 07:08:09 PM
Quote from: renegade on April 20, 2021, 07:03:12 PM
Aaaaand another thread devolves ...

it's like you've never been on this forum before
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on April 20, 2021, 07:16:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 04:58:25 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 20, 2021, 04:55:08 PM
a "near miss"?

"We nearly missed each other."

Those two statements are basically opposites.

I'd say it was a near hit
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 20, 2021, 07:23:44 PM
Just realized I have one of the most unambiguous usernames on this forum. Oh well, didn't need the bonus points for creativity anyway. I read "vdeane" as "V.D. Anne", which helps me remember that she is female since Anne is a woman's name.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 20, 2021, 08:10:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 20, 2021, 07:08:09 PM
Quote from: renegade on April 20, 2021, 07:03:12 PM
Aaaaand another thread devolves ...

it's like you've never been on this forum before

Short term memory ;)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 08:35:16 PM
I just realized I won a fight against I-75 today.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 20, 2021, 09:21:58 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 08:35:16 PM
I just realized I won a fight against I-75 today.

I thought you were referring to the user I-75 at first. Then I checked your posts. No conversations with I-75. Then I tried to check I-75's profile. There are several other Interstate usernames, but no I-75...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 09:34:27 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 20, 2021, 09:21:58 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 08:35:16 PM
I just realized I won a fight against I-75 today.

I thought you were referring to the user I-75 at first. Then I checked your posts. No conversations with I-75. Then I tried to check I-75's profile. There are several other Interstate usernames, but no I-75...

It was probably just a "random thought" of some sort - he avoided all the potholes, maybe?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on April 20, 2021, 09:39:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 08:35:16 PM
I just realized I won a fight against I-75 today.
What's your secrets on doing that? I want to win a fight against I-75 too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 20, 2021, 09:42:21 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 08:47:10 AM
  • There are some that I just didn't read closely enough, like formulanone (I thought it was formula one).

I get that a lot.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210421/3dee43f79ee0642ce353b0953a24ad35.jpg)

I doodled the above drawing in some class about 25 years ago, and it just sort of stuck in my head. Nobody really seemed to be "squatting" that username or email address.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 09:51:24 PM
Well it was snowing in Detroit today and I got the hell out of the city before rush hour. First traffic backup was an accident at the Davison and I decided to get off at Caniff and Holbrook and rammed up the service drive at about 60 mph, took that all the way to McNichols, got back on I-75, then I got up to 9 Mile and there was another traffic backup so I got off the highway again and this time took John R up to 11 Mile and then back to I-75, then as I'm coming up into the Flint area I realized Google Maps was telling me to get off at the Bridgeport exit instead of I-75. Then my mom calls me and tells me you should see the traffic on I-75 north of Bridgeport I was like yeah I already know about it. The times I was on I-75 I whooped it's ass I kept punching it and getting around a bunch of traffic in the snow it was kind of fun.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 09:55:29 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 20, 2021, 09:39:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 08:35:16 PM
I just realized I won a fight against I-75 today.
What's your secrets on doing that? I want to win a fight against I-75 too.
It's just driving at high speeds and passing a lot of traffic. It won't work if there's traffic you'd have to take an alternate route.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 09:56:11 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 20, 2021, 09:21:58 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 20, 2021, 08:35:16 PM
I just realized I won a fight against I-75 today.

I thought you were referring to the user I-75 at first. Then I checked your posts. No conversations with I-75. Then I tried to check I-75's profile. There are several other Interstate usernames, but no I-75...
Not a user in here, I'm talking about the actual highway I-75.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 12:46:45 AM
You aren't worthless, you help millions of organisms to live without trying. And they wanna blame humans for extinction  :rolleyes:.
Why do people say "he slash she" instead of just saying "they".. it's grammatically correct and easier.
Ok but why do people think fish aren't animals. What?
Britney Spears is still richer than you.
Idc!, Mariska Hargitay will always be pretty.
You can't spell Useless without U  :)
But you can't spell Important without I.
Life starts out as a bunch of firsts, and then becomes a bunch of lasts.
More often than not, Babysitters are teenagers that act Grown-up so that Grown-ups can act like teenagers.
People are concerned with unique snowflakes, but what about potatoes being unique??
When you open a peanut shell inside while alone and eat the peanut, you're the only person that will ever see it.
There's always a way to be more specific.
Biting your tongue is an example that you can mess up even with tons of practice.
If the US gets invaded and controlled, would our route system be to our advantage or to our disadvantage? 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 10:51:10 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on April 20, 2021, 07:16:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 04:58:25 PM

Quote from: US71 on April 20, 2021, 04:55:08 PM
a "near miss"?

"We nearly missed each other."

Those two statements are basically opposites.


I'd say it was a near hit

A "near miss" means you got very near to the other person but just barely missed.

"We nearly missed each other" means you hit each other but almost managed to avoid it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 10:54:57 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 12:46:45 AM
Ok but why do people think fish aren't animals. What?

Because the Roman Catholic Church was in cahoots with the local fishing industry.  No meat during [insert period of time], but fish is still OK!

Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 12:46:45 AM
You can't spell Useless without U
But you can't spell Important without I.

You can't spell meh without me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 10:57:41 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 10:51:10 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on April 20, 2021, 07:16:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2021, 04:58:25 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 20, 2021, 04:55:08 PM
a "near miss"?

"We nearly missed each other."

Those two statements are basically opposites.


I'd say it was a near hit

A "near miss" means you got very near to the other person but just barely missed.

"We nearly missed each other" means you hit each other but almost managed to avoid it.

... which is exactly why "near miss" doesn't make any sense.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 21, 2021, 11:23:35 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 12:46:45 AM
Idc!, Mariska Hargitay will always be pretty.

Any other Law and Order: SVU fans on this forum? Reveal yourselves!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hbelkins on April 21, 2021, 12:09:14 PM
This thread has taken a somewhat ironic turn of which very few will probably be aware.  ;-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:09:37 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 10:57:41 AM
... which is exactly why "near miss" doesn't make any sense.

It makes sense to me.  You got near.  You missed.

To me, "near hit" would be redundant:  who has ever heard of a faraway hit?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 21, 2021, 12:12:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:09:37 PM
who has ever heard of a faraway hit?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longest_recorded_sniper_kills
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- Am I the only one that gets terrified when a "watch" alert goes off on the noaa radio? Maybe because im used to the warning.
- We lie about santa, the tooth fairy, and all that other mess to little kids but tell them straight up that becoming an adult is terrible..
- Why is Lowes' entry and exits so damn complicated??
- I was more disappointed than confused when I found out Taiwan was really named "The Republic of China".
- It seems like vegetarians would love french fries.
- It's commonly stated that the point of golf is to play the least amount of golf, but isn't that the goal of every other sport as well? Track and Field instantly comes to my mind.
- As a Black Male, I can confirm Mariska Hargitay is invited to the cookout.
- A NFL waterboy is probably making more money than you.
- If you eat watermelon, something is seriously wrong.
- Hot water turns into ice faster than cold water..
- The saying is "a e i o u and sometimes y", but isn't "h" a vowel sometimes as well?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 22, 2021, 12:30:45 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- We lie about santa, the tooth fairy, and all that other mess to little kids but tell them straight up that becoming an adult is terrible..

I find being an adult less terrible than being the punching bag for miserable adults who take out their frustrations on me that they're not allowed to take out on other adults.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on April 22, 2021, 12:48:50 AM
Why is it if you breathe out of the whole mouth, you get hot air but if you blow out of your mouth, you get cool air?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on April 22, 2021, 12:52:16 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- The saying is "a e i o u and sometimes y", but isn't "h" a vowel sometimes as well?

My understanding is that "w" is the one that can rarely be a vowel - as in the phrase "power mower", in the word "power" the "w" is a consonant, but in "mower" the "w" is a vowel, the "ow" combination.  (Trying to remember the name for that - was it a diphthong?)

For "h" I guess you could make the case for words like "hour" and "honor".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 01:19:53 AM
And of course Welsh loanwords like cwm and crwth. (The "w" here would normally be spelled "oo" if not for English's weird obsession with retaining the spelling of words from languages with entirely different orthography.)

Quote from: dlsterner on April 22, 2021, 12:52:16 AM
For "h" I guess you could make the case for words like "hour" and "honor".

In both of those the vowel sound totally comes from the O; the H is silent.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on April 22, 2021, 04:30:43 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- I was more disappointed than confused when I found out Taiwan was really named "The Republic of China".

Not only that, the RoC is a bit more than Taiwan (Specifically, the Jinmen and Mazu islands are part of the RoC, and both it and the PRC regard them as part of Fujian). That's why I use "Chinese Taipei" for explicitly mean the RoC, since not all of Chinese Taipei is Taiwan, much like not all of the Netherlands is Holland.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 22, 2021, 11:39:35 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 22, 2021, 12:52:16 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- The saying is "a e i o u and sometimes y", but isn't "h" a vowel sometimes as well?

My understanding is that "w" is the one that can rarely be a vowel - as in the phrase "power mower", in the word "power" the "w" is a consonant, but in "mower" the "w" is a vowel, the "ow" combination.  (Trying to remember the name for that - was it a diphthong?)

For "h" I guess you could make the case for words like "hour" and "honor".

Simplify the words and it's easier to understand.  The word row can be pronounced two different ways, depending on the definition, but the w is part of the diphthong either way.  Or think about the word few, and you'll see that the w functions as a vowel.

As for the letter h sometimes being a vowel, how about this one:
  thou – \ ˈt͟hau̇ \
  though – \ ˈt͟hō \
The pronunciation of the vowel sound depends entirely on the presence or absence of the letters gh.




Why does the word diphthong have no diphthongs, but it does have two consonant clusters instead?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 22, 2021, 11:40:14 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- We lie about santa, the tooth fairy, and all that other mess to little kids but tell them straight up that becoming an adult is terrible..

What sort of parent tells his children that becoming an adult is terrible?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 22, 2021, 12:36:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 22, 2021, 11:40:14 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- We lie about santa, the tooth fairy, and all that other mess to little kids but tell them straight up that becoming an adult is terrible..

What sort of parent tells his children that becoming an adult is terrible?

There might not be many parents that tell their own children that, but I heard it all the time when hitting the milestones of growing up: getting my driving permit, graduating high school, turning 18, etc. I usually heard it from people older than me, but not old enough to be my parents.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on April 22, 2021, 01:03:17 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- Why is Lowes' entry and exits so damn complicated??

Two sets of automated sliding doors is complicated?  OK, the exit also probably has a hot dog stand to avoid, but still.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 01:55:17 PM
The only thing unique about Lowes's exit and entry that I can think of is that you have to enter the vestibule and turn 90° before entering the store proper. You also have to make a 180° turn to get a cart, depending on the side you come in on. I don't know if I'd call that complicated, just slightly awkward.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 22, 2021, 02:01:11 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 22, 2021, 12:36:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 22, 2021, 11:40:14 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- We lie about santa, the tooth fairy, and all that other mess to little kids but tell them straight up that becoming an adult is terrible..

What sort of parent tells his children that becoming an adult is terrible?

There might not be many parents that tell their own children that, but I heard it all the time when hitting the milestones of growing up: getting my driving permit, graduating high school, turning 18, etc. I usually heard it from people older than me, but not old enough to be my parents.
This, along with adults always complaining about bills, jobs, and etc.  ^

-

^^ Well at my local Lowe's, it's nearly impossible to turn around at the exit, and it's far away from the entrance. And then they have a separate door for returns. Why?? So if someone came in wanting to return something and accidentally came in the main entrance, they would have to walk all the way out and around, and come through the other door. Oh did I mention you have to go by registers that are really close together when you exit ??
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 22, 2021, 02:15:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 22, 2021, 02:01:11 PM
Oh did I mention you have to go by registers that are really close together when you exit ??

That's probably because Lowe's stores are so small to begin with.

(OK, your replies certainly don't need to be in italics, do they?)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 22, 2021, 02:19:17 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 22, 2021, 01:03:17 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
- Why is Lowes' entry and exits so damn complicated??

Two sets of automated sliding doors is complicated?  OK, the exit also probably has a hot dog stand to avoid, but still.

Isn't that usually Home Depot with the hot dog stands?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on April 22, 2021, 02:30:23 PM
Still not understanding the point of the large blocks of italics ...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 22, 2021, 04:02:19 PM
Quote from: renegade on April 22, 2021, 02:30:23 PM
Still not understanding the point of the large blocks of italics ...

The large blocks I don't understand. The one-liners in italics are supposed to be used for the "thoughts".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 22, 2021, 05:41:20 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 22, 2021, 12:52:16 AM
For "h" I guess you could make the case for words like "hour" and "honor".

Latin-derived words, which explains why some (though not all) Spanish or French words also have a silent "h".

- Sometimes the "h" was cognate to an "f" that lost its sound along the way.
- Acts as a "dipthong splitter"* so that two vowels would not get forced together, but pronounced independently.
- Sometimes used to prevent homophones (Hay & ay, for example.)
- Rarely, actually pronounced from loan-words (hamster, hockey).

I remember reading some passage ages ago in which every consonant in the English alphabet has irregularly subbed for a vowel of some sort or another.

* a little bit dirty, a little bit technical...but I can't think of the exact term right now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 22, 2021, 07:05:39 PM
Details on the Latin, as it relates to the letter h being silent in Spanish, which is a child language of Latin:

Make a sound similar to the typical f found, but don't touch your teeth to your lip.  Instead, put your lips together as if you're about to whistle, close enough to make it a fricative when you puff air out between your lips.  This is close to how the letter f was pronounced at the beginning of this story.  I'll call it the ϕ pronunciation.

Maybe people were lazy with their speech, who knows, but over time, this ϕ pronunciation of the letter f changed to become an h sound when it occurred at the beginning of words.  (This transition happened in Latin as well.)  After a while, the spelling of the affected words was changed to reflect the newer pronunciation.  This is why, for example, there are two Spanish surnames Fernández and Hernández:  the first is an older form of the name, and the second a more recent form.  This shift did not happen equally between Romance languages. which is why, for example, Spanish has horno for oven while Italian has forno.

In later centuries, the letter h ended up losing even the last remaining bit of pronunciation in Spanish, and it is now completely silent in all contexts except as part of ch.  Its presence in a word otherwise does not affect that word's pronunciation or syllabification one bit.  If it did, then the accent mark in búho would be unnecessary, because that's where the accent would naturally fall.  However, the accent mark is necessary because, without it, the word (buho) would be one syllable and the accent would naturally fall on the letter o (that being the open vowel of the diphthong).  The letter h is merely a vestigial clue to the history of the spoken language, and (jokingly) exists only to trip up Spanish class students.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 09:25:31 PM
If the customer is always right, how come so many of them can't work the damn credit card machine?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on April 23, 2021, 10:44:01 AM
What happens if a squirrel has a nut allergy?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- If the US got conquered by some supernation, would our Interstate highways even help us escape since it would be too crowded? And then what if the supernation intercepted every interstate on the system? Maybe this is why the US route system hasn't been abolished  :coffee:.
- Nearly every piece of land you step on has been invaded or under British control at some point.
- I kept hearing this chirping sound at night and I thought it was a cricket, but it was just my stomach..
- WHY TF are kids taught that America has only lost one war?
- American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.
- Idk why you would want to, but you can't lick your elbow.
- It's impossible to kill yourself from holding your breath.
- There's always a way to be more specific.
- You can't spell "bee" with your tongue out while scratching your armpit.
- The "praying hands" emoji is really two hands clapping. Yeah, people are dying and they're applauding  :-P.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 23, 2021, 12:02:03 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- Nearly every piece of land you step on has been invaded or under British control at some point.
When was the American Southwest controlled by the British?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kevinb1994 on April 23, 2021, 12:09:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 23, 2021, 12:02:03 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- Nearly every piece of land you step on has been invaded or under British control at some point.
When was the American Southwest controlled by the British?
Also, both the French and Spanish fought for control very early on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 12:11:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 23, 2021, 12:02:03 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- Nearly every piece of land you step on has been invaded or under British control at some point.
When was the American Southwest controlled by the British?
I meant to put "or Spanish" on there  :meh:. But while I'm here, I wonder who's side Britain would be on if Canada decided to invade.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kevinb1994 on April 23, 2021, 12:13:16 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 12:11:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 23, 2021, 12:02:03 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- Nearly every piece of land you step on has been invaded or under British control at some point.
When was the American Southwest controlled by the British?
I meant to put "or Spanish" on there  :meh: . But while I'm here, I wonder who's side Britain would be on if Canada decided to invade.
I don't know if they'd be willing to pick a side if that were to happen. Remember, they were neutral during the Civil War.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 23, 2021, 01:23:56 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 12:46:45 AM
There's always a way to be more specific.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- There's always a way to be more specific.

We're sorry if we didn't respond to you the first time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 23, 2021, 03:59:43 PM
Serious question: Do you have to return a rented electric vehicle with a full charge? Because I see that possibility being a really tricky endeavor in the future.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 12:46:45 AM
There's always a way to be more specific.

Fixed that for you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 23, 2021, 04:03:04 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- If the US got conquered by some supernation, would our Interstate highways even help us escape since it would be too crowded? And then what if the supernation intercepted every interstate on the system? Maybe this is why the US route system hasn't been abolished  :coffee:.

In World War II, once General Eisenhower got control of the Autobahn system, it was far easier for the invading Allied forces to truck troops and equipment throughout Germany, and basically let them make a beeline for Berlin. That experience was what gave Eisenhower the idea that the U.S. needed a similar system–though he was able to imagine that it could be used for defense purposes as well as offensive ones. If there were a ground war on U.S. soil, control of key Interstate interchanges or corridors would definitely be important.

But then again, war has changed a lot since World War II.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 23, 2021, 04:10:00 PM
The USA is a huuuuuuuge nation (that word should be spoken in a Trump-like way).  It is quite possibly large enough to make it impossible to conquer.

Look and see how many attempts to conquer Russia have been successful.  Similar story.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 23, 2021, 04:19:22 PM
I had always been of the assumption that Russia was hard to conquer because of its climate rather than its size. By the time we developed technology (planes) that could make both irrelevant, Russia was well on the way to becoming a superpower, making it hard to conquer for that reason. Much of Russia's land has such a low population density that you could basically "capture" it just by walking through, because there's nobody else around to contest your claim.

The U.S. would be hard to conquer because we spend trillions of dollars on military assets, and because we have a good network of allies (notice how, when we were attacked in 2001, how many countries were willing to go in on the counterattack on Afghanistan).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 24, 2021, 09:37:38 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
-
- You can't spell "bee" with your tongue out while scratching your armpit.


i did it.

says guy who might take this too seriously.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 24, 2021, 10:23:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 23, 2021, 04:10:00 PM
The USA is a huuuuuuuge nation (that word should be spoken in a Trump-like way).  It is quite possibly large enough to make it impossible to conquer.

Look and see how many attempts to conquer Russia have been successful.  Similar story.

The U.S. probably can't be conquered in the traditional sense, but I'm sure it could be conquered by other, more subtle means.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 24, 2021, 01:07:12 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 24, 2021, 10:23:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 23, 2021, 04:10:00 PM
The USA is a huuuuuuuge nation (that word should be spoken in a Trump-like way).  It is quite possibly large enough to make it impossible to conquer.

Look and see how many attempts to conquer Russia have been successful.  Similar story.

The U.S. probably can't be conquered in the traditional sense, but I'm sure it could be conquered by other, more subtle means.

I think what you're saying is that it's unlikely to be conquered by external forces, but could be broken up or crumble from within. I agree, of course. After the last ~12 months, I don't know how anyone could disagree.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 06:45:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 09:25:31 PM
If the customer is always right, how come so many of them can't work the damn credit card machine?

"The customer is always right" is more of a way of thinking, saying, and doing things professionally, rather than the actual truth. I guess it's considered rude and/or unprofessional to tell a customer they're wrong, so you (the employee) always have to at least treat the customer as if they're right, even if they're completely and totally incorrect. Stupid, but true.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 24, 2021, 06:53:53 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 06:45:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 09:25:31 PM
If the customer is always right, how come so many of them can't work the damn credit card machine?

"The customer is always right" is more of a way of thinking, saying, and doing things professionally, rather than the actual truth. I guess it's considered rude and/or unprofessional to tell a customer they're wrong, so you (the employee) always have to at least treat the customer as if they're right, even if they're completely and totally incorrect. Stupid, but true.

A lot of them know it too. Never happened during my time at BK but you have no idea how excited some douchebag customers get about the idea of trying to get you fired if you don't treat them like royalty.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 24, 2021, 08:16:58 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 24, 2021, 06:53:53 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 06:45:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 09:25:31 PM
If the customer is always right, how come so many of them can't work the damn credit card machine?

"The customer is always right" is more of a way of thinking, saying, and doing things professionally, rather than the actual truth. I guess it's considered rude and/or unprofessional to tell a customer they're wrong, so you (the employee) always have to at least treat the customer as if they're right, even if they're completely and totally incorrect. Stupid, but true.

A lot of them know it too. Never happened during my time at BK but you have no idea how excited some douchebag customers get about the idea of trying to get you fired if you don't treat them like royalty.

i can recall a time from my days as a drive-thru guru at mcdonalds.. guy comes up to the window, says 'hey i was through here 15 minutes ago, and wanted no onions on my burger, but there were onions'

never mind i'd been there for 4 hours, and had literally never seen this person in my life..

so i'm 'sure, you have your receipt', and he produces one.

it's 4 days old.. and from wendys.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 24, 2021, 08:35:28 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 24, 2021, 08:16:58 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 24, 2021, 06:53:53 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 06:45:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 09:25:31 PM
If the customer is always right, how come so many of them can't work the damn credit card machine?

"The customer is always right" is more of a way of thinking, saying, and doing things professionally, rather than the actual truth. I guess it's considered rude and/or unprofessional to tell a customer they're wrong, so you (the employee) always have to at least treat the customer as if they're right, even if they're completely and totally incorrect. Stupid, but true.

A lot of them know it too. Never happened during my time at BK but you have no idea how excited some douchebag customers get about the idea of trying to get you fired if you don't treat them like royalty.

i can recall a time from my days as a drive-thru guru at mcdonalds.. guy comes up to the window, says 'hey i was through here 15 minutes ago, and wanted no onions on my burger, but there were onions'

never mind i'd been there for 4 hours, and had literally never seen this person in my life..

so i'm 'sure, you have your receipt', and he produces one.

it's 4 days old.. and from wendys.

I hated the whole competitor coupon thing, trying to figure out what someone else's thing equated to what you had that for some dumb reason you had to honor. We actually had a guy try to pass off a movie theater coupon once.

The one thing I learned is there are a surprising number of people who legitimately have no idea what the difference is between McDonald's, BK, Wendy's, and other places or even that they're different chains.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 24, 2021, 08:54:46 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 06:45:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 09:25:31 PM
If the customer is always right, how come so many of them can't work the damn credit card machine?

"The customer is always right" is more of a way of thinking, saying, and doing things professionally, rather than the actual truth. I guess it's considered rude and/or unprofessional to tell a customer they're wrong, so you (the employee) always have to at least treat the customer as if they're right, even if they're completely and totally incorrect. Stupid, but true.

One Summer I worked for a pizza delivery place.  Regular customer complains the hamburger on his pizza is bad, so we sent  a new pizza with instructions to save the bad pizza and we would pick it up when we delivered the replacement . Instead, he fed it to his dog before we arrived, but he got his "free replacement" anyway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 24, 2021, 10:20:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 23, 2021, 01:23:56 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 21, 2021, 12:46:45 AM
There's always a way to be more specific.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 23, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
- There's always a way to be more specific.

We're sorry if we didn't respond to you the first time.

I forgive y'all.
_

Why tf do people say "I don't have a racist bone in my body?" Do your bones control your thinking? 
I find it weird people admire stallions for their asses. Imagine If we admired elephants for their penises. 
Somebody just died.
Since you're reading this, and I read this, doesn't this mean we thought the same thing since we thought to read it and then read it?
I find it weird things we hear are censored more than things we see during explicit performances. *stares at the WAP performance at the grammys*
What if you got attacked by a turkey?
You've committed a crime.
Your shadow is confirmation that light has traveled over 90 billion miles unobstructed, just to get stopped by you.
Why do we usually click on clickbait when we know it's clickbait and know that it'll disappoint us?
Afro Puffs by the Lady of Rage is the greatest rap song of all time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 24, 2021, 10:49:27 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 24, 2021, 08:35:28 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 24, 2021, 08:16:58 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 24, 2021, 06:53:53 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 06:45:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 09:25:31 PM
If the customer is always right, how come so many of them can't work the damn credit card machine?

"The customer is always right" is more of a way of thinking, saying, and doing things professionally, rather than the actual truth. I guess it's considered rude and/or unprofessional to tell a customer they're wrong, so you (the employee) always have to at least treat the customer as if they're right, even if they're completely and totally incorrect. Stupid, but true.

A lot of them know it too. Never happened during my time at BK but you have no idea how excited some douchebag customers get about the idea of trying to get you fired if you don't treat them like royalty.

i can recall a time from my days as a drive-thru guru at mcdonalds.. guy comes up to the window, says 'hey i was through here 15 minutes ago, and wanted no onions on my burger, but there were onions'

never mind i'd been there for 4 hours, and had literally never seen this person in my life..

so i'm 'sure, you have your receipt', and he produces one.

it's 4 days old.. and from wendys.

I hated the whole competitor coupon thing, trying to figure out what someone else's thing equated to what you had that for some dumb reason you had to honor. We actually had a guy try to pass off a movie theater coupon once.

The one thing I learned is there are a surprising number of people who legitimately have no idea what the difference is between McDonald's, BK, Wendy's, and other places or even that they're different chains.

had a guy order a whopper once... told him, 'ok, 5.95, first window' he's like 'but its a $3 burger' and i said 'and $2 in gas for me to drive to burger king to get you one..'
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 25, 2021, 03:14:49 PM
What's the first rule of Crossfit Fight Club?

Tell everyone about Crossfit Fight Club.

(Not original, sadly; a google search for "vegan fight club", basically the same joke, has > 1000 hits)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 25, 2021, 08:10:53 PM
You're not afraid of the dark, you're afraid of what could be in the dark.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on April 25, 2021, 09:30:45 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 25, 2021, 03:14:49 PM
What's the first rule of Crossfit Fight Club?

Tell everyone about Crossfit Fight Club.

(Not original, sadly; a google search for "vegan fight club", basically the same joke, has > 1000 hits)
Nope.

Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to exit the donut.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: allniter89 on April 25, 2021, 10:12:08 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 24, 2021, 10:23:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 23, 2021, 04:10:00 PM
The USA is a huuuuuuuge nation (that word should be spoken in a Trump-like way).  It is quite possibly large enough to make it impossible to conquer.

Look and see how many attempts to conquer Russia have been successful.  Similar story.

The U.S. probably can't be conquered in the traditional sense, but I'm sure it could be conquered by other, more subtle means.
Maybe by using a stronger lethal virus?
Does anyone think maybe China is experimenting to see how we cope with the biological warfare?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 25, 2021, 10:39:25 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on April 25, 2021, 10:12:08 PM
Does anyone think maybe China is experimenting to see how we cope with the biological warfare?

Does anyone not think that?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Alps on April 25, 2021, 10:55:04 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 25, 2021, 10:39:25 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on April 25, 2021, 10:12:08 PM
Does anyone think maybe China is experimenting to see how we cope with the biological warfare?

Does anyone not think that?
Some people do, some people don't, I would prefer not getting into that discussion here plzkthx
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- It's crazy that Mcdonald's introduced drive-through service because people in the military couldn't walk in.
- There are billions of people getting jobs that depend on your downfall.
- I'm sure our ancestors are disturbed that we call people who do good "queens" and "kings".
- What's scarier than your parents saying "wait till we get home" when you were little?
- You probably can't prove you and I aren't 18th cousins.
- You're more likely to get a computer virus from visiting religious sites than p0rn sites.
- Everyone talks about water being dangerous.. what about clouds?? they are evil.
- Wearing a mask in public has had a drastic connotation change since covid started.
- You're always responsible for your death.
- Somebody just died again.
- Why are tea bags still a thing?
- Why are paper bags considered better for the environment than plastic bags??
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 26, 2021, 01:09:45 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- Why are paper bags considered better for the environment than plastic bags??

Paper is a renewable resource and oil isn't. Also, paper is biodegradable, and plastic isn't. Also, paper can be easily recycled, and plastic is more difficult.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 26, 2021, 08:18:27 AM
Quote from: Alps on April 25, 2021, 10:55:04 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 25, 2021, 10:39:25 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on April 25, 2021, 10:12:08 PM
Does anyone think maybe China is experimenting to see how we cope with the biological warfare?

Does anyone not think that?
Some people do, some people don't, I would prefer not getting into that discussion here plzkthx

Understood. I was only about 20% serious, but I still should have known better.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 26, 2021, 08:19:21 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- Everyone talks about water being dangerous..

[additional context req'd]
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 26, 2021, 08:56:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 26, 2021, 08:19:21 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- Everyone talks about water being dangerous..

[additional context req'd]

water in and of itself isn't dangerous... but large amounts can be...

... says guy with river in the backyard.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 26, 2021, 02:20:26 PM
Man, you think about death an awful lot.




Quote from: Scott5114 on April 26, 2021, 01:09:45 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- Why are paper bags considered better for the environment than plastic bags??

Paper is a renewable resource and oil isn't. Also, paper is biodegradable, and plastic isn't. Also, paper can be easily recycled, and plastic is more difficult.

We've had this discussion before.  The actual bag is better for the environment if it's paper.  But the environmental toll wreaked by actually manufacturing that bag?  Well, it just may be that paper is worse in that regard.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- You're more likely to get a computer virus from visiting religious sites than p0rn sites.

(citation needed)




Why do we call it "demountable copy" when the primary goal is the mount the letters on, not take them off?
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.
Acronyms and mnemonics are not the same thing.
Some public road somewhere out there has an AADT of less than 1.
You'll never get to drive every single road, and you'll never get to see every single sign.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 26, 2021, 06:13:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 26, 2021, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 26, 2021, 01:09:45 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- Why are paper bags considered better for the environment than plastic bags??

Paper is a renewable resource and oil isn't. Also, paper is biodegradable, and plastic isn't. Also, paper can be easily recycled, and plastic is more difficult.

We've had this discussion before.  The actual bag is better for the environment if it's paper.  But the environmental toll wreaked by actually manufacturing that bag?  Well, it just may be that paper is worse in that regard.

Right, and I thought about digging up a link to the discussion, but felt too lazy. But anyway, he asked why are they considered better, not why are they. :spin:

Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
Why do we call it "demountable copy" when the primary goal is the mount the letters on, not take them off?

Well, because it's able to be demounted, of course. Direct-applied copy isn't, for the most part. Since that's the most notable difference between the two, demountable copy it is.

For what it's worth, button copy is also demountable. (In Oklahoma, it was held on by flathead screws.) But the most notable thing about it is the buttons, so that's what we call it.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You'll never get to drive every single road, and you'll never get to see every single sign.

This is something I'm okay with. A lot of the roads I won't get to drive probably aren't all that interesting anyway. I don't think I'll have any regrets if I die without clinching SD-48.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 26, 2021, 06:16:45 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- You probably can't prove you and I aren't 18th cousins.
We probably aren't unless you are Asian. My family has lived in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam for hundreds, probably thousands of years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: allniter89 on April 26, 2021, 06:23:33 PM
Quote from: Alps on April 25, 2021, 10:55:04 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 25, 2021, 10:39:25 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on April 25, 2021, 10:12:08 PM
Does anyone think maybe China is experimenting to see how we cope with the biological warfare?

Does anyone not think that?
Some people do, some people don't, I would prefer not getting into that discussion here plzkthx
Okay
Quote from: Alps on April 25, 2021, 10:55:04 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 25, 2021, 10:39:25 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on April 25, 2021, 10:12:08 PM
Does anyone think maybe China is experimenting to see how we cope with the biological warfare?

Does anyone not think that?
Some people do, some people don't, I would prefer not getting into that discussion here plzkthx
Sorry Alps. I added the question as an afterthought b4 I gave it proper forethought.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on April 26, 2021, 06:25:49 PM
Similar to the customer service ones: fast food employees tend to treat delivery drivers like shit, who in turn get angsty and treat other employees like shit. I've been deliberately ignored by so many places that are now on my blacklist as both a driver and a customer.

Jokes on them, I don't mind writing feedback to corporate or the state's COVID compliance office.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 26, 2021, 06:35:52 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- You're always responsible for your death.

Please explain.  Let's say I'm shopping at a mall, some nutjob with a rifle starts shooting, and I take a bullet to the brain.  Explain how I'm responsible for that.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- You probably can't prove you and I aren't 18th cousins.

Well, even if I have my complete family tree going back 19 generations, I still don't have your family tree going back that far.  So that would be a "definitely", not a "probably".

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- Why are tea bags still a thing?

Full disclosure:  I use loose-leaf tea.  I hardly ever use tea bags.

But why wouldn't they still be a thing?

Quote from: kenarmy on April 24, 2021, 10:20:46 PM
What if you got attacked by a turkey?

Be specific.  I imagine it wouldn't be a whole lot different than being attacked by a Canada goose.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 24, 2021, 10:20:46 PM
I find it weird people admire stallions for their asses. Imagine If we admired elephants for their penises. 

Not an elephant, but...  Have you seen how long a donkey's penis can get if it's sexually aroused?

Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
Some public road somewhere out there has an AADT of less than 1.

Oh, I'm sure LOTS of them do.  For example, I'm almost certain this very poorly maintained road (https://goo.gl/maps/6QH5AHPr2m3d7wBdA), with nothing but a couple of sheds along it, connecting two much better-maintained roads, has an AADT below 1.  But how many of those roads have actually had their AADT counted?  Now, that's another question entirely.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.

Having been born in the 1900s, that doesn't seem very strange to me.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
Acronyms and mnemonics are not the same thing.

Also:  not all initialisms are acronyms.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 26, 2021, 07:16:09 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 26, 2021, 06:25:49 PM
Similar to the customer service ones: fast food employees tend to treat delivery drivers like shit, who in turn get angsty and treat other employees like shit. I've been deliberately ignored by so many places that are now on my blacklist as both a driver and a customer.

Jokes on them, I don't mind writing feedback to corporate or the state's COVID compliance office.

I'm considering starting to do food delivery for some spending money while I wait for my business to start generating profit, and I had never even considered this as a possible thing I'd have to deal with.

Then again, I just spent ten years around angsty casino employees, so I think I can handle it, but still.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 07:30:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 26, 2021, 06:35:52 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- You're always responsible for your death.

Please explain.  Let's say I'm shopping at a mall, some nutjob with a rifle starts shooting, and I take a bullet to the brain.  Explain how I'm responsible for that.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- You probably can't prove you and I aren't 18th cousins.

Well, even if I have my complete family tree going back 19 generations, I still don't have your family tree going back that far.  So that would be a "definitely", not a "probably".

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
- Why are tea bags still a thing?

Full disclosure:  I use loose-leaf tea.  I hardly ever use tea bags.

But why wouldn't they still be a thing?

Quote from: kenarmy on April 24, 2021, 10:20:46 PM
What if you got attacked by a turkey?

Be specific.  I imagine it wouldn't be a whole lot different than being attacked by a Canada goose.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 24, 2021, 10:20:46 PM
I find it weird people admire stallions for their asses. Imagine If we admired elephants for their penises. 

Not an elephant, but...  Have you seen how long a donkey's penis can get if it's sexually aroused?
inahles

- Because you decided to go to the mall, you didn't move, and then your body stops doing what tf it needs to do.
- But in my unspecific enough thoughts I had plans to send it to you
- Because.. why?? Just put that shit in a packet so it can be mixed or sum because un un.
- I can't, that's the thought.
- No, but now I'm going to have to search it up  :colorful:.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 09:41:46 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.
Not unexpected.  My grandmother (who passed on when I was about 30) was alive in the 1800s.

How about the 1700s?  Fun Fact, semi related:  John Tyler, who was born in 1790 and was US President from 1841-1845, has a grandson still living today.  (Tyler fathered a child while in his 70s who likewise fathered a child while in his 70s)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 26, 2021, 09:44:19 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 09:41:46 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.
Not unexpected.  My grandmother (who passed on when I was about 30) was alive in the 1800s.

How about the 1700s?  Fun Fact, semi related:  John Tyler, who was born in 1790 and was US President from 1841-1845, has a grandson still living today.  (Tyler fathered a child while in his 70s who likewise fathered a child while in his 70s)
There are people alive today with parents born in the 1800s. The oldest human alive today was born in 1903.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kevinb1994 on April 26, 2021, 09:49:03 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 09:41:46 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.
Not unexpected.  My grandmother (who passed on when I was about 30) was alive in the 1800s.

How about the 1700s?  Fun Fact, semi related:  John Tyler, who was born in 1790 and was US President from 1841-1845, has a grandson still living today.  (Tyler fathered a child while in his 70s who likewise fathered a child while in his 70s)
John Tyler was also born in the same year that Founding Father Ben Franklin died. Likewise, I was born in the same year that Nixon died (hallelujah, Nixon was a crook), and my mother, while definitely not born in the same year that Van Buren was born (or even died, for that matter), shares the same birthday as him (December 5th-and for this reason, I'll mention that she was raised in Jackson, NJ).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 26, 2021, 09:51:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on April 26, 2021, 09:49:03 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 09:41:46 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.
Not unexpected.  My grandmother (who passed on when I was about 30) was alive in the 1800s.

How about the 1700s?  Fun Fact, semi related:  John Tyler, who was born in 1790 and was US President from 1841-1845, has a grandson still living today.  (Tyler fathered a child while in his 70s who likewise fathered a child while in his 70s)
John Tyler was also born in the same year that Founding Father Ben Franklin died.
We have people alive today who's grandparents lived alongside George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 26, 2021, 10:01:40 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 26, 2021, 09:51:31 PM
We have people born today who's grandparents lived alongside George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.

LOL, I think you mean alive today, not born today.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 10:01:58 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 26, 2021, 09:51:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on April 26, 2021, 09:49:03 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 09:41:46 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.
Not unexpected.  My grandmother (who passed on when I was about 30) was alive in the 1800s.

How about the 1700s?  Fun Fact, semi related:  John Tyler, who was born in 1790 and was US President from 1841-1845, has a grandson still living today.  (Tyler fathered a child while in his 70s who likewise fathered a child while in his 70s)
John Tyler was also born in the same year that Founding Father Ben Franklin died.
We have people born today who's grandparents lived alongside George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
May want to check your math.  Going to extreme cases, if somebody born today had an 80 year old father who himself had an 80 year old father, that grandparent would have been born around 1860.  Maybe Abe Lincoln, but not Washington/Adams/Jefferson.

Unless you meant to say people alive today, not people born today.  Then I could see that happening - but it would be quite rare.

Edit - Didn't see webny99's reply before I posted.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 26, 2021, 10:02:37 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 10:01:58 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 26, 2021, 09:51:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on April 26, 2021, 09:49:03 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 26, 2021, 09:41:46 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 26, 2021, 04:26:38 PM
You only have to go back a small handful of generations to find people alive in the 1800s.
Not unexpected.  My grandmother (who passed on when I was about 30) was alive in the 1800s.

How about the 1700s?  Fun Fact, semi related:  John Tyler, who was born in 1790 and was US President from 1841-1845, has a grandson still living today.  (Tyler fathered a child while in his 70s who likewise fathered a child while in his 70s)
John Tyler was also born in the same year that Founding Father Ben Franklin died.
We have people born today who's grandparents lived alongside George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
May want to check your math.  Going to extreme cases, if somebody born today had an 80 year old father who himself had an 80 year old father, that grandparent would have been born around 1860.  Maybe Abe Lincoln, but not Washington/Adams/Jefferson.

Unless you meant to say people alive today, not people born today.  Then I could see that happening - but it would be quite rare.
I meant alive today oops. Was talking about Tyler's grandkids.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 26, 2021, 10:18:36 PM
most people have more than the average number of arms per human being
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
Why do we say something's up instead of something's down? It seems more fitting.
You're younger than me. No, not you. You.
Why can't bicycles stand up by their self? They are two tired! ......
Why can't Canals should be called "straits"?
Animals get tortured, skinned, and all that other mess, and we make rugs from them to walk on..
Isn't every science Earth & Space Science??
You can't spell Party without Trap.
"cut and glue" > "copying and paste"
Complaining makes you age.
Does anyone else's hearing in one ear just randomly stop and ring..
You're always hearing.
You can't spell untalented without U  :D.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 26, 2021, 10:50:36 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
Why do we say something's up instead of something's down? It seems more fitting.
[

Something's up.  Something is going down.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 27, 2021, 09:48:20 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
Why can't bicycles stand up by their self? They are two tired! ......

The Dad jokes thread was locked a long time ago my dude!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 27, 2021, 10:35:53 AM
Why are control cities such a contentious subject on the forum right now?

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
Why can't bicycles stand up by their self? They are two tired! ......
Similarly:
Man who stand in front of car gets tired
Man who stand behind car gets exhausted

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
Does anyone else's hearing in one ear just randomly stop and ring..
Yes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 27, 2021, 12:34:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 07:30:14 PM
- Because.. why?? Just put that shit in a packet so it can be mixed or sum because un un.

That's like asking why coffee makers still exist, just because instant coffee is a thing.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 07:30:14 PM
- Because you decided to go to the mall, you didn't move, and then your body stops doing what tf it needs to do.

So if I go to the mall and get shot by a madman, then I'm responsible for my own death because I decided to leave home.  But if I stay home and get shot in a drive-by, then I'm responsible because I decided not to go to the mall.  Yeah, OK, bub.

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 26, 2021, 10:18:36 PM
most people have more than the average number of arms per human being

Mean, yes.  Median, certainly not.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
their self?

That's not a phrase.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
Animals get tortured, skinned, and all that other mess, and we make rugs from them to walk on..

The same animals?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 27, 2021, 12:51:43 PM
Pythagorean triples are 3 numbers where a2 + b2 = c2, such as:
* 3, 4, 5
* 20, 21, 29
* 1, i, 0
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 27, 2021, 01:26:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 27, 2021, 12:34:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 07:30:14 PM
- Because.. why?? Just put that shit in a packet so it can be mixed or sum because un un.

That's like asking why coffee makers still exist, just because instant coffee is a thing.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 07:30:14 PM
- Because you decided to go to the mall, you didn't move, and then your body stops doing what tf it needs to do.

So if I go to the mall and get shot by a madman, then I'm responsible for my own death because I decided to leave home.  But if I stay home and get shot in a drive-by, then I'm responsible because I decided not to go to the mall.  Yeah, OK, bub.

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 26, 2021, 10:18:36 PM
most people have more than the average number of arms per human being

Mean, yes.  Median, certainly not.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
their self?

That's not a phrase.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 26, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
Animals get tortured, skinned, and all that other mess, and we make rugs from them to walk on..

The same animals?
time to justify my random thoughts to kfogger. wait-
- Ok?
- Correct, or you didn't move fast enough. You had time to move.
- Thanks for correcting my typo, it was much needed.
- Uh I'm confused. But either way, humans are terrible.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 27, 2021, 01:30:58 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 27, 2021, 01:26:04 PM
- Correct, or you didn't move fast enough. You had time to move.

Bullets move at 2640 feet per second. The typical reaction time of a human is 250 ms. So in order for you to "have time to move" you have to both be able to see the gunman and know they're about to shoot you, and they have to be at least 660 feet away.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 27, 2021, 01:46:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 27, 2021, 01:30:58 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 27, 2021, 01:26:04 PM
- Correct, or you didn't move fast enough. You had time to move.

Bullets move at 2640 feet per second. The typical reaction time of a human is 250 ms. So in order for you to "have time to move" you have to both be able to see the gunman and know they're about to shoot you, and they have to be at least 660 feet away.

That's faster than the speed of sound, so the bullet has already hit you before you even hear the sound of the gun.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 27, 2021, 02:14:38 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 27, 2021, 01:26:04 PM
- Uh I'm confused. But either way, humans are terrible.

Do you long to go back to a time in human history when humans didn't kill animals for their hides?

Or do you wish we were more like other animals?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on April 27, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
"There's no 'I' in team!"
"There's no 'U' Either!"

And there's no 'team' in 'IU'
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 27, 2021, 04:24:28 PM
- The death rate in this country is approaching 100%.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 27, 2021, 08:57:08 PM
there is a very small, but real, chance that all the air molecules in the room will suddenly congregate in a corner.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on April 27, 2021, 10:47:27 PM
Quote from: I-55 on April 27, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
"There's no 'I' in team!"

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.memesmonkey.com%2Fimages%2Fmemesmonkey%2Fs_f3%2Ff367fd13cf0dec8df3ab553958a2b16b.jpeg&hash=9f637af1324b3629b1d8c01fda7542b326917355)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 27, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
"There's no 'I' in team!"

yeah, because there's already "me" in it  :D.
-
- We have "family reunions" and purposely separate some days later.
- Somebody or something owns everything you want.
- If you don't like rap, i'm just gonna assume you're ***, *****, or ******. The first three are probably not what you think..
- I think about going back to sleep when I check my replies in the morning and only see FritzOwl's thread and Alanland getting 2 new pages.
- You have to nap in order to sleep, by definition.
- You can't stop me from loving you. Yes. You.
- The person in a group that you look at first during laughter is your favorite.
- What is the benefit of childbirth?? And maintaining human population isn't good enough.
- You aren't a black male from Mississippi that is currently hungry, has skin discoloration, and has a water bottle that's empty beside the bed. 
- You've most likely had a crush on a minor..

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 09:43:54 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 27, 2021, 10:47:27 PM

Quote from: I-55 on April 27, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
"There's no 'I' in team!"

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.memesmonkey.com%2Fimages%2Fmemesmonkey%2Fs_f3%2Ff367fd13cf0dec8df3ab553958a2b16b.jpeg&hash=9f637af1324b3629b1d8c01fda7542b326917355)


Yep.  It's right there in the a-hole.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- If you don't like rap, i'm just gonna assume you're ***, *****, or ******. The first three are probably not what you think..

rad, smart, or and classy

Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- The person in a group that you look at first during laughter is your favorite.

Wow.  Now I'm never going to forget that, and it's probably going to make me uncomfortable sometime soon.  Good grief, man!  What havoc you have just wreaked in my mind...

Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- What is the benefit of childbirth?? And maintaining human population isn't good enough.

You don't believe there's an innate desire in many people to have a family? that, for many people, having kids grows naturally out of a marriage relationship?  Beyond that, though, children can provide parents companionship, workload assistance, additional connection points to the community, a feeling of accomplishment, a system of care during their old age, etc, etc.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- You aren't a black male from Mississippi that is currently hungry, has skin discoloration, and has a water bottle that's empty beside the bed. 

Nope.  I'm a white male from Kansas that is currently hungry, has skin discoloration (does sunburn count?), and has a water bottle that's empty beside the office computer.  Hmm, that reminds me to go make some tea soon.  j/k
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on April 28, 2021, 10:30:16 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- You've most likely had a crush on a minor..
nope
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 10:34:32 AM
Quote from: Big John on April 28, 2021, 10:30:16 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- You've most likely had a crush on a minor..

nope

Not even in high school?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on April 28, 2021, 10:53:20 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 10:34:32 AM
Quote from: Big John on April 28, 2021, 10:30:16 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- You've most likely had a crush on a minor..

nope

Not even in high school?
no, the girls were all suck up
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 28, 2021, 10:55:29 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 28, 2021, 12:32:34 AM
- You've most likely had a crush on a minor..
I currently have a crush on many minors.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 11:01:24 AM
- You've most likely never had a crush on a miner..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 28, 2021, 11:03:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 11:01:24 AM
- You've most likely never had a crush on a miner..

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/97/76/9c/97769c6067cc380453c98342ddd1da82.gif)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 28, 2021, 12:56:06 PM
In 16th and 17th century Europe, where castrati were a thing, do you think some otherwise talented youngsters figured out it was wise to keep that talent a secret -- and deliberately sandbag any auditions they were called to?

- You seem like you would have a good voice, young man.

"No, no, I'm terrible at music. Listen: " [commence tone-deaf growling]

- Oh, that's dreadful. NEXT!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 28, 2021, 03:25:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 09:43:54 AM
Beyond that, though, children can provide parents companionship, workload assistance, additional connection points to the community, a feeling of accomplishment, a system of care during their old age, etc, etc.

So does owning a horse. (Except of the system of care during their old age.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 03:41:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 28, 2021, 03:25:08 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 09:43:54 AM
Beyond that, though, children can provide parents companionship, workload assistance, additional connection points to the community, a feeling of accomplishment, a system of care during their old age, etc, etc.

So does owning a horse. (Except of the system of care during their old age.)

Yes, I suppose horses are like pets that actually do some work around the place.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 03:42:14 PM
(Incidentally, I once had a roommate who compared adopting a child to buying a pet.  You know, I'm kind of lonely, so I think I'd like to buy a child.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on April 29, 2021, 12:41:48 AM
Yeah, and horses can earn you way more money than a child can :biggrin:. Well, Usually.
Bullying is so dumb. How you gone hate me because im ugly??
What if Fritzowl is Flint on an alt account..
What happens to the skin when you fall and start bleeding?
All of your problems are directly related to Great Britain.
3 by Britney Spears is 3:33, her 3rd number one, the first number one debut in 3 years, peaked at number 3 on the euro digital sales chart, and was her 3rd song on the "piece of me" setlist.
If you play "Don't Stop The Music" backwards, you will hear "prepare to die".
Forget a search history.. my mirror history would be terrifying.
I'm just now finding out it says "potato crisps" on the pringles can and not potato chips.
Wait the division symbol is just a blank fraction with the dots replacing the numbers ...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 29, 2021, 08:03:41 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 29, 2021, 12:41:48 AM
Wait the division symbol is just a blank fraction with the dots replacing the numbers ...

Huh, I never thought about it like that before.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 09:48:40 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 29, 2021, 08:03:41 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 29, 2021, 12:41:48 AM
Wait the division symbol is just a blank fraction with the dots replacing the numbers ...

Huh, I never thought about it like that before.
I don't use the division sign much.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on April 29, 2021, 10:53:58 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 09:48:40 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 29, 2021, 08:03:41 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 29, 2021, 12:41:48 AM
Wait the division symbol is just a blank fraction with the dots replacing the numbers ...

Huh, I never thought about it like that before.
I don't use the division sign much.

But kind of to the point I just use fractions when I'm dividing. So am I using the division symbol or not?  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 01:20:32 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 29, 2021, 12:41:48 AM
All of your problems are directly related to Great Britain.

Warts?  Dry skin in the winter?  Hyperopia?  Nighttime tachycardia (undiagnosed)?  Missing filling?  Oil leak in my car's A/C compressor?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on April 29, 2021, 02:05:09 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 29, 2021, 12:41:48 AM

I'm just now finding out it says "potato crisps" on the pringles can and not potato chips.

Procter & Gamble got sued for using "potato chips"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:38:59 PM
Just when I thought HighwayStar was a polarizing new presence on the forum with unique opinions, Angelo71 went and blew him out of the water in one afternoon.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 05:39:28 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:38:59 PM
Just when I thought HighwayStar was a polarizing new presence on the forum with unique opinions, Angelo71 went and blew him out of the water in one afternoon.
HighwayStar is just stubborn. Angelo71 is actually insane.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:40:52 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 05:39:28 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:38:59 PM
Just when I thought HighwayStar was a polarizing new presence on the forum with unique opinions, Angelo71 went and blew him out of the water in one afternoon.
HighwayStar is just stubborn. Angelo71 is actually insane.
Is dzlsabe a good comparison? I read one of his hypotenuse threads you linked somewhere, and that was...er...entertaining...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 05:41:37 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:40:52 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 05:39:28 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:38:59 PM
Just when I thought HighwayStar was a polarizing new presence on the forum with unique opinions, Angelo71 went and blew him out of the water in one afternoon.
HighwayStar is just stubborn. Angelo71 is actually insane.
Is dzlsabe a good comparison? I read one of his hypotenuse threads you linked somewhere, and that was...er...entertaining...
Dzlsabe was a more intelligent troll, Angelo sounds like an 8 year old.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 05:59:53 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:38:59 PM
Just when I thought HighwayStar was a polarizing new presence on the forum with unique opinions, Angelo71 went and blew him out of the water in one afternoon.
I was still trying to get used to reading Kernals12's unique opinions before HighwayStar came in.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:08:11 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 05:59:53 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:38:59 PM
Just when I thought HighwayStar was a polarizing new presence on the forum with unique opinions, Angelo71 went and blew him out of the water in one afternoon.
I was still trying to get used to reading Kernals12's unique opinions before HighwayStar came in.
Kernals12 has been quiet lately.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 01, 2021, 02:16:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 08, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
And for that matter, why don't we have a cent sign on a computer keyboard?

Really.  How often do you use curly brackets or a pipe symbol?  Replace one of them, already!

Computers back when ASCII was being formed used money a lot, but always represented it with dollars and a decimal.  They didn't have loads of space in the code chart so they didn't include characters that weren't used much. 

Curly brackets were used in several programming languages.  The pipe symbol was used to make crude tables or other graphics.

Oh, and if you need more symbols, figure out how to type unicode characters on your computer.  Pretty much all support it now.  The last thing we need is Yet Another Variant of ASCII.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 01, 2021, 05:17:30 PM
I use alt codes for symbols.  Except that, on this forum, a lot of them don't work right (leaves the page), so I have to type them in Notepad, then copy and paste.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 01, 2021, 05:45:03 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2021, 05:17:30 PM
I use alt codes for symbols.  Except that, on this forum, a lot of them don't work right (leaves the page), so I have to type them in Notepad, then copy and paste.

I didn't think this forum had any website-specific keyboard shortcuts.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 01, 2021, 06:08:42 PM
No, I mean I use the standard alt codes.  For example, I get – by typing alt+0131.  That works in Excel, Word, Notepad, etc, etc.

However, when I type some of those alt codes on this forum (possibly only in Chrome, I'm not sure), something else happens and the browser navigates away from the page.  I think it goes "back" or something.  Irritating.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 01, 2021, 06:09:40 PM
Does it happen on every Chrome page or just this forum?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 01, 2021, 06:24:20 PM
Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever had a need to use them on any other page.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?
- What would happen to a dead body inside of a hearse if it got towed?
- Can people actually tell the difference between an Australian and British accent?
- Speaking of, I wish it was aeroplane instead of airplane here.
- ALSO, I never really thought about it that people either learn British or American English..
- You don't read out loud 90% of the words you see in a lifetime.
- I made that up, but who knows? ^
- Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??
- I wish backwards running was a school sport.
- JG Wentworth has been real quiet lately ..
- The goal of every relationship is for your partner to become your ex. Even if y'all get married. Think about it.
- If you don't like Bootylicious, clean your ears out and relisten!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on May 02, 2021, 10:44:38 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?
the river
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 02, 2021, 10:49:26 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

35% black, 65% racist.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 02, 2021, 03:05:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 02, 2021, 10:44:38 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?
the river
Poverty
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on May 02, 2021, 06:07:08 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 29, 2021, 05:38:59 PM
Just when I thought HighwayStar was a polarizing new presence on the forum with unique opinions, Angelo71 went and blew him out of the water in one afternoon.

I did a double take when I saw his post count fly over 200. He had to have posted at least 70 69 posts that day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 02, 2021, 06:24:18 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 02, 2021, 10:49:26 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

35% black, 65% racist.

35 percent Black, 65 percent Racist....are you suggesting  non-Blacks are racist? I strongly disagree. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 02, 2021, 06:32:56 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 02, 2021, 06:24:18 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 02, 2021, 10:49:26 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

35% black, 65% racist.

35 percent Black, 65 percent Racist....are you suggesting  non-Blacks are racist? I strongly disagree.

It depends on where you are. Mississippi and Alabama seem to be the worst.

Also, "first thing you think of". There are always going to be exceptions, as well as a small percentage who are Hispanic, Asian, or something else entirely.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 02, 2021, 06:45:32 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 02, 2021, 03:05:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 02, 2021, 10:44:38 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?
the river
Poverty

Depends on the context. Sometimes the river, sometimes poverty - and not just poverty in the financial sense, but also with regards to general health and wellness.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 02, 2021, 06:47:07 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 02, 2021, 06:32:56 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 02, 2021, 06:24:18 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 02, 2021, 10:49:26 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

35% black, 65% racist.

35 percent Black, 65 percent Racist....are you suggesting  non-Blacks are racist? I strongly disagree.

It depends on where you are. Mississippi and Alabama seem to be the worst.

Also, "first thing you think of". There are always going to be exceptions, as well as a small percentage who are Hispanic, Asian, or something else entirely.

It's not the first thing I think of. I have friends in those places. I also do shows in those areas.
.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on May 02, 2021, 10:31:16 PM
A random thought of another topic: The Star Wars bad guys calling themselves "the Dark Side" is not believable. In their eyes, they're the good guys.

They'd call themselves the Peace and Freedom Side for Prosperity and Growth.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 11:35:21 PM
Quote from: kurumi on May 02, 2021, 10:31:16 PM
A random thought of another topic: The Star Wars bad guys calling themselves "the Dark Side" is not believable. In their eyes, they're the good guys.

They'd call themselves the Peace and Freedom Side for Prosperity and Growth.

There was a faction at my old job that referred to me and my friends as "the Dark Side" because they had decided we were their enemies or something. We willingly accepted the label because we thought it was hilarious how overdramatic they were being about it. In return, we started calling them "The Alliance" (one of our number was a big Firefly fan).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 03, 2021, 08:24:46 AM
Back when soccer referees wore only black, we referred to ourselves as the Dark Side.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 03, 2021, 10:08:52 AM
Quote from: kurumi on May 02, 2021, 10:31:16 PM
A random thought of another topic: The Star Wars bad guys calling themselves "the Dark Side" is not believable. In their eyes, they're the good guys.

They'd call themselves the Peace and Freedom Side for Prosperity and Growth.

They never called themselves that, only Vader suggested to Luke that he should (making it a personal decision and not a personnel decision).

Also, dualistic symbolism yada yoda yada.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on May 03, 2021, 10:31:27 AM
Quote from: kurumi on May 02, 2021, 10:31:16 PM
A random thought of another topic: The Star Wars bad guys calling themselves "the Dark Side" is not believable. In their eyes, they're the good guys.

They'd call themselves the Peace and Freedom Side for Prosperity and Growth.

Well, there was that one time during the Mustafar duel when Anakin pointed out that the Jedi were evil from "[his] point of view"  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 02:26:10 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

All the double letters.

Then I try to remember which one is which on the map:  Alabama and Mississippi.  I have a hard time keeping them straight in my mind.

Then I think of the beautiful license plates they've had over the years.

Then I think of a guy I know from Brandon, MS.

Honestly, race issues and poverty don't even come to mind.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??

Huh???  What the heck?  You look wherever you want (forward, presumably), and you do with your arms whatever you do when you walk anywhere else (swing them in stride, presumably).  How is this intimidating?

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- The goal of every relationship is for your partner to become your ex. Even if y'all get married. Think about it.

I'm thinking about it, and I don't get it.  Unless you think that being a "widow" and being an "ex" are the same thing...  (They're not.)

Quote from: US71 on May 02, 2021, 06:24:18 PM

Quote from: 1 on May 02, 2021, 10:49:26 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

35% black, 65% racist.

35 percent Black, 65 percent Racist....are you suggesting  non-Blacks are racist? I strongly disagree. 

And also that black people can't be racist.  Which I also strongly disagree with.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 03, 2021, 02:35:44 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 02:26:10 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

All the double letters.

Then I try to remember which one is which on the map:  Alabama and Mississippi.  I have a hard time keeping them straight in my mind.

Then I think of the beautiful license plates they've had over the years.

Then I think of a guy I know from Brandon, MS.

Honestly, race issues and poverty don't even come to mind.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??

Huh???  What the heck?  You look wherever you want (forward, presumably), and you do with your arms whatever you do when you walk anywhere else (swing them in stride, presumably).  How is this intimidating?

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- The goal of every relationship is for your partner to become your ex. Even if y'all get married. Think about it.

I'm thinking about it, and I don't get it.  Unless you think that being a "widow" and being an "ex" are the same thing...  (They're not.)

Quote from: US71 on May 02, 2021, 06:24:18 PM

Quote from: 1 on May 02, 2021, 10:49:26 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

35% black, 65% racist.

35 percent Black, 65 percent Racist....are you suggesting  non-Blacks are racist? I strongly disagree. 

And also that black people can't be racist.  Which I also strongly disagree with.
Same here and not getting into politics but we have a former First Lady that seems to be very racist.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kevinb1994 on May 03, 2021, 04:10:12 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?
- What would happen to a dead body inside of a hearse if it got towed?
- Can people actually tell the difference between an Australian and British accent?
- Speaking of, I wish it was aeroplane instead of airplane here.
- ALSO, I never really thought about it that people either learn British or American English..
- You don't read out loud 90% of the words you see in a lifetime.
- I made that up, but who knows? ^
- Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??
- I wish backwards running was a school sport.
- JG Wentworth has been real quiet lately ..
- The goal of every relationship is for your partner to become your ex. Even if y'all get married. Think about it.
- If you don't like Bootylicious, clean your ears out and relisten!
Googlicious, so delicious ;)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 04:43:41 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on May 03, 2021, 04:10:12 PM
Googlicious, so delicious ;)

what does this mean and why did you post it
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kevinb1994 on May 03, 2021, 04:56:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 04:43:41 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on May 03, 2021, 04:10:12 PM
Googlicious, so delicious ;)

what does this mean and why did you post it
It's a tech spoof of the aforementioned song. CNET for ya.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:13:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 02:26:10 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

All the double letters.

Then I try to remember which one is which on the map:  Alabama and Mississippi.  I have a hard time keeping them straight in my mind.

Then I think of the beautiful license plates they've had over the years.

Then I think of a guy I know from Brandon, MS.

Honestly, race issues and poverty don't even come to mind.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??

Huh???  What the heck?  You look wherever you want (forward, presumably), and you do with your arms whatever you do when you walk anywhere else (swing them in stride, presumably).  How is this intimidating?

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- The goal of every relationship is for your partner to become your ex. Even if y'all get married. Think about it.

I'm thinking about it, and I don't get it.  Unless you think that being a "widow" and being an "ex" are the same thing...  (They're not.)

Quote from: US71 on May 02, 2021, 06:24:18 PM

Quote from: 1 on May 02, 2021, 10:49:26 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
- Somebody PLS tell me what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Mississippi"?

35% black, 65% racist.

35 percent Black, 65 percent Racist....are you suggesting  non-Blacks are racist? I strongly disagree. 

And also that black people can't be racist.  Which I also strongly disagree with.

- Ok but still I'm just walking in the open with nobody else around, and everybody could just be watching me from their windows.

- Because, if you marry them, they become your ex- boy/girlfriend. And you can't be a widow without them being your ex, because y'all were married.

- why "strongly"? Even if we couldn't, colorism is something that everyone forgets  :coffee:. kbyeimnottryingtogetthethreadlocked.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on May 03, 2021, 10:36:29 PM
And Greenville, North Carolina is pretty much equally white and black.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
- I hate when p0rn has music.. I'm trying to bust an *oof* not a dance move.
- Forget being held at gunpoint.. Have you ever fell and everyone started laughing, and then you fell again??
- You value a screen more than billions of people.
- The chances of you existing are so slim.
- It's so tacky that you have to do marching band in order to do concert band, unless you have asthma or sum. I signed up to play an instrument, not to move my hips in front of all these people  :rolleyes:..
- Someone is praying to be in your position.
- You rarely hear your username being read out loud. Well, most of you.
- So um is jeffandnicole a couple??
- Your mum telling you to come outside and get the groceries is the definition of bittersweet.
- You're an ancestor to a lot of strangers that will probably never know you existed.
- When you try to remember a past event, you try to remember remembering it, not the actual event.
- Afro Puffs by The Lady of Rage is the greatest rap song of all time. And if you haven't heard it already, curse you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 10:47:38 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
- So um is jeffandnicole a couple??
Yes, I think.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 10:48:21 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:13:28 PM
- Ok but still I'm just walking in the open with nobody else around, and everybody could just be watching me from their windows.

- Because, if you marry them, they become your ex- boy/girlfriend. And you can't be a widow without them being your ex, because y'all were married.

- why "strongly"? Even if we couldn't, colorism is something that everyone forgets  :coffee:. kbyeimnottryingtogetthethreadlocked.

–  Is going to the mailbox seriously the only time you walk out in the open while people might be able to see you?  What about just walking around the block?  Across a parking lot?  I don't get it.

–  My wife is not my ex-girlfriend.  She is still my girlfriend.  I actually have a funny story about that...  Also, ask a widower about his ex-wife and see the sort of respect you get from him;  they are not the same thing.

–  I strongly disagree because I've witnessed racism in action by black people, and because I've had discussions with black people about that very racism.  Besides which, or rather more importantly:  claiming that a person cannot have a bias merely because of the color of his or her skin is racist.




Funny story time.  I know a guy from Brandon, MS (hey, I just mentioned him, didn't I?), who has a very memorable personality and is known around town as a strong Christian man;  we've worked with him in missions down in Mexico a few times.  He is happily married and has been for many years.  One time, he had to go to the hospital and be put under anesthesia.  As it was wearing off, the nurses were asking him questions to check how well the fog was lifting from his mind.  Well, he was perfectly lucid, but he decided to have some fun with the nurses anyway.  They asked him if anyone would be picking him up from the hospital, and he replied, Yes, my girlfriend is picking me up.  Well, they got all embarrassed, because they thought the medicine was making him let slip a secret affair he'd been having.  They asked him a couple of times more, and he kept replying that his girlfriend would be picking him up from the hospital.  Finally, it was time to be released from the hospital, at which time he met up with his wife and then told all the nurses, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend.  She is my girlfriend, my lover, and my wife.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 04, 2021, 10:51:41 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 10:48:21 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:13:28 PM
- Ok but still I'm just walking in the open with nobody else around, and everybody could just be watching me from their windows.

- Because, if you marry them, they become your ex- boy/girlfriend. And you can't be a widow without them being your ex, because y'all were married.

- why "strongly"? Even if we couldn't, colorism is something that everyone forgets  :coffee:. kbyeimnottryingtogetthethreadlocked.

–  Is going to the mailbox seriously the only time you walk out in the open while people might be able to see you?  What about just walking around the block?  Across a parking lot?  I don't get it.

–  My wife is not my ex-girlfriend.  She is still my girlfriend.  I actually have a funny story about that...  Also, ask a widower about his ex-wife and see the sort of respect you get from him;  they are not the same thing.

–  I strongly disagree because I've witnessed racism in action by black people, and because I've had discussions with black people about that very racism.  Besides which, or rather more importantly:  claiming that a person cannot have a bias merely because of the color of his or her skin is racist.




Funny story time.  I know a guy from Brandon, MS (hey, I just mentioned him, didn't I?), who has a very memorable personality and is known around town as a strong Christian man;  we've worked with him in missions down in Mexico a few times.  He is happily married and has been for many years.  One time, he had to go to the hospital and be put under anesthesia.  As it was wearing off, the nurses were asking him questions to check how well the fog was lifting from his mind.  Well, he was perfectly lucid, but he decided to have some fun with the nurses anyway.  They asked him if anyone would be picking him up from the hospital, and he replied, Yes, my girlfriend is picking me up.  Well, they got all embarrassed, because they thought the medicine was making him let slip a secret affair he'd been having.  They asked him a couple of times more, and he kept replying that his girlfriend would be picking him up from the hospital.  Finally, it was time to be released from the hospital, at which time he met up with his wife and then told all the nurses, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend.  She is my girlfriend, my lover, and my wife.
I find it awkward to call your wife your "girlfriend". Just sounds bizarre.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 11:13:59 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
- The chances of you existing are so slim.

The chances of me existing are 100%.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
- Someone is praying to be in your position.

What, at work?  I highly doubt that.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:13:28 PM
I'm just walking in the open with nobody else around, and everybody could just be watching me from their windows.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
I signed up to play an instrument, not to move my hips in front of all these people  :rolleyes:..

Self-conscious much?




Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 04, 2021, 10:51:41 AM
I find it awkward to call your wife your "girlfriend". Just sounds bizarre.

Well, you don't have to call my wife my "girlfriend", then.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 04, 2021, 11:46:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 11:13:59 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:13:28 PM
I'm just walking in the open with nobody else around, and everybody could just be watching me from their windows.

...

Self-conscious much?

Sounds like how someone would feel if they were walking around in the nude or something... but there's no reason to feel conspicuous walking to the mailbox in normal everyday attire.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Angelo71 on May 04, 2021, 08:43:39 PM
How does a 67 year old date a 20 year old? (Old and a young person dating)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 04, 2021, 09:41:37 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 04, 2021, 08:43:39 PM
How does a 67 year old date a 20 year old? (Old and a young person dating)
Ew
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on May 04, 2021, 10:01:38 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 04, 2021, 08:43:39 PM
How does a 67 year old date a 20 year old?

Quote from: Angelo71 on May 04, 2021, 08:43:39 PM
(Old and a young person dating)

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/210/119/9b3.png)

(But anyways, here's how):
https://youtu.be/3ybxfYnl-gg
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 04, 2021, 10:03:49 PM
The oldest person on earth died with a completely different set of humans on earth than the ones s/he was born with
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 05, 2021, 12:42:08 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 11:13:59 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
- The chances of you existing are so slim.

The chances of me existing are 100%.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
- Someone is praying to be in your position.

What, at work?  I highly doubt that.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 02, 2021, 10:14:33 AM
Walking to the mailbox is intimidating. Like what am I supposed to look at, and what do I do with my arms??

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:13:28 PM
I'm just walking in the open with nobody else around, and everybody could just be watching me from their windows.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
I signed up to play an instrument, not to move my hips in front of all these people  :rolleyes:..

Self-conscious much?




Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 04, 2021, 10:51:41 AM
I find it awkward to call your wife your "girlfriend". Just sounds bizarre.

Well, you don't have to call my wife my "girlfriend", then.
- I meant coming to existence. If only that semen didn't survive the battle  X-(.

- I was talking about living in general, but well..

- Correct. And idk what to do about it  :meh:.

- Ok but your wife is still your ex- something. Right? 

- Most black people say they can't be racist because *oomf* people don't get offended when you call them *crunch*. And if I said *crunch* or *honk* out loud, I'm sure I would get laughed at. And it sucks when you get into a cyber argument, because when you get called *snicker* you can't even say anything back.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 05, 2021, 01:12:48 AM
- So does the radio stop playing when you get in a wreck?
- There could be intense ant wars going on in the backyard..
- Avocados used to be called Alligator Pears.
- The Octothorpe will always adapt and be relevant.
- Whenever I'm feeling down, I just remember I fit into multiple p*rn categories.
- I knew something was off when I started laughing in the mirror because I couldn't make myself cry.
- Wtf is "irl"? What isn't??
- Body Shaming is so dumb. How you gone get mad that someone has a bigger belly than you??
- Bye I'm single because I'm too hot for everyone. I'd stay away too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 05, 2021, 09:50:54 AM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 04, 2021, 08:43:39 PM
How does a 67 year old date a 20 year old? (Old and a young person dating)

The numbers aren't the same, but my sister's husband is older than our father.  And they're perfect for each other.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 09:54:19 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 05, 2021, 01:12:48 AM
- So does the radio stop playing when you get in a wreck?
Probably depends on how severe the crash is and if the electrical components that power the radio broke or not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2erf2kbJYc
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 05, 2021, 09:55:08 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 05, 2021, 01:12:48 AM
- Wtf is "irl"? What isn't??

1.  IRL is 'in real life'.

2.  FritzOwl's plans.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 05, 2021, 12:42:08 AM
- Ok but your wife is still your ex- something. Right? 

My ex-something?  Yes.  But that isn't the same thing as being my ex.  One's ex is usually defined as being someone he or she is no longer with.

From Merriam-Webster:

one that formerly held a specified position or place
especially : a former spouse or former partner in an intimate relationship


My wife is not my ex, because she is not my former spouse or partner.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on May 06, 2021, 08:50:40 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 11:13:59 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 03, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
- Someone is praying to be in your position.

What, at work?  I highly doubt that.


i'm a 51 year old dancing sign spinner who lives in a cabin the size of your bathroom behind his mother's house. someone is praying some weird prayers.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 06, 2021, 11:02:23 AM
We should probably get clarification here, because there are several interpretations of "position".  :-P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on May 07, 2021, 11:23:20 AM
Why is the most common way to write the country Ivory Coast's name Cote d'Ivoire? With every other country, we write their names in English, not in a foreign language (after all, we don't call Spain España or the Dominican Republic República Dominicana).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Why do clowns wear afros and have big noses... seems fishy..
- Gorillas can catch human colds..
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
- I wonder are kids in the future going to be taught that America didn't lose the Afghanistan war. It'll probably just be forgotten.
- Speaking of, the US has never been war-free since I've been alive.
- You'll never see me.
- The Wright Brothers only flew together once.
- There's a city named Rome on every continent. Except Antarctica.
- Most department stores tend to play slower music, in order to slow down customers and keep them shopping longer. The opposite is true for restaurants.
- Both volleyball and basketball were invented in Massachusetts. Ig they're good for something.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Why do people like Pittsburgh?
How do people live in big cities?
Why do people like the desert?
Why does alanland exist?
Whoever thought that school was a good idea? Was their kid too bad and they wanted to torture them for 13 years?
Why do old people say I wish I was a kid again? I just don't understand.
Why do people like tik tok or whaterer it is going to be the end of humanity. If tic tok continues we're all going to be dancing on graves!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:44 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Hot Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.

FTFY. Iced tea is great.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:35:24 PM
All tea is good but iced tea is the best!!!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 01:22:46 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.

Is coffee (bean water) any better?  Explain that one to me, if so.

Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
How do people live in big cities?

Because, if nobody lived in them, they wouldn't be big cities.

Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Why do people like the desert?

Because it has low humidity, few rainy days, clear skies, striking landscapes, few allergens...  Basically because it's nothing like Virginia.

Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Whoever thought that school was a good idea? Was their kid too bad and they wanted to torture them for 13 years?

Parents who were busy enough to not teach their own children, I suppose.  Can't just have a bunch of ignorant people running around, so someone had to take up the mantle.

Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Why do old people say I wish I was a kid again? I just don't understand.

Because (1) they wish they had less responsibility than they do now and (2) their childhood didn't suck.  If either of those two conditions isn't true, then chances are that person never says they wish they were a kid again.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on May 07, 2021, 02:04:34 PM
-  One of our members is possibly a stalker.
-  Another of our members is likely to be getting a visit from the Secret Service.  Soon.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 07, 2021, 02:05:20 PM
Quote from: renegade on May 07, 2021, 02:04:34 PM
-  Another of our members is likely to be getting a visit from the Secret Service.  Soon.
Who?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 02:26:17 PM
Yeah, I guess I'm kind of wondering who attempted an assassination, committed wire fraud, counterfeited money, or committed identity theft.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 02:27:33 PM
Ooh!  No!  It's for all the intellectual property crime committed here whenever we post photos without crediting the owner...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 07, 2021, 02:29:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 02:27:33 PM
Ooh!  No!  It's for all the intellectual property crime committed here whenever we post photos without crediting the owner...
I always credit the owner when I post a picture.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 02:30:43 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 07, 2021, 02:29:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 02:27:33 PM
Ooh!  No!  It's for all the intellectual property crime committed here whenever we post photos without crediting the owner...

I always credit the owner when I post a picture.

*whew*    looks like you're off the hook, at least...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 07, 2021, 03:23:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 02:27:33 PM
Ooh!  No!  It's for all the intellectual property crime committed here whenever we post photos without crediting the owner...
Ah, no. It's because of all the times I've used assets that others have made or ripped in the signs I made like gantries and arrows. Definitely their biggest priority.

Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Why do people like tik tok or whaterer it is going to be the end of humanity. If tic tok continues we're all going to be dancing on graves!
Never thought I'd say this, but I actually... agree with Angelo here! TikTok is honestly the worst social media platform thus far.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 07, 2021, 03:58:43 PM
I had never been to Frankfort, KY until yesterday (I've been close to it but not actually in it). So I'm riding around town trying to find the state capital building which was easy to find but I felt pretty good while I was riding on KY-420. What was funny about this is that KY-420 which is basically a spur of US-127 part of the street is called High Street. So your riding on KY-420 along High Street. Pretty fabulous.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 04:06:47 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 07, 2021, 02:05:20 PM
Quote from: renegade on May 07, 2021, 02:04:34 PM
-  Another of our members is likely to be getting a visit from the Secret Service.  Soon.
Who?
Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 02:26:17 PM
Yeah, I guess I'm kind of wondering who attempted an assassination, committed wire fraud, counterfeited money, or committed identity theft.

I had a different interpretation. Based upon some of the previous "random thoughts", I figured it was probably math related, as in:

The Secret Service investigates XX cases and there are XX forum members, therefore...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 07, 2021, 05:40:10 PM
You probably realize your spouse is a complete idiot, but react angrily when your kids discover that fact for themselves.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 07, 2021, 06:05:03 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Whoever thought that school was a good idea? Was their kid too bad and they wanted to torture them for 13 years?
Why do old people say I wish I was a kid again? I just don't understand.

Answers to both these questions may become apparent once you've had to search for a job and then hold one for a few years.  Although it might take until you have kids too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 06:07:00 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 07, 2021, 06:05:03 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Whoever thought that school was a good idea? Was their kid too bad and they wanted to torture them for 13 years?
Why do old people say I wish I was a kid again? I just don't understand.

Answers to both these questions may become apparent once you've had to search for a job and then hold one for a few years.  Although it might take until you have kids too.
What if you like your job? I'm sure Wendy Williams isn't crying and wishing she was a kid right now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 07, 2021, 06:20:49 PM
Even the best job will have SOME things that you don't like about it, and cut into your ability to do whatever you want aside from 6 hours a day of school.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 07:17:57 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 06:07:00 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 07, 2021, 06:05:03 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 12:34:07 PM
Whoever thought that school was a good idea? Was their kid too bad and they wanted to torture them for 13 years?
Why do old people say I wish I was a kid again? I just don't understand.

Answers to both these questions may become apparent once you've had to search for a job and then hold one for a few years.  Although it might take until you have kids too.
What if you like your job? I'm sure Wendy Williams isn't crying and wishing she was a kid right now.

The less school you go to, the more likely it is you end up with a job you don't like.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:49:20 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
Tea is awesome - both hot and iced.  Never was a real coffee fan though.

Though I do wonder about the discovery of tea ...

Maybe two cavemen, Igg and Ogg, were out hunting mammoth for that night's dinner when they came across a pond.

Igg:  "Look at that water ... it's all brown colored from all of the leaves floating in it!"
Ogg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Igg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Ogg:  "I have an idea!  Let's drink it!"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 08:52:39 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:49:20 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
Tea is awesome - both hot and iced.  Never was a real coffee fan though.

Though I do wonder about the discovery of tea ...

Maybe two cavemen, Igg and Ogg, were out hunting mammoth for that night's dinner when they came across a pond.

Igg:  "Look at that water ... it's all brown colored from all of the leaves floating in it!"
Ogg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Igg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Ogg:  "I have an idea!  Let's drink it!"
I like both!!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:53:27 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 07, 2021, 02:05:20 PM
Quote from: renegade on May 07, 2021, 02:04:34 PM
-  Another of our members is likely to be getting a visit from the Secret Service.  Soon.
Who?

If you have to ask ...

(You didn't hear this from me, but you've worked on your alibi, correct?)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 07, 2021, 08:58:22 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 08:52:39 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:49:20 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
Tea is awesome - both hot and iced.  Never was a real coffee fan though.

Though I do wonder about the discovery of tea ...

Maybe two cavemen, Igg and Ogg, were out hunting mammoth for that night's dinner when they came across a pond.

Igg:  "Look at that water ... it's all brown colored from all of the leaves floating in it!"
Ogg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Igg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Ogg:  "I have an idea!  Let's drink it!"
I like both!!

I prefer iiced.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 07, 2021, 09:57:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 07, 2021, 06:20:49 PM
Even the best job will have SOME things that you don't like about it, and cut into your ability to do whatever you want aside from 6 hours a day of school.
What does school have to do with this? I'm confused.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on May 07, 2021, 10:17:24 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:49:20 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
Tea is awesome - both hot and iced.  Never was a real coffee fan though.

Though I do wonder about the discovery of tea ...

Maybe two cavemen, Igg and Ogg, were out hunting mammoth for that night's dinner when they came across a pond.

Igg:  "Look at that water ... it's all brown colored from all of the leaves floating in it!"
Ogg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Igg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Ogg:  "I have an idea!  Let's drink it!"

igg: "what's that thing that just fell out of that birds butt?"
ogg: "i don't know, but i think i'll eat it."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 07, 2021, 10:22:12 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 07, 2021, 10:17:24 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:49:20 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
Tea is awesome - both hot and iced.  Never was a real coffee fan though.

Though I do wonder about the discovery of tea ...

Maybe two cavemen, Igg and Ogg, were out hunting mammoth for that night's dinner when they came across a pond.

Igg:  "Look at that water ... it's all brown colored from all of the leaves floating in it!"
Ogg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Igg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Ogg:  "I have an idea!  Let's drink it!"

igg: "what's that thing that just fell out of that birds butt?"
ogg: "i don't know, but i think i'll eat it."

Have a tomato with it ;)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 07, 2021, 10:49:32 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 07, 2021, 10:22:12 PM
Have a tomato with it ;)
Tomatoes were once though to be poisonous.  Wonder who took the chance to disprove it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 10:50:46 PM
Why isn't pasta more popular? Pasta is the best food in the world!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 07, 2021, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:49:20 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
Tea is awesome - both hot and iced.  Never was a real coffee fan though.

Though I do wonder about the discovery of tea ...

Maybe two cavemen, Igg and Ogg, were out hunting mammoth for that night's dinner when they came across a pond.

Igg:  "Look at that water ... it's all brown colored from all of the leaves floating in it!"
Ogg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Igg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Ogg:  "I have an idea!  Let's drink it!"

Might have started something like that, with Camelia leaves floating in a pool in a relatively clean stream.

Hot drinks of any sort are very helpful if it's cold, and if they're flavored by some sort of plant material (beans, leaves) they're even better.  Tea is an ancient discovery.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 11:01:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 01:22:46 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.

Is coffee (bean water) any better?  Explain that one to me, if so.

No, that's also gross.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GenExpwy on May 08, 2021, 04:15:54 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 07, 2021, 11:23:20 AM
Why is the most common way to write the country Ivory Coast's name Cote d'Ivoire? With every other country, we write their names in English, not in a foreign language (after all, we don't call Spain España or the Dominican Republic República Dominicana).

Because the government of Côte d'Ivoire in 1986 asked everyone to use the local (French) name. And, over the years, the English names of other nations have been changed to more local-language forms:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 08, 2021, 07:47:39 AM
Nova Scotia (Latin for New Scotland) is the "English" name.  In French it's Nouvelle-Écosse. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 08, 2021, 12:01:17 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 10:50:46 PM
Why isn't pasta more popular? Pasta is the best food in the world!

Carbohydrates. If you eat too much, it makes you thick to your stomach.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 08, 2021, 02:30:02 PM
If you wrench a muscle while digging for gold, is that a miner injury?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 08, 2021, 02:34:48 PM
Quote from: GaryV on May 08, 2021, 02:30:02 PM
If you wrench a muscle while digging for gold, is that a miner injury?

He did this while stoping.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 08, 2021, 05:16:00 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 08, 2021, 12:01:17 PM
Quote from: Angelo71 on May 07, 2021, 10:50:46 PM
Why isn't pasta more popular? Pasta is the best food in the world!

Carbohydrates. If you eat too much, it makes you thick to your stomach.

I see what you did there...  :cool:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on May 08, 2021, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: GenExpwy on May 08, 2021, 04:15:54 AM
Because the government of Côte d'Ivoire in 1986 asked everyone to use the local (French) name. And, over the years, the English names of other nations have been changed to more local-language forms:

  • Cambodia → Kampuchea (during the Khmer Rouge regime)
  • Persia → Iran
  • Burma → Myanmar (still politically controversial)
  • Ceylon → Sri Lanka
  • Siam → Thailand
  • East Timor → Timor-Leste ("timor"  and "leste"  both mean "east" )
  • El Salvador (never had the English name "The Saviour" )

In Spanish, Ivory Coast is still widely known as Costa de Marfil. I've only seen Côte d'Ivoire once, and confused me.

Also, you forgot Cape Verde → Cabo Verde. This one doesn't affect Spanish :sombrero:.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 08, 2021, 07:14:50 PM
This forum has 0.000245399 Jeopardy! hosts per capita.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 08, 2021, 07:32:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 08, 2021, 07:14:50 PM
This forum has 0.000245399 Jeopardy! hosts per capita.
What?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 08, 2021, 08:46:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 08, 2021, 07:32:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 08, 2021, 07:14:50 PM
This forum has 0.000245399 Jeopardy! hosts per capita.
What?

Does that count as answering in the form of a question?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 08, 2021, 09:17:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 08, 2021, 07:14:50 PM
This forum has 0.000245399 Jeopardy! hosts per capita.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 08, 2021, 09:22:33 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 08, 2021, 08:46:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 08, 2021, 07:32:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 08, 2021, 07:14:50 PM
This forum has 0.000245399 Jeopardy! hosts per capita.
What?

Does that count as answering in the form of a question?

How about "What is one Jeopardy host?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 09, 2021, 09:41:14 AM
- Sure clowns are scary.. But have you ever broke something at an in-law's house??
- HELP, I had no idea a person from Britain was called a "Briton". I swear I've never heard this before.
- It's insane how many 2nd generation Tahoes/ 9th generation Suburbans I see a day.
- Threads you'll never see is full of threads that you'll never see.
- I hate when there's a picture of something looking directly at me while I'm reading. Like wtf??
- You experience trillions of things that no one else experiences.
- It's impossible to hurt yourself by pinching your elbow. And no, don't use your nails dummy.
- I love my parents, but I hate stressing at the last minute to get a mother/father's day gift.
- It's actually spelled fabreze and not fabreeze..
- It's spelled "flintstones" and not "flinstones". My childhood is such a lie.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 09, 2021, 11:26:33 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 09, 2021, 09:41:14 AM
- Threads you'll never see is full of threads that you'll never see.
Unless someone makes the thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on May 09, 2021, 12:21:53 PM
If you grew up back east and travel out west, you'll be surprised at the number of places named after SUVs and pickup trucks :-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Angelo71 on May 09, 2021, 12:42:10 PM
Quote from: kurumi on May 09, 2021, 12:21:53 PM
If you grew up back east and travel out west, you'll be surprised at the number of places named after SUVs and pickup trucks :-)
Telluride Colorado
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- What was Russian America called before America was called America?
- Neil Armstrong only died 9 years ago, I swear it was longer than that.
- There are broke people more famous than you.
- Big D stands for Big Demeanor
- You can't make up a color.
- Life is just a competition to see which organs can last the longest.
- Before you discriminate or hate on somebody, just remember you're working for somebody just like them ultimately.
- It makes sense that the target audience for fidget spinners lost interest in them so quickly.
- This 'Spring Forward' thing wouldn't be a problem if it happened during 2 pm on Monday.
- Since there are 3,600 seconds in an hour, and most people make less than $36.00/hr, their time is worth less than a penny per second. It's literally worth your time to pick up a penny from the ground.
- You never close your eyes, you just cover them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 11, 2021, 10:25:03 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- What was Russian America called before America was called America?

Russia got to America after it was named America.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on May 11, 2021, 10:29:58 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- Big D stands for Big Demeanor
Is that you Megan Thee Stallion?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:38:43 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 11, 2021, 10:25:03 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- What was Russian America called before America was called America?

Russia got to America after it was named America.
- They were there before that. It just wasn't an official colony, but they had to call it something. Right?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 11, 2021, 10:29:58 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- Big D stands for Big Demeanor
Is that you Megan Thee Stallion?
omg somebody understands the reference bye that made my day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on May 11, 2021, 10:58:20 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:38:43 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 11, 2021, 10:29:58 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- Big D stands for Big Demeanor
Is that you Megan Thee Stallion?
omg somebody understands the reference bye that made my day.
Not only did I get it, I literally read it in her voice :D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 11, 2021, 12:32:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:38:43 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 11, 2021, 10:25:03 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- What was Russian America called before America was called America?

Russia got to America after it was named America.
- They were there before that. It just wasn't an official colony, but they had to call it something. Right?
No.  America was named more than 2 centuries before the Russians came to Alaska.  Sure, it wasn't "The United States of America" then.  But it was called America.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 11, 2021, 03:19:19 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 07, 2021, 08:49:20 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 07, 2021, 12:24:32 PM
- Tea is disgusting. No way you just enjoy water, sugar, and leaves mixed together  :-|.
Tea is awesome - both hot and iced.  Never was a real coffee fan though.

Though I do wonder about the discovery of tea ...

Maybe two cavemen, Igg and Ogg, were out hunting mammoth for that night's dinner when they came across a pond.

Igg:  "Look at that water ... it's all brown colored from all of the leaves floating in it!"
Ogg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Igg:  "???"   (puzzled look)
Ogg:  "I have an idea!  Let's drink it!"

Igg and Ogg were definitely both guys, then.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 11, 2021, 03:22:17 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- It makes sense that the target audience for fidget spinners lost interest in them so quickly.

This is one of my favorites so far.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 11, 2021, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM
- This 'Spring Forward' thing wouldn't be a problem if it happened during 2 pm on Monday.

Since I used to work graveyard shift at a hospitality business, I used to work during the time changes every year (since Saturday was one of our busiest nights, and time change is Saturday going into Sunday). It wasn't terrible to deal with, but I think most people would consider it more of a problem if it was during most people's active hours.

Spring forward wasn't a problem most of the time. The clock just goes from 0:59 to 2:00. This does mean that you're an hour short on your worked hours. This kind of sucks if you need every dollar you can get, but I was doing well enough that it never bothered me.

Fall back is what caused all of the problems. First off, we were already working nine-hour shifts, and extending that to ten hours is not a lot of fun, even if you do get to make back the hour you lost in spring. Then, we had a lot of technical issues with Multimedia-brand (now Everi) slot machines refusing to accept tickets after the time change that were printed before the time change (i.e. they wouldn't accept a ticket printed at 1:59 five minutes later at 1:04 because the timestamp on the ticket was in the future). So many customers could not get that if they wanted to play that machine they had to either use another voucher or cash it in first. Also, there was the problem of logging that time on paperwork and such. If you open up a machine at 1:05 and there is an issue arising later that needs to be checked on the accounting system or surveillance, how do you communicate on the log that you were there at the first 1:05 and not the second 1:05?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 11, 2021, 03:45:46 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 11, 2021, 10:20:54 AM

- This 'Spring Forward' thing wouldn't be a problem if it happened during 2 pm on Monday.

In before lock
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 11, 2021, 05:50:56 PM
Maryland has designated jousting and lacrosse as its official state sports. I kind of want to see them make a hybrid between the two called marylandball.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kevinb1994 on May 11, 2021, 05:59:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 11, 2021, 05:50:56 PM
Maryland has designated jousting and lacrosse as its official state sports. I kind of want to see them make a hybrid between the two called marylandball.
Marylandball? What about the Washingtonball? Lol
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 11, 2021, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on May 11, 2021, 05:59:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 11, 2021, 05:50:56 PM
Maryland has designated jousting and lacrosse as its official state sports. I kind of want to see them make a hybrid between the two called marylandball.
Marylandball? What about the Washingtonball? Lol

replace one state with the name of a completely unrelated state that has nothing to do with the content of the post = INSTANT HUMOR
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 08:44:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 11, 2021, 06:15:02 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on May 11, 2021, 05:59:14 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 11, 2021, 05:50:56 PM
Maryland has designated jousting and lacrosse as its official state sports. I kind of want to see them make a hybrid between the two called marylandball.

Marylandball? What about the Washingtonball? Lol

replace one state with the name of a completely unrelated state that has nothing to do with the content of the post = INSTANT HUMOR

Yes.  I assume that's why he lolled.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- A graduation ceremony is basically end credits being read out loud.
- Threesome is such a boring term. What about a dirty trinity, or a triathlon?
- A different version of you exists in the mind of everyone you know.
- If Apple manufactured clothing they'd probably have all the belt loops on their jeans a different size than normal, so you'd also have to buy an Apple Belt.
- Why don't airplanes have movie theaters for those waiting on planes?
- No one has ever been in an empty room.
- Arthritis is like a speech impediment for sign language.
- It's impossible to "bite down" on something.
- Imagine if future generators use "dictator" as a positive thing such as "emperor" or "king" today..
- Some other languages call us "United Statesians"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 10:40:07 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- It's impossible to "bite down" on something.

Put your chin on the tabletop.  Open your mouth.  Insert food.  Bite down.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- Imagine if future generators use "dictator" as a positive thing such as "emperor" or "king" today..

I always get a chuckle whenever I drive by this trailer park (https://goo.gl/maps/MajQRv3GWRnGa4hm9).  The term caudillo means, roughly, a military dictator.  Why someone thought that would be a great name for a neighborhood, I don't know.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
I like Italicizing every line. Idk it's just pleasing.

What changed?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 12, 2021, 10:59:27 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 10:40:07 AM
I always get a chuckle whenever I drive by this trailer park (https://goo.gl/maps/MajQRv3GWRnGa4hm9).  The term caudillo means, roughly, a military dictator.  Why someone thought that would be a great name for a neighborhood, I don't know.

Here's one worse (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2087493,-77.4800488,3a,47.5y,85.59h,93.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGc7z35fFxT7320rDuecN2w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) (it's a street name, though, not a neighborhood).

One time in middle school, we had to create a fictional neighborhood for a project of some sort, and I picked a few random street names to use, this one among them. So of course, the teacher said "Um, you may want to pick another name"... so of course I looked it up the next chance I got, and was quite surprised and amused with my findings... LOL!!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 11:10:05 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 10:40:07 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- It's impossible to "bite down" on something.

Put your chin on the tabletop.  Open your mouth.  Insert food.  Bite down.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- Imagine if future generators use "dictator" as a positive thing such as "emperor" or "king" today..

I always get a chuckle whenever I drive by this trailer park (https://goo.gl/maps/MajQRv3GWRnGa4hm9).  The term caudillo means, roughly, a military dictator.  Why someone thought that would be a great name for a neighborhood, I don't know.

Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
I like Italicizing every line. Idk it's just pleasing.

What changed?
- No, you're biting up because your top jaw doesn't move.

- And they make it look really appealing..

- Really I was a dumbass and I didn't know that I didn't have to do every line until you said something. But N E Way
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 11:22:41 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 11:10:05 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 10:40:07 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- It's impossible to "bite down" on something.

Put your chin on the tabletop.  Open your mouth.  Insert food.  Bite down.

- No, you're biting up because your top jaw doesn't move.

Huh?  The actual biting action would be accomplished by your top jaw moving down.  Your bottom jaw would remain in place on the tabletop, and your upper jaw would be the only one moving.

Like this:

(https://c.stocksy.com/a/Mzx100/z9/468928.jpg)

Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 11:10:05 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 10:40:07 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
I like Italicizing every line. Idk it's just pleasing.

What changed?

- Really I was a dumbass and I didn't know that I didn't have to do every line until you said something. But N E Way

So, you were just lying when you said you did it because it you found it satisfying and liked it.   :no:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 12:15:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 11:22:41 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 11:10:05 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 10:40:07 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- It's impossible to "bite down" on something.

Put your chin on the tabletop.  Open your mouth.  Insert food.  Bite down.

- No, you're biting up because your top jaw doesn't move.

Huh?  The actual biting action would be accomplished by your top jaw moving down.  Your bottom jaw would remain in place on the tabletop, and your upper jaw would be the only one moving.

Like this:

GROSS IMAGE

Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 11:10:05 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 10:40:07 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on April 08, 2021, 12:38:18 AM
I like Italicizing every line. Idk it's just pleasing.

What changed?

- Really I was a dumbass and I didn't know that I didn't have to do every line until you said something. But N E Way

So, you were just lying when you said you did it because it you found it satisfying and liked it.   :no:

- That's your bottom jaw moving!

- Well, kinda, but um hehe.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on May 12, 2021, 01:29:39 PM
Why do cartoon characters never grow up? Calliou has always been 4 and he's never turned 5.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 12, 2021, 01:34:40 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 12, 2021, 01:29:39 PM
Why do cartoon characters never grow up? Calliou has always been 4 and he's never turned 5.
Calliou has cancer he probably wasn't making to 5 anyway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 12, 2021, 01:37:12 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 12, 2021, 01:29:39 PM
Why do cartoon characters never grow up? Calliou has always been 4 and he's never turned 5.

Maggie Simpson has been 1 for almost 35 years.  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 12, 2021, 02:17:47 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 12, 2021, 01:29:39 PM
Why do cartoon characters never grow up?

Check out For Better or For Worse as a counter-example.

April:  hadn't even been conceived at the beginning, headed off to college at the end
Elizabeth:  a toddler at the beginning, a married woman at the end
Michael:  in preschool at the beginning, a married man at the end
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 12, 2021, 03:34:00 PM
I actually prefer when characters in shows age, it keeps things from getting dry.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on May 12, 2021, 04:11:55 PM
The Family Circus has PJ being a toddler forever.  Then how long is Beetle Bailey been in the Army?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 12, 2021, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 12, 2021, 04:11:55 PM
The Family Circus has PJ being a toddler forever.

The only funny thing about the Family Circus is the fact that the character of Jeffy is based on Jeff Keane, who grew up and now writes the strip, taking over from his dad Bil Keane. Knowing that makes it ten times hilarious because the strip usually has Jeffy saying particularly stupid things. One wonders what that says about Jeff Keane's self-esteem.

But then again Jeff Keane also does shit like resubmitting his dad's old strips to the syndicate and gets away with running them again...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 12, 2021, 05:36:42 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 12, 2021, 01:34:40 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 12, 2021, 01:29:39 PM
Why do cartoon characters never grow up? Calliou has always been 4 and he's never turned 5.
Calliou has cancer he probably wasn't making to 5 anyway.

Some parents think Calliou was a cancer.

Quote from: roadman65 on May 12, 2021, 04:11:55 PM
The Family Circus has PJ being a toddler forever.  Then how long is Beetle Bailey been in the Army?

Since the Spanish—American War, probably.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 12, 2021, 05:45:14 PM
What's the plural of Law & Order, when you're talking about multiple series? Laws & Orders? Law & Orders? Laws & Order? Something else?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 12, 2021, 07:00:54 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 12, 2021, 04:11:55 PM
The Family Circus has PJ being a toddler forever.  Then how long is Beetle Bailey been in the Army?

70+ years
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 12, 2021, 08:09:30 PM
What's really weird about Beetle Bailey was that the strip was originally about college life, and the title character only ended up in the army by accident (he was being chased by someone and hid in an army recruitment office).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 12, 2021, 08:26:17 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 12, 2021, 05:45:14 PM
What's the plural of Law & Order, when you're talking about multiple series? Laws & Orders? Law & Orders? Laws & Order? Something else?

Dickwolves (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Wolf)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 13, 2021, 09:30:34 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 12, 2021, 05:36:42 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 12, 2021, 01:34:40 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on May 12, 2021, 01:29:39 PM
Why do cartoon characters never grow up? Calliou has always been 4 and he's never turned 5.

Calliou has cancer he probably wasn't making to 5 anyway.

Some parents think Calliou was a cancer.

Some people in Mexico think my name is Caillou.  And that's why I no longer even go by my name there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: lepidopteran on May 13, 2021, 03:05:36 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2021, 10:29:51 AM
- Why don't airplanes have movie theaters for those waiting on planes?
Did you mean, why don't airports have movie theaters?  I think the old Pittsburgh airport did have one.  It was on the third or fourth floor of the stately-looking terminal that was demolished about 20 years ago.

I think the main reason that you don't have movie theaters in airports is, too many people would miss their flights while getting caught up in the action.  And who wants their Star Wars sequel/prequel to be interrupted with "Divided Airlines Flight 123 to Pocomoke is now boarding at Gate Six-and-seven-eights" announcements every five minutes?

Another reason is that prior to the additional inspection time needed post-9/11, or even before the very appearance of airport security, people typically did not get to their gates long enough before departure time to watch a movie -- and that's when most airports were designed.  And even if they did, what about staggered departure times?  (Hmm, that new golf movie "Harry Putter and the Hole-in-one Stone" is showing in the Concourse A theater.  But it starts at 1:00 and my flight departs at 2, and you have to be at the gate 30 minutes before departure time, and it takes 10 minutes to walk from there...)

Nowadays of course, people watch any movie they want while waiting, thanks to personal electronic devices and USB charger ports.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 14, 2021, 12:13:36 AM
I saw one airport that had little TVs attached to some of the chairs in the waiting lounge for a flight.  You had to pay.  I didn't investigate what choices there were to watch once you paid, and not too many people seemed interested.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 14, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
- I meant airports, yes. I don't see a problem with that though ^, except for having to pay for it.
- Lasers were a great scientific breakthrough, and we use them to mess with cats now.
- If an earthquake happens, the skeletons of dead people become maracas.
- Lighting a birthday candle and blowing it out symbolizes how you will be extinguished..
- If you're one in a million, there are over 7,000 people that are exactly like you.
- If James Bond is the most popular spy, doesn't that make him the worst spy?
- Do crabs think fish can fly?
- Computers age about the same rate as a dog. So a 10 year old computer functions like a 70 year old human.
- A group of squid should definitely be called a squad.
- Literally and Figuratively can mean the same thing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:22:16 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 14, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
- Literally and Figuratively can mean the same thing.

/ban #aaroads kenarmy
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on May 14, 2021, 03:05:04 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 14, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
- Literally and Figuratively can mean the same thing.
You need a dictionary.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 14, 2021, 04:22:58 PM
Quote from: renegade on May 14, 2021, 03:05:04 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 14, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
- Literally and Figuratively can mean the same thing.
You need a dictionary.
I am disappointed that the dictionary now recognizes regardless as a proper word, and has disinterested as meaning uninterested.

edit autocorrect changed it from ir regardless.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 04:28:56 PM
Quote from: renegade on May 14, 2021, 03:05:04 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 14, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
- Literally and Figuratively can mean the same thing.
You need a dictionary.

Nah, you need one:

Quote from: Merriam-Webster, "literally"
1: in a literal sense or manner: such as
   a: in a way that uses the ordinary or primary meaning of a term or expression
   b—used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of a statement or description
   c: with exact equivalence : with the meaning of each individual word given exactly
   d: in a completely accurate way
2: in effect : VIRTUALLY —used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible

Not saying I agree with that, but who am I to argue.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 04:30:13 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 14, 2021, 04:22:58 PM
I am disappointed that the dictionary now recognizes regardless as a proper word

???

It is a proper word.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 04:33:13 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 04:28:56 PM

Quote from: renegade on May 14, 2021, 03:05:04 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 14, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
- Literally and Figuratively can mean the same thing.

You need a dictionary.

Nah, you need one:

Quote from: Merriam-Webster, "literally"
1: in a literal sense or manner: such as
   a: in a way that uses the ordinary or primary meaning of a term or expression
   b–used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of a statement or description
   c: with exact equivalence : with the meaning of each individual word given exactly
   d: in a completely accurate way
2: in effect : VIRTUALLY –used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible


Not saying I agree with that, but who am I to argue.

Well, I don't have to like it.   :no:

FYI, this article (https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/misuse-of-literally) by the same dictionary is a good read.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 14, 2021, 04:35:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 04:30:13 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 14, 2021, 04:22:58 PM
I am disappointed that the dictionary now recognizes regardless as a proper word

???

It is a proper word.
Autocorrect changed it from ir regardless. (ignore the space.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 16, 2021, 12:07:20 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 04:33:13 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 04:28:56 PM

Quote from: renegade on May 14, 2021, 03:05:04 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on May 14, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
- Literally and Figuratively can mean the same thing.

You need a dictionary.

Nah, you need one:

Quote from: Merriam-Webster, "literally"
1: in a literal sense or manner: such as
   a: in a way that uses the ordinary or primary meaning of a term or expression
   b–used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of a statement or description
   c: with exact equivalence : with the meaning of each individual word given exactly
   d: in a completely accurate way
2: in effect : VIRTUALLY –used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible


Not saying I agree with that, but who am I to argue.

Well, I don't have to like it.   :no:

FYI, this article (https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/misuse-of-literally) by the same dictionary is a good read.)

The dictionary couldn't care less what you think.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 16, 2021, 01:59:15 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 16, 2021, 12:07:20 PM
The dictionary couldn't care less what you think.

Well played!  :-D  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 17, 2021, 12:52:24 AM
- Sex is the result of sex.
- You used to be the youngest person alive.
- Some people in history were buried alive because they were thought to be dead, but really they were in a coma..
- Your entire life is spent designing your corpse.
- If you don't like Pose by Rihanna, clean your ears out and relisten!
- Positive has mostly become a scarier word than negative.
- Sure dinosaurs roaming around would be scary, but um what about horses?
- You're living in your future and your past.
- What if some animals can't understand our language, and they have a generic sound to represent us, such as "moo" or "meow"?
- I'm saying this one again: you can't spell team without me  :colorful:.
- A lemon is a hybrid.. so life doesn't give us lemons, we invented them.
- How can you prove 1 billion people don't live on Greenland?
- It's impossible to not look at your nose. Well, if you have one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 17, 2021, 01:05:52 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 17, 2021, 12:52:24 AM
- How can you prove 1 billion people don't live on Greenland?

Ask the Danish government?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 17, 2021, 08:04:49 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 17, 2021, 12:52:24 AM
- How can you prove 1 billion people don't live on Greenland?
Satellites.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 17, 2021, 11:26:10 AM
Why do so many of the random thoughts revolve around sex?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 17, 2021, 01:41:05 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 17, 2021, 11:26:10 AM
Why do so many of the random thoughts revolve around sex?
People think about sex a lot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 04:10:49 PM
Why do you seem to think that, if we don't like a song, we'll suddenly start liking it if we listen to it again?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 04:10:49 PM
Why do you seem to think that, if we don't like a song, we'll suddenly start liking it if we listen to it again?
- Because you heard it wrong or something-
                     -
- People say life is short, but it's the longest thing you experience.
- You learn to read and then you read to learn.
- The alarm goes "on", and not off when you hear it.
- Why are left and right confused more than up and down?
- Look at how I bodied that, ate it up and gave it back.
- Remember when teachers said you won't walk around with calculators in your pocket all day? Yeah right liar.
- You can't make the back of your elbow hurt by pinching it. Don't use your fingernails dummy.
- Do flat earthers also believe the sun and moon are flat?
- You read taht wrong.
- I remember asking my teacher why do women cross their legs in kindergarten, and I still haven't received an answer  :confused:
- You don't know what underwater smells like.
- Knowing you have the next day off is better than the actual day off.
- I can't believe I have to work and live, just to die that quick. I deserve to see a slideshow or something?!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on May 18, 2021, 10:11:47 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 17, 2021, 01:41:05 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 17, 2021, 11:26:10 AM
Why do so many of the random thoughts revolve around sex?
Americans think about sex a lot.
FTFY  :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on May 19, 2021, 01:33:03 AM
A little fake Deep Thought from not Jack Handey:

Sometimes you get stuck in traffic, and certainly you're annoyed, but sometimes you can learn a little bit about yourself, and everyone's place in the world.

I remember I-295 at a near dead stop one morning, nowhere to go, took about 45 minutes to go maybe one mile. Like everyone else, I was fuming. Tempers were short. We crawled over the crest of a hill, and finally saw the reason for the backup: one dude had spun out and flipped his car. The paramedics were talking to the driver, and it seemed like he was OK, just a little shaken up.

And it occurred to me, as we slowly drove past, that this wasn't just a traffic jam, or an accident, but this was a real person. A human being. And I felt a connection that, locked up in our cars, looking at the world through the windshield, we usually don't feel. We were going slow enough that I was going to go close by this person, and I decided to roll down my window, and maybe say something, instead of just driving on by. For a moment, I couldn't think of what to say, but then the right thing came to mind. So I leaned out the window, and I said to him: "You... asshole!"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 19, 2021, 08:18:12 AM
Quote from: kurumi on May 19, 2021, 01:33:03 AM
A little fake Deep Thought from not Jack Handey:

Sometimes you get stuck in traffic, and certainly you're annoyed, but sometimes you can learn a little bit about yourself, and everyone's place in the world.

I remember I-295 at a near dead stop one morning, nowhere to go, took about 45 minutes to go maybe one mile. Like everyone else, I was fuming. Tempers were short. We crawled over the crest of a hill, and finally saw the reason for the backup: one dude had spun out and flipped his car. The paramedics were talking to the driver, and it seemed like he was OK, just a little shaken up.

And it occurred to me, as we slowly drove past, that this wasn't just a traffic jam, or an accident, but this was a real person. A human being. And I felt a connection that, locked up in our cars, looking at the world through the windshield, we usually don't feel. We were going slow enough that I was going to go close by this person, and I decided to roll down my window, and maybe say something, instead of just driving on by. For a moment, I couldn't think of what to say, but then the right thing came to mind. So I leaned out the window, and I said to him: "You... asshole!"
Deep.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 19, 2021, 09:23:47 AM
Pythagoras was not a robin. 

Robins don't know that if they hop away at a right angle they will get away from you faster than if they continue to hop ahead of you as you walk.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 19, 2021, 10:48:41 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 04:10:49 PM
Why do you seem to think that, if we don't like a song, we'll suddenly start liking it if we listen to it again?
- You read taht wrong.
Nah I red taht right.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 01:38:34 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
- People say life is short, but it's the longest thing you experience.

- People say life is hard.  I ask them, Compared to what?  And they never have a good answer.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
- The alarm goes "on", and not off when you hear it.

When a fire starts in your house, the alarm goes on by going off, then your house burns down by burning up, at which point there are a lot of forms to fill in by filling them out.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
- Do flat earthers also believe the sun and moon are flat?

Historical cosmology is fascinating.  For example, Genesis 1:6-8 speaks of a "firmament", but few people understand what that means.  In those days, people not only believed the earth was flat, but also that the sky was made of a hard dome made of metal, called the firmament, and that the sun and moon and stars were in that firmament.  The movements of the stars in the night sky was believed to be due to multiple layers of the firmament moving in different ways.

They also believed that rain came in by the opening of windows in the firmament.  Thus, toward the beginning of the story of Noah's ark, Genesis 7:11-12 tells how "the windows of the heavens were opened [and] rain fell upon the earth".

Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
- I remember asking my teacher why do women cross their legs in kindergarten, and I still haven't received an answer

If it were a logical world, it would be the men who rode side-saddle.

Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
- You don't know what underwater smells like.

I thought that said underwear at first...

Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
- Knowing you have the next day off is better than the actual day off.

Not if you're rushing to get everything caught up before your day off.  In that case, knowing you have the next day off just adds to the stress.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:31:40 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 18, 2021, 10:04:59 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 04:10:49 PM
Why do you seem to think that, if we don't like a song, we'll suddenly start liking it if we listen to it again?

Because you heard it wrong or something

Ha.  Nope.  At least my ears work the same every time.

We've just heard it and think it's crap.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 04:04:20 PM
None of the thoughts in this thread have been truly random...until now.

OO`zi▒ 1D_"Fa.c؟[3sShO_\gP\}`Ƒb:Y@)URA֥.FZaF3䄍9MRyal^mkUL+u-=7 847'
J2aԳ'̩v{'}KT%/{`uF0~5ZCE6l7H|fSqdln! \ezPePf?/ágZD                                        +zH?1l▒猶IV9D%(Y,`K*▒F>▒(؊`1  u(0k7'p7d(oIA\d#kLA
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 04:16:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 04:04:20 PM
1D_"Fa.c؟[3sShO_\gP\}`Ƒb:

I think that's something about a fascist showgirl's ID on facebook...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 04:28:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 04:16:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 04:04:20 PM
1D_"Fa.c؟[3sShO_\gP\}`Ƒb:

I think that's something about a fascist showgirl's ID on facebook...

I always hate it whenever I'm watching a good show and out of the blue she starts advocating for forcible suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of society and of the economy...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on May 19, 2021, 07:24:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 04:04:20 PM
OO`\ezPePf?/ágZD                                        +zH?1l▒猶IV9D%(Y,`K*▒F>▒(؊`1  u(0k7'p7d(oIA\d#kLA
LANGUAGE!!!!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 21, 2021, 02:40:46 AM
It's been interesting listening to the police scanner in Saginaw County tonight. Four shootings in the city of Saginaw, the other day Saginaw Township had a homicide and the suspect jumped off the Zilwaukee Bridge. What a crazy community this is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on May 21, 2021, 12:24:47 PM
You could make parts of Texas and Arkansas more peaceful by redesignating I-30 as this:

(https://i.imgur.com/2eZqjwL.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 22, 2021, 12:36:22 PM
Quote from: kurumi on May 21, 2021, 12:24:47 PM
You could make parts of Texas and Arkansas more peaceful by redesignating I-30 as this:

(https://i.imgur.com/2eZqjwL.png)

Never been to Arkansas, have you?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on May 22, 2021, 01:03:50 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 22, 2021, 12:36:22 PM
Quote from: kurumi on May 21, 2021, 12:24:47 PM
You could make parts of Texas and Arkansas more peaceful by redesignating I-30 as this:

(https://i.imgur.com/2eZqjwL.png)

Never been to Arkansas, have you?

Long time ago; from New Orleans to Little Rock via Pine Bluff to Fort Smith. The freeway that would later become I-530 was still under construction. I'm sure it's changed a lot now, but no, probably "Om" would not get the best reception. Alabama just legalized yoga in school, but you can't say "Namaste".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 23, 2021, 01:27:19 PM
The mean Great Lakes always win. Lake Huron is pretty mad today.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210523/b90320060d034a7190401aad0df7f998.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 23, 2021, 02:06:45 PM
^^ Don't forget Lake Superior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vST6hVRj2A
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 23, 2021, 02:45:28 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 23, 2021, 02:06:45 PM
^^ Don't forget Lake Superior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vST6hVRj2A
Haha nope. I haven't heard that song in awhile. The Edmund Fitzgerald sank in 530 feet of Lake Superior water on November 10, 1975, never forget the 29 men that lost their lives that day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 23, 2021, 02:55:04 PM
What is Lake Inferior like compared to Lake Superior?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 23, 2021, 02:55:09 PM
We were on a small-ship cruise along the Maine coast when the entertainer for the evening sang The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  We were doing something other than going to the program, so we were outside.  I asked one of the deck hands, "Are they allowed to sing that on a cruise?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 23, 2021, 03:28:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 23, 2021, 02:45:28 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 23, 2021, 02:06:45 PM
^^ Don't forget Lake Superior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vST6hVRj2A
Haha nope. I haven't heard that song in awhile. The Edmund Fitzgerald sank in 530 feet of Lake Superior water on November 10, 1975, never forget the 29 men that lost their lives that day.

It's often played on the radio close to the anniversary or used as background when the story is told..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 23, 2021, 06:11:45 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 23, 2021, 02:55:04 PM
What is Lake Inferior like compared to Lake Superior?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optima_Lake
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on May 24, 2021, 03:25:20 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 23, 2021, 02:55:04 PM
What is Lake Inferior like compared to Lake Superior?

Wouldn't Lake Ontario be "Lake Inferior"? I've always assumed that Lake Superior was so-named because it's the highest of the Great Lakes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 24, 2021, 03:45:44 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 24, 2021, 03:25:20 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 23, 2021, 02:55:04 PM
What is Lake Inferior like compared to Lake Superior?

Wouldn't Lake Ontario be "Lake Inferior"? I've always assumed that Lake Superior was so-named because it's the highest of the Great Lakes.

Yes and no. The French called it that when they discovered it for that reason, but when the British later Anglicized the name from "Lac Superieur" to "Lake Superior" they were thinking about how much "superior" in size and majesty it was to all the other lakes they had encountered. Which would mean by the British explorer definition, nearly every lake on earth is "Lake Inferior". :D

The indigenous Anishinaabe name translates roughly to "Great Sea".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 24, 2021, 07:56:44 AM
- Do twins have a double funeral if they die together?
- What if the Japanese flag is just a pie chart of how much of Japan is Japan...
- So how come humans want to make all these random birds go extinct, but don't get rid of flies  :rolleyes:.
- People lie so much that we teach kids how to do it and disguise it as figurative language.
- I just can't figure out how people willingly eat watermelon or cantaloupe..
- Do eyelash mites die with humans?
- Why does cane's have such a limited menu? Bitch, diversify!
- You can't really wrap your head around something.
- When you close both eyes, they see black, but when you close one, it sees nothing.
- The scariest thing you could find on another planet is humans.
- Why does "wtf" translate to our brain, but not "lol"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 24, 2021, 09:31:00 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 24, 2021, 07:56:44 AM
- You can't really wrap your head around something.

You also can't put your finger on an idea.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on May 24, 2021, 11:11:16 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 24, 2021, 07:56:44 AM
- Why does cane's have such a limited menu? Bitch, diversify!

I go to Cane's for chicken fingers. If I want a salad, sandwich, or wings, I'll go to somewhere that specializes in those. Cane's has been very successful with their current menu so I see no need for them to change it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on May 25, 2021, 05:33:23 AM
Why aren't there chicken fries at KFC?

oh wait...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Woah what is that? (Or what was that?)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 26, 2021, 11:36:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Woah what is that? (Or what was that?)
Old Tigers stadium?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:37:14 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 26, 2021, 11:36:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Woah what is that? (Or what was that?)
Old Tigers stadium?
Yikes that's an old, historical stadium.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:39:51 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Woah what is that? (Or what was that?)
Tiger Stadium
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:42:53 PM
No love lost here though. Joe Louis Arena was a dump.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3259131,-83.0522085,3a,90y,152.06h,90.76t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sy27R_y8hpyCCq3qWuulaqw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Dy27R_y8hpyCCq3qWuulaqw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D207.44542%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 27, 2021, 07:56:18 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:42:53 PM
No love lost here though. Joe Louis Arena was a dump.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3259131,-83.0522085,3a,90y,152.06h,90.76t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sy27R_y8hpyCCq3qWuulaqw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Dy27R_y8hpyCCq3qWuulaqw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D207.44542%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192
Oh it was the Joe. The Red Wings have a shiny new arena now, it's all good.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on May 27, 2021, 08:46:56 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Woah what is that? (Or what was that?)

Looks like an average Detroit city street to me... what do you mean?   :-P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 27, 2021, 08:54:39 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:37:14 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 26, 2021, 11:36:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Woah what is that? (Or what was that?)
Old Tigers stadium?
Yikes that's an old, historical stadium.

To quote Inspector Cleauseau, "Not anymore."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 27, 2021, 09:46:07 AM
Quote from: webny99 on May 27, 2021, 08:46:56 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 26, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 26, 2021, 11:28:31 PM
The worst Google Street View a resident of Michigan could possibly look at. Just destruction beyond believe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.332841,-83.0677824,3a,18.7y,225.16h,91.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3mtAmMz5QFSXldXjALz0Jg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Woah what is that? (Or what was that?)

Looks like an average Detroit city street to me... what do you mean?   :-P
Michigan Central Station is almost as old as Tiger Stadium was and is just standing there acting like I have life.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 27, 2021, 09:58:25 AM
As far as Tiger Stadium goes it was a great place to watch a baseball game. The closeness to the playing field was pretty much unmatched. The upper deck sat right on top of the lower deck meaning that fans in the upper deck had a close view of the field. I'd say the back row in the upper deck at Tiger Stadium was closer to the field than the first row in the upper deck at Comerica Park is.

The only problem really was the posts that stood in the way like at any old ballpark of it's day. The solution, buy box seats which at the end of Tiger Stadium's life were the orange seats. I liked the way the ballpark looked with the green seats though.

Even as someone who isn't a Tigers fan I had some fun at Tiger Stadium and loved going to games there. Going to games at Old Comiskey Park was quite fun too and at that point I could say that was my teams ballpark. Tiger Stadium though was a classic, the lumber yard (Brooks Lumber) across the street was the landing spot for balls hit over the right field roof there.

Even after Tiger Stadium closed it took them 10 years before they demolished it. I can still remember the massive light towers on the roof of the stadium coming around the curve on I-75 at the Gratiot exit where I-375 is at you could see the light towers up ahead on the left. A few years after the stadium closed for the Tigers I was driving around Detroit one night and noticed that the lights were on at Tiger Stadium. I went over there and just stared at the stadium like it was the last time I was ever going to see it. It was the last time I saw it all lit up though. What a ballpark though. It opened on the same day as Fenway Park in Boston and the news of the opening was pushed aside because of the sinking of the Titanic about five days prior. The Tigers were playing on that same site as far back as 1896 though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 28, 2021, 02:26:58 PM
Nothing beats traveling southbound on I-75 looking at a slew of northbound traffic on the Friday before Memorial Day.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210528/bfc419ce7aed31a9e731f58d0a90cf63.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 30, 2021, 09:49:47 PM
I saw a huge fire on I-75 earlier. Huge cloud of black smoke in the air ahead and then I noticed that the fire was on the highway. I couldn't get a picture of it but it was a minivan and the whole vehicle was on fire. This was on the NB side and traffic was backed up on the SB side hindering emergency vehicles from getting to the fire. NB I-75 @ MM 121.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" is just proof kids are taught so much useless information.
- X88B88 is the word "Voodoo" being reflected.
- The word Fat looks like someone took a bite out of Eat.
- If you're no longer covered by your parent's health insurance, your manufacturer's warranty is over.
- When Sweden is playing Denmark, it is SWE-DEN. The remaining letters, not used, are DEN-MARK.
- Lobsters are mermaids to scorpions.
- If you get a PhD, every meeting you go to is a Doctor's appointment.
- If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the first time that two presidents have had sex with each other. Unless.....
- Before was was was, was was is.
- A moment of silence for the ants that report to the colony, but you already cleaned the mess up.
- If elevators weren't around, CEOs would have offices on the first floor as a sign of status.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:08:17 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the first time that two presidents have had sex with each other. Unless.....
Unless what?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 12:18:26 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:08:17 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the first time that two presidents have had sex with each other. Unless.....
Unless what?

Unless two other Presidents did it and never told us about it. Try and keep up, okay?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:24:33 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 12:18:26 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:08:17 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the first time that two presidents have had sex with each other. Unless.....
Unless what?

Unless two other Presidents did it and never told us about it. Try and keep up, okay?
I wonder which other two would be the most likely.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 01:31:22 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:24:33 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 12:18:26 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:08:17 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the first time that two presidents have had sex with each other. Unless.....
Unless what?

Unless two other Presidents did it and never told us about it. Try and keep up, okay?
I wonder which other two would be the most likely.

*rolls 46-sided die* Buchanan (of course) and... *rolls 46-sided die* Grover Cleveland (during his second term).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on May 31, 2021, 02:55:04 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 01:31:22 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:24:33 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 12:18:26 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 12:08:17 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the first time that two presidents have had sex with each other. Unless.....
Unless what?

Unless two other Presidents did it and never told us about it. Try and keep up, okay?
I wonder which other two would be the most likely.

*rolls 46-sided die* Buchanan (of course) and... *rolls 46-sided die* Grover Cleveland (during his second term).

What if you roll a 22 and then a 24? Would that count?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 03:11:25 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 31, 2021, 02:55:04 AM
What if you roll a 22 and then a 24? Would that count?

If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the second time that two presidents have had sex with each other (the 42nd president and the would-be 45th president), assuming Grover Cleveland (the 22nd president) at some point "took care of himself" (the 24th president).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on May 31, 2021, 09:44:59 AM
Memorial Day 2021

"Just a Common Soldier (A Soldier Died Today)"
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt (1987)
http://vaincourt.homestead.com/common_soldier.html

Quote
He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast.
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past,
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way.
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young.
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life?

A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and, perhaps, a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago
That the old Bills of our country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and country, and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we might need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say:
Our country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 31, 2021, 06:53:17 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 31, 2021, 03:11:25 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 31, 2021, 02:55:04 AM
What if you roll a 22 and then a 24? Would that count?

If Hillary Clinton won in 2016, it would've been the second time that two presidents have had sex with each other (the 42nd president and the would-be 45th president), assuming Grover Cleveland (the 22nd president) at some point "took care of himself" (the 24th president).
:-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 02, 2021, 01:44:16 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- If you're no longer covered by your parent's health insurance, your manufacturer's warranty is over.

Is that why I keep getting calls about my warranty expiring?  And here I thought they were scammers...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on June 02, 2021, 06:53:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2021, 01:44:16 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 30, 2021, 11:22:35 PM
- If you're no longer covered by your parent's health insurance, your manufacturer's warranty is over.

Is that why I keep getting calls about my warranty expiring?  And here I thought they were scammers...
Time to refinance your mortage(sic)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2021, 09:12:04 AM
And get a lower rate on my "Visa MasterCard".  Before my Social Security number is "suspended".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on June 03, 2021, 04:33:30 PM
Recreation is re-creation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 03, 2021, 04:37:49 PM
I just got passed by a Houghton County sheriff's cruiser near mile marker 101 in Oakland County on I-75. Houghton county is 500 miles from here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 03, 2021, 10:34:48 PM
I just drove home from Detroit and stopped in Flint at the Speedway gas station on Miller and I-75. While I was in line the girl behind me was talking to someone on her phone telling the person on the phone that she was going to shoot her, she didn't get her CPL just to carry and she was going to harm whoever it was. I just ignored her since I didn't want to get involved and she gets off the phone and goes sorry yall had to hear that and some lady behind her goes oh I know how you feel blah, blah, blah. I'm thinking get me the hell outta here.

Then I go outside and there is a fight going on at the Applebee's next door. I just shook my head and thought I'm getting back on I-75 and getting the hell outta here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 04, 2021, 12:59:06 PM
Goat meat is called chevon.  Chances are, you've never even seen that word before–even if you've seen goat meat listed on a menu or at a grocery store.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 04, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
I feel like jumping in one of the Great Lakes today why not make it Superior?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on June 04, 2021, 02:44:48 PM
If a river is impounded by either a dam or naturally to form a lake, at what point upstream does the lake stop being the lake and start being the river?  I guess the question in terms of flow direction should be, at what point does the river stop and the lake begin when entering a lake formed by the impounding of the river you are currently traveling on?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 04, 2021, 02:54:36 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 04, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
I feel like jumping in one of the Great Lakes today why not make it Superior?

That's the coldest one of them all, is why not. :D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 04, 2021, 03:36:17 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 04, 2021, 02:54:36 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 04, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
I feel like jumping in one of the Great Lakes today why not make it Superior?

That's the coldest one of them all, is why not. :D

A former pastor of mine had moved here from Houghton.  While pastor in Houghton, he performed baptisms in Lake Superior.  You gotta be really committed to go under those waters!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on June 04, 2021, 03:50:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 04, 2021, 03:36:17 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 04, 2021, 02:54:36 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 04, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
I feel like jumping in one of the Great Lakes today why not make it Superior?

That's the coldest one of them all, is why not. :D

A former pastor of mine had moved here from Houghton.  While pastor in Houghton, he performed baptisms in Lake Superior.  You gotta be really committed to go under those waters!

Just ask Gordon Lightfoot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 04, 2021, 04:04:27 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on June 04, 2021, 02:44:48 PM
If a river is impounded by either a dam or naturally to form a lake, at what point upstream does the lake stop being the lake and start being the river?  I guess the question in terms of flow direction should be, at what point does the river stop and the lake begin when entering a lake formed by the impounding of the river you are currently traveling on?

I would assume the point where the elevation of the river meets the elevation of the reservoir.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on June 04, 2021, 07:54:10 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 04, 2021, 02:16:58 PM
I feel like jumping in one of the Great Lakes today why not make it Superior?
Because the water is still only a couple degrees above freezing?

A new random thought:  Is it possible for Canada geese to fly without honking?

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 04, 2021, 08:56:15 PM
Well I did manage to jump in one of the Great Lakes today only it wasn't Superior it was Michigan.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 05, 2021, 07:58:00 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2021, 09:12:04 AM
And get a lower rate on my "Visa MasterCard".  Before my Social Security number is "suspended".

for shits and giggles, i called one of the 'social security is suspended' numbers, from my google number. first thing it said was 'while you wait, here's some offers you might be interested in...press 1 for (travel stuff) press 2 for (credit card stuff) press 3 for (car warranty stuff), or press # to be connected to an agent'
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:31:50 AM
Yours just got suspended? Lucky. Apparently mine fully expired two years ago.  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on June 06, 2021, 07:31:14 PM
- *shaky inhale* your sex organs move around and grow inside your mom for months..
- Somebody pls help, I don't recall ever seeing Tunisia on a map until this year.. Like I just never noticed it.
- I'm straight, but if Chris Meloni asked me to go around the corner, I would run there quickly.  :popcorn:
- Imagine how many Go-Pros will be found in snowy mountains containing the last moments of peoples' lives in the future.
- Diabetes is one disease where a sugar pill isn't a placebo.
- In a hospital, it's easy to experience your first, last, best, or worst day of life. Or maybe all of the above  :meh:
- Heat, pressure, and time make diamonds. But they also make waffles.
- Keyboards should come with braille so we can subconsciously learn it.
- If your dog brings you the same toy, is it their favorite toy or do they think it's your favorite?
- Suga Mama by Beyoncé> your fave song.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 08, 2021, 02:16:22 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on June 06, 2021, 07:31:14 PM
*shaky inhale* your sex organs move around and grow inside your mom for months..

And, if you believe that a baby in the womb is not an individual, but rather a part of the mother [/politics][/religion]–then your mom had a penis for about nine months, right before you were born.

Quote from: kenarmy on June 06, 2021, 07:31:14 PM
Suga Mama by Beyoncé> your fave song.

You continue to be mistaken about these things.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 08, 2021, 11:09:19 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.
Why?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:13:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 08, 2021, 11:09:19 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.
Why?
All I'd have to do is run as Democrat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 08, 2021, 11:54:35 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:13:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 08, 2021, 11:09:19 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.
Why?
All I'd have to do is run as Democrat.
You'd have to win the primary first.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on June 09, 2021, 12:58:00 AM
Gonna run against Kwame?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 12:59:00 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 12:58:00 AM
Gonna run against Kwame?
He's not in politics anymore I don't think.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 08:28:06 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.

Why?  Are you corrupt?

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 12:59:00 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 12:58:00 AM
Gonna run against Kwame?
He's not in politics anymore I don't think.

Correct.  He's going into the ministry.    :confused:  (True.  An article was in the Detroit News today about his "homecoming".)

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 08:49:58 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 12:58:00 AM
Gonna run against Kwame?
Kwame will never be able to run for any public office again.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 08:52:25 AM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 08:28:06 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.

Why?  Are you corrupt?

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 12:59:00 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 12:58:00 AM
Gonna run against Kwame?
He's not in politics anymore I don't think.

Correct.  He's going into the ministry.    :confused:  (True.  An article was in the Detroit News today about his "homecoming".)
Nope I'd be the best mayor Detroit's had since Hazen Pingree.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 09:53:13 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 08, 2021, 11:09:19 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.

Why?

Look who's talking, Agent Anal Toe...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 10:38:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 09:53:13 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 08, 2021, 11:09:19 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.

Why?

Look who's talking, Agent Anal Toe...
The hell is that? Sounds like a porn movie.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 12:31:10 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 08:28:06 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 08, 2021, 11:06:25 PM
I bet if I ran for Mayor of Detroit I'd win.

Why?  Are you corrupt?

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 12:59:00 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 12:58:00 AM
Gonna run against Kwame?
He's not in politics anymore I don't think.

Correct.  He's going into the ministry.    :confused:  (True.  An article was in the Detroit News today about his "homecoming".)
Ministry? Lol.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 12:37:01 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 12:31:10 PM
Ministry? Lol.

Quote from: The Detroit News – Kwame Kilpatrick to preach Sunday in Detroit. He plans to remarry and become a minister – 08-JUN-2021
Kilpatrick will preach during the 10 a.m. service Sunday at the church at 9000 Woodward. The Rev. James Holley, the senior pastor of Little Rock for past 43 years, said Tuesday that the ex-mayor will deliver a message of hope and second chances.

"Based on interviews about his (Christian) conversion ... it's worth telling," Holley said Tuesday. "We want people to know God can make a change in people's lives."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on June 09, 2021, 02:27:21 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 12:59:00 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 12:58:00 AM
Gonna run against Kwame?
He's not in politics anymore I don't think.
Yeah, give him a minute.

Don't forget, he's been pardoned.   Officially, he's never been convicted of a crime, so he would be free to run again, though I hope he doesn't.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 02:46:00 PM
Plants are fascinating. I can't grow any plant on earth, but when I spilled some birdseed on the ground, a sunflower grew. And then came back the next year. I have since moved away from that house, but I would literally do nothing and sunflowers just kept growing.

I got some sunflower seeds and am trying to plant them this year. Wish me luck!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 03:01:20 PM
Sunflowers are really cool! If you watch them during the day, some species actually twist around to face the sun as it tracks across the sky. (Also they make for good highway shields.)

And I find myself pretty fascinated with plants, too. I'm working on starting a marijuana grow business with a friend of mine, and to make a little bit of money while we're working on that he got a job at a plant nursery. He's gotten way into plants besides just the cannabis family, and is experimenting with different growing and pruning techniques on random plants he's purchased from his workplace (I think he has Japanese maples, a tomato plant, and a rosebush he's working on now). He's also dug up a few random tree seedlings (maple, oak, elm) and is taking care of them too. Of course, much of what he learns from them carries over to cannabis, so it'll be good knowledge to have.

What really fascinates me, though, is trees. It's incredible that a tiny seed can turn into such a huge organism that can live for hundreds of years, and that forms such an important part of regulating our planet's climate and making other forms of life possible. I just got back from my grandma's house in Kansas City, and realized she has a bunch of maple and red oak seedlings growing in her garden and even her gutters, since she has mature red oaks in her front yard dropping acorns, and propeller-seed maples blowing in from outside. I ran down to Walmart and got some cheap pots and some potting soil and dug eleven of them up and potted them. Now they're sitting on my front porch in Oklahoma. Hopefully they'll live and I can plant them somewhere they can grow up and reach their full potential.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 03:11:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 03:01:20 PM
Sunflowers are really cool! If you watch them during the day, some species actually twist around to face the sun as it tracks across the sky. (Also they make for good highway shields.)

And I find myself pretty fascinated with plants, too. I'm working on starting a marijuana grow business with a friend of mine, and to make a little bit of money while we're working on that he got a job at a plant nursery. He's gotten way into plants besides just the cannabis family, and is experimenting with different growing and pruning techniques on random plants he's purchased from his workplace (I think he has Japanese maples, a tomato plant, and a rosebush he's working on now). He's also dug up a few random tree seedlings (maple, oak, elm) and is taking care of them too. Of course, much of what he learns from them carries over to cannabis, so it'll be good knowledge to have.

What really fascinates me, though, is trees. It's incredible that a tiny seed can turn into such a huge organism that can live for hundreds of years, and that forms such an important part of regulating our planet's climate and making other forms of life possible. I just got back from my grandma's house in Kansas City, and realized she has a bunch of maple and red oak seedlings growing in her garden and even her gutters, since she has mature red oaks in her front yard dropping acorns, and propeller-seed maples blowing in from outside. I ran down to Walmart and got some cheap pots and some potting soil and dug eleven of them up and potted them. Now they're sitting on my front porch in Oklahoma. Hopefully they'll live and I can plant them somewhere they can grow up and reach their full potential.

Plant a cottonwood (maybe other poplars work too). They grow fast, get big, and do great in Oklahoma if you give them lots of water. One grew completely by accident, and got lots of water from the gutter spout it was next to. Within 2 years it was 5 ft tall, and in 5 years it was taller than the house.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 03:26:08 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 03:11:11 PM
Plant a cottonwood (maybe other poplars work too). They grow fast, get big, and do great in Oklahoma if you give them lots of water. One grew completely by accident, and got lots of water from the gutter spout it was next to. Within 2 years it was 5 ft tall, and in 5 years it was taller than the house.

We had 3 of them at the house I grew up in, so I'm familiar with them. The problem with cottonwoods is that their roots are extremely shallow and even sometimes are partially above ground. That means they can wreak havoc on plumbing, fences, and foundations, and can even make mowing in the area a chore. Some variants also broadcast seeds that have white fuzz attached to them that blows all over the place (someone in my neighborhood has one and I'm constantly having to fish cottonwood seed out of my pool). They also attract cottonwood bore beetles, which are harmless, but can seriously freak you out if you're skittish around bugs.

My favorite family of tree is the oak family. They are unfortunately excruciatingly slow to grow, but they get massive, are long lived, and the gold standard when it comes to shade trees. I planted a white oak in my front yard in 2017. It's only about as tall as I am, but it could grow to be 100 feet tall and live to be 400 years old. I want to get some rooting hormone from my business partner and make a cutting of it to see if I can get that to grow too.

Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?


Not in this context. If anyone cares they can Google it or discuss it on a politics forum.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is because it makes people hate each other.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 04:19:16 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is because it makes people hate each other.

Wouldn't you be more likely to find that on a politics forum, though?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 09, 2021, 04:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is  because it makes people hate each other.

You just mentioned a good reason NOT to: because it makes people hate each other. Unless you like making people hate each other?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 04:29:35 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is because it makes people hate each other.
I would love that, as long as it doesn't spill over into other threads.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 09, 2021, 04:30:40 PM
Changing the subject...

Anyone else excited for the solar eclipse tomorrow?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 04:31:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 09, 2021, 04:30:40 PM
Changing the subject...

Anyone else excited for the solar eclipse tomorrow?
What time is it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 09, 2021, 04:33:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 04:31:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 09, 2021, 04:30:40 PM
Changing the subject...

Anyone else excited for the solar eclipse tomorrow?
What time is it?

For my exact location, it will be present at sunrise at 5:10 AM, maximum partial (75%) is at 5:30 AM, and it finally fades away at 6:30 AM, rounded to the nearest 10 minutes to avoid revealing where I live. You're close enough to me that these numbers should be almost the same for you.

http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/xSE_GoogleMap3.php?Ecl=+20210610&Acc=2&Umb=1&Lmt=1&Mag=0
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 04:37:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 09, 2021, 04:30:40 PM
Changing the subject...

Anyone else excited for the solar eclipse tomorrow?

Wow, that was impeccable timing:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29486.0
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:38:55 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 09, 2021, 04:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is  because it makes people hate each other.

You just mentioned a good reason NOT to: because it makes people hate each other. Unless you like making people hate each other?
Nah I wouldn't want it myself.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:40:12 PM
Changing the subject is always great seeing the Detroit Tigers in last place.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 04:46:29 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 04:37:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 09, 2021, 04:30:40 PM
Changing the subject...

Anyone else excited for the solar eclipse tomorrow?

Wow, that was impeccable timing:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29486.0

Can’t see it. 2023 has one right over central NM where my grandparents live though!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 04:47:37 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 04:46:29 PM
2023 has one right over central NM where my grandparents love though!

tmi
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 04:48:53 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 04:46:29 PM
where my grandparents love though!
:confused:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on June 09, 2021, 08:35:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 09, 2021, 04:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is  because it makes people hate each other.

You just mentioned a good reason NOT to: because it makes people hate each other. Unless you like making people hate each other?
Oh, sweet Jesus ...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:35:56 PM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 08:35:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 09, 2021, 04:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is  because it makes people hate each other.

You just mentioned a good reason NOT to: because it makes people hate each other. Unless you like making people hate each other?
Oh, sweet Jesus ...
What?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is because it makes people hate each other.

If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:39:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is because it makes people hate each other.

If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Facebook is a disaster.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 08:42:11 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:39:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Facebook is a disaster.

A politics thread on this forum would be a disaster, too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 09, 2021, 08:51:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:35:56 PM
Quote from: renegade on June 09, 2021, 08:35:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 09, 2021, 04:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is  because it makes people hate each other.

You just mentioned a good reason NOT to: because it makes people hate each other. Unless you like making people hate each other?
Oh, sweet Jesus ...
What?

What what?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 08:52:36 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 08:42:11 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:39:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Facebook is a disaster.

A politics thread on this forum would be a disaster, too.
Politics talk is a disaster no matter where it's at. My comment about running for Mayor of Detroit really didn't have anything to do with politics though, more along the lines of Urban Development.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:59:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 08:42:11 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:39:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Facebook is a disaster.

A politics thread on this forum would be a disaster, too.
I feel like we'd do a bit better than Facebook as we are a smaller community and most of us have interacted with each other on the forum multiple times.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on June 09, 2021, 09:06:06 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is because it makes people hate each other.
NO!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 09:07:32 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 09, 2021, 09:06:06 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2021, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 03:26:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 09, 2021, 03:20:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Let's move on from the histories of former mayors...

Can I point out the difference between pardoned and a commuted sentence?
We have google for that. If this thread gets political it could be locked.
There should be a political thread where all bets are off. The reason why you shouldn't talk politics is because it makes people hate each other.
NO!
It sounds like he agrees with you, unless he wants people to hate each other.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 09, 2021, 09:24:05 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:59:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 08:42:11 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:39:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Facebook is a disaster.

A politics thread on this forum would be a disaster, too.
I feel like we'd do a bit better than Facebook as we are a smaller community and most of us have interacted with each other on the forum multiple times.

You will be assimilated
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 09:49:48 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 09, 2021, 09:24:05 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:59:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 08:42:11 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:39:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Facebook is a disaster.

A politics thread on this forum would be a disaster, too.
I feel like we'd do a bit better than Facebook as we are a smaller community and most of us have interacted with each other on the forum multiple times.

You will be assimilated
Star Trek reference?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 09, 2021, 10:23:35 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 09:49:48 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 09, 2021, 09:24:05 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:59:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 08:42:11 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 09, 2021, 08:39:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 08:38:11 PM
If you really want one, here you go (https://www.facebook.com/).
Facebook is a disaster.

A politics thread on this forum would be a disaster, too.
I feel like we'd do a bit better than Facebook as we are a smaller community and most of us have interacted with each other on the forum multiple times.

You will be assimilated
Star Trek reference?

Might be, but the Cybermen pre-date the Borg ;)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MCRoads on June 10, 2021, 12:08:28 AM
Subject change, please!!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 10, 2021, 12:27:43 AM
I recently took a road trip to Eastern Florida (Enterprise, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, etc.), and one of the things I missed the chance to capture a picture of was some Florida East Coast Railway service trucks in St. Augustine at one of the crossings on West King Road.

As bland as they are, I still regret not taking any pictures of them.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on June 10, 2021, 01:15:21 AM
Eclipse:  No, it's thousands of miles away from where I might see it, and besides the best view is in Canada and the border is closed to nonessential travel.

Some eclipse chasers have chartered an airplane from the U.S. to fly around Canadian airspace for the view and then land back where they came from.  Bit too involved, but whatever floats their boat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on June 10, 2021, 01:33:27 AM
It's not even a total solar eclipse, so not worth driving out of state for it.

I'm already weighing my plans for the big one in 2024. I saw totality from Oregon and it was worth the 8-hour drive home.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 01:20:50 PM
What is Roadgeekteen going to change his name to in 3 years?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 10, 2021, 01:26:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 01:20:50 PM
What is Roadgeekteen going to change his name to in 3 years?

lesser alan (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=7720.msg2623502#msg2623502)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 01:20:50 PM
What is Roadgeekteen going to change his name to in 3 years?
Probably Roadgeekguy or something like that, I haven't thought about it much yet.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on June 10, 2021, 01:38:16 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 01:20:50 PM
What is Roadgeekteen going to change his name to in 3 years?
Probably Roadgeekguy or something like that, I haven't thought about it much yet.

Roadgeekstrappingyounglad?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 01:39:24 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 10, 2021, 01:38:16 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 01:20:50 PM
What is Roadgeekteen going to change his name to in 3 years?
Probably Roadgeekguy or something like that, I haven't thought about it much yet.

Roadgeekstrappingyounglad?
Roadgeekalan
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 10, 2021, 09:04:33 PM
In Massachusetts, whenever Easter falls on April 21, you get a whole bunch of holidays in a row:

Monday, April 15: Patriots Day
Tuesday, April 16: Tax Day
Wednesday, April 17: Spy Wednesday
Thursday, April 18: Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 19: Good Friday
Saturday, April 20: Weed Day
Sunday, April 21: Easter
Monday, April 22: Earth Day
Tuesday, April 23: If you're lucky, the peak of Lyrids meteor shower (it's usually the 22nd)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 09:36:49 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 10, 2021, 09:04:33 PM
In Massachusetts, whenever Easter falls on April 21, you get a whole bunch of holidays in a row:

Monday, April 15: Patriots Day
Tuesday, April 16: Tax Day
Wednesday, April 17: Spy Wednesday
Thursday, April 18: Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 19: Good Friday
Saturday, April 20: Weed Day
Sunday, April 21: Easter
Monday, April 22: Earth Day
Tuesday, April 23: If you're lucky, the peak of Lyrids meteor shower (it's usually the 22nd)
How many of these holidays do people actually care about?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 11:01:21 PM
At the last company I worked at, Good Friday was a holiday, so the office drones could get three-day weekend. Those who did the actual work would get paid time and a half on Good Friday but nothing on actual Easter Sunday. This never bothered me much because I had Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday off, but if you had, say, Thursday-Friday off, you could be forced to work Easter Sunday and get no benefit out of it other than your usual pay.

4/20 you either care about if you're into that, or you don't. I hear it's like Black Friday for the dispensaries.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on June 10, 2021, 11:27:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 10, 2021, 09:04:33 PM
In Massachusetts, whenever Easter falls on April 21, you get a whole bunch of holidays in a row:

Monday, April 15: Patriots Day
Tuesday, April 16: Tax Day
Wednesday, April 17: Spy Wednesday
Thursday, April 18: Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 19: Good Friday
Saturday, April 20: Weed Day
Sunday, April 21: Easter
Monday, April 22: Earth Day
Tuesday, April 23: If you're lucky, the peak of Lyrids meteor shower (it's usually the 22nd)

Mark down the year 2030 ... it happens then!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on June 11, 2021, 03:23:45 AM
It happened in 2019 due to a positive equinoctial bug. That year, Easter Sunday wasn't on Astronomical Easter Sunday like it happens most of the years, the latter happened on March 24.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 11, 2021, 01:00:58 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 03:11:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 03:01:20 PM


Plant a cottonwood

Said nobody in Oklahoma, ever.   :spin:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 11, 2021, 01:03:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 11:01:21 PM
At the last company I worked at, Good Friday was a holiday ... but if you had, say, Thursday-Friday off, you could be forced to work Easter Sunday and get no benefit out of it other than your usual pay.

Well, that was a stupid setup.

(That's your cue to rant about how your former employer had lots of stupid policies and procedures, give yourself a nearly imperceptible evil grin, then remind yourself what a good career move you made.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 11, 2021, 01:09:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2021, 01:03:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 11:01:21 PM
At the last company I worked at, Good Friday was a holiday ... but if you had, say, Thursday-Friday off, you could be forced to work Easter Sunday and get no benefit out of it other than your usual pay.

Well, that was a stupid setup.

(That's your cue to rant about how your former employer had lots of stupid policies and procedures, give yourself a nearly imperceptible evil grin, then remind yourself what a good career move you made.)

My wife and I recently started seeing a therapist together, and when the subject of that job came up (my wife worked there too until January, when they fired her on trumped-up accusations) and we started getting into the things they pulled, the therapist's eyes got really big and she visibly winced at one point. I have a feeling it's going to come up in later sessions.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MCRoads on June 12, 2021, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2021, 01:00:58 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 09, 2021, 03:11:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2021, 03:01:20 PM


Plant a cottonwood

Said nobody in Oklahoma, ever.   :spin:

Well, I said it, so someone from Oklahoma has said it. Also, if cottonwood fluff is annoying, poplars are the exact same, just different seed dispersal mechanism.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

Plus, the minimum age may depend on where you live - when I turned 18, that happened to be the legal age at the time.  And I celebrated with a drink :)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 12, 2021, 05:25:10 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

Plus, the minimum age may depend on where you live - when I turned 18, that happened to be the legal age at the time.  And I celebrated with a drink :)
My family aren't big drinkers anyway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 12, 2021, 08:46:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2021, 01:03:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 11:01:21 PM
At the last company I worked at, Good Friday was a holiday ... but if you had, say, Thursday-Friday off, you could be forced to work Easter Sunday and get no benefit out of it other than your usual pay.

Well, that was a stupid setup.

(That's your cue to rant about how your former employer had lots of stupid policies and procedures, give yourself a nearly imperceptible evil grin, then remind yourself what a good career move you made.)

One c-store required me to come in 15 minutes before before my shift (unpaid) to count the cash drawer and stay 15 minutes to count down my drawer (also unpaid).  Someone finally turned him in and he closed 2-3 months later.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on June 12, 2021, 09:43:59 PM
Where do fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and elevators get their music? The soundtracks don't have ads or radio call stations, so where do they get them? Do they just pay for a generic adless radio station, or do they have their own playlists on-site?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 12, 2021, 10:22:44 PM
When I worked for Subway, we had pre-recorded tapes that we would play for particular seasons...Home office whould notify us when it was time to change the music.  Some places subscribe to a satellite music service, either commercial free or in-house advertising. "K-Mart Radio Network".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 10:26:08 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on June 12, 2021, 09:43:59 PM
Where do fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and elevators get their music? The soundtracks don't have ads or radio call stations, so where do they get them? Do they just pay for a generic adless radio station, or do they have their own playlists on-site?
My understanding is that royalties need to be paid for any music played, so I would assume they subscribe to a paid service which takes care of paying any royalties for the playlists it provides.  At a public place like the ones you mentioned, you can't just stream from the owner's computer/phone - that can get you into hot water.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on June 12, 2021, 11:21:05 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on June 12, 2021, 09:43:59 PM
Where do fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and elevators get their music? The soundtracks don't have ads or radio call stations, so where do they get them? Do they just pay for a generic adless radio station, or do they have their own playlists on-site?
Muzak is a popular music server for these and the subscription fee includes royalties.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 12, 2021, 11:30:03 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on June 12, 2021, 09:43:59 PM
Where do fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and elevators get their music? The soundtracks don't have ads or radio call stations, so where do they get them? Do they just pay for a generic adless radio station, or do they have their own playlists on-site?

At the casino I worked at, they just played the music channels from DirectTV over the intercom.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on June 13, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
- If con is the opposite of pro, isn't congress the opposite of progress?
- The tinder has a flame logo because you find matches..
- I really regret clicking on the replies for the new name for Cleveland Indians thread..
- Cleaning is just transitioning dirtiness to another place.
- What if alcohol is a transportation device, where you have to drink enough to wake up in jail, or the hospital? Or even worse..
- They choose the pope for life, and putin has met 3... seems fishy.
- If there was to be a mandatory cry for everyone, it would probably be for Queen Elizabeth's death.
- A gummy shark has a higher chance to kill you than a real one.
- The brown and green m&ms are a lesbian couple.
- The game tag stands for "touch and go".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 13, 2021, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

I believe that active military members can drink at age 18.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 11:43:45 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 13, 2021, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

I believe that active military members can drink at age 18.
Is this to encourage more people to join the military?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on June 13, 2021, 11:46:00 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

A solution: a person who is age 18 can travel anywhere they want in the world. Simply catch a flight to a country or other place that has a drinking age of 18. The Bahamas being one example, which may be part of the reason that it's a popular spring break destination for college students.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 13, 2021, 02:10:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.


Perceived emotional security?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: lepidopteran on June 13, 2021, 03:31:40 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.
So if a US army troop consists of mostly under-21 soldiers, all the enemy has to do is have water cannons filled with beer.  The generals won't let the soldiers go near them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 03:50:07 PM
Quote from: lepidopteran on June 13, 2021, 03:31:40 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.
So if a US army troop consists of mostly under-21 soldiers, all the enemy has to do is have water cannons filled with beer.  The generals won't let the soldiers go near them.
Not sure if war works like that anymore.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on June 13, 2021, 03:55:36 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 03:50:07 PM
Quote from: lepidopteran on June 13, 2021, 03:31:40 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.
So if a US army troop consists of mostly under-21 soldiers, all the enemy has to do is have water cannons filled with beer.  The generals won't let the soldiers go near them.
Not sure if war works like that anymore.

No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making some other poor dumb bastard die for his country.
  _George S Patton
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 03:58:54 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 13, 2021, 03:55:36 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 03:50:07 PM
Quote from: lepidopteran on June 13, 2021, 03:31:40 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.
So if a US army troop consists of mostly under-21 soldiers, all the enemy has to do is have water cannons filled with beer.  The generals won't let the soldiers go near them.
Not sure if war works like that anymore.

No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making some other poor dumb bastard die for his country.
  _George S Patton
Kings used to fight in battle.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 04:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 13, 2021, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

I believe that active military members can drink at age 18.

Totally missing my point.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 05:27:44 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 04:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 13, 2021, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

I believe that active military members can drink at age 18.

Totally missing my point.
Many teens drink anyway it's not like the police is arresting people for it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 13, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 05:27:44 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 04:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 13, 2021, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

I believe that active military members can drink at age 18.

Totally missing my point.
Many teens drink anyway it's not like the police is arresting people for it.

Not arresting people, but in college towns busting those parties brings in a lot of easy citation money.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 07:12:35 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 13, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 05:27:44 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 04:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 13, 2021, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

I believe that active military members can drink at age 18.

Totally missing my point.
Many teens drink anyway it's not like the police is arresting people for it.

Not arresting people, but in college towns busting those parties brings in a lot of easy citation money.
You gotta keep it on the down low
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 10:04:38 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 05:27:44 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 04:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 13, 2021, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2021, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.
Or under 21
I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

You can enlist in the U.S. military at age 18 (age 17 with parental consent) but can't legally have a drink until age 21...  something is messed up there.

I believe that active military members can drink at age 18.

Totally missing my point.
Many teens drink anyway it's not like the police is arresting people for it.

And...  still totally missing my point.  Amazing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 11:11:56 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on June 13, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
If con is the opposite of pro, isn't congress the opposite of progress?

The prefix con- means with (conjoin, converge, congregate, commiserate).  So a congress is a bunch of people gathering/moving together.  Progress is what happens when they move forward.




Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 12, 2021, 05:25:10 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on June 12, 2021, 05:00:14 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM

Quote from: kurumi on June 10, 2021, 02:06:22 AM
If you can't remember the last time you've had a drink, you're either a very light or very heavy drinker.

Or under 21

I don't think being under 21 necessarily prevents someone from having a drink :)

Plus, the minimum age may depend on where you live - when I turned 18, that happened to be the legal age at the time.  And I celebrated with a drink :)

My family aren't big drinkers anyway.

That last part is all that really matters.  I see you live in Massachusetts, where it is perfectly legal to consume alcohol at under age 21, so long as you're with your parents.

Quote from: The 192nd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
General Laws
Part I.  Administration of the Government
  Title XX.  Public Safety and Good Order
   Chapter 138.  Alcoholic Liquors
    Section 34C.  Minors; operation of motor vehicle containing alcoholic beverage; suspension of driver's license

Whoever, being under twenty-one years of age and not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, knowingly possesses, transports or carries on his person, any alcohol or alcoholic beverages, shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars for the first offense and not more than one hundred and fifty dollars for a second or subsequent offense; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to a person between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one who knowingly possesses, transports or carries on his person, alcohol or alcoholic beverages in the course of his employment. A police officer may arrest without a warrant any person who violates this section. A conviction of a violation of this section shall be reported forthwith to the registrar of motor vehicles by the court, and said registrar shall thereupon suspend for a period of ninety days the license of such person to operate a motor vehicle.

There are other sections pertaining to selling alcohol to persons under age 21 and to purchasing alcohol if under age 21–but the above is the only section I've found that specifically addresses possessing alcohol, and it has an explicit carve-out for family.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 15, 2021, 01:54:32 PM
I love the 50,000 watt blowtorches. As I'm currently sitting under perhaps the most distinctive broadcasting tower and the most distinctive feature of Mason, Ohio. I had to get a picture of it.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210615/4cc5573bb34b63db241188b9b6fbe0f0.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 02:10:12 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 15, 2021, 01:54:32 PM
I love the 50,000 watt blowtorches. As I'm currently sitting under perhaps the most distinctive broadcasting tower and the most distinctive feature of Mason, Ohio. I had to get a picture of it.

When Wolfman Jack was broadcasting on the XERF-AM border blaster in Ciudad Acuña, it was five times that, at 250,000 watts.  Birds would drop dead out of the sky if they got too close.  It currently operates at 100,000 watts.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 15, 2021, 03:16:48 PM


Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 02:10:12 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 15, 2021, 01:54:32 PM
I love the 50,000 watt blowtorches. As I'm currently sitting under perhaps the most distinctive broadcasting tower and the most distinctive feature of Mason, Ohio. I had to get a picture of it.

When Wolfman Jack was broadcasting on the XERF-AM border blaster in Ciudad Acuña, it was five times that, at 250,000 watts.  Birds would drop dead out of the sky if they got too close.  It currently operates at 100,000 watts.

WLW at one time was 500,000 watts but it was interfering with too much so it went back to 50,000 watts. It was the first distant radio station I ever listened to. It's one of the strongest stations in my area up in Michigan at night.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on June 17, 2021, 09:22:48 PM
Fake urban legend: in Boise, SmartCar tried out a skid-steer version of their car (like a Bobcat tractor). Simpler, less expensive, less maintenance. However, they couldn't get it to handle well enough on the freeway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 26, 2021, 12:16:46 AM
When I was in Ohio the other day I spent the night in St. Clairsville and went to eat around 9:00. I went to Eat N Park and they closed while I was still in there but they didn't kick me out or anything I just finished eating, paid and left but Google Maps said they were open until 11 this was just after 10 when they closed. I didn't say nothing.

Then just before I left one of the cooks was talking to the server and told her that he got pulled over by a state boy for doing 91 in a 65 coming over the I-470 bridge into Ohio. He was bragging about getting a ticket and said it only cost him $155.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on July 02, 2021, 08:06:31 PM
Nice skyline(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210703/540e64b90301cdb8e8d3b565d130eb9b.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM
- Ok wait a minute.. I just realized Donkey Kong isn't a donkey..
- What if our pets think delivery people are our owners because they feed us..
- I just found out the number following a the name of a movie theater indicates how many screens are inside.
- Are birds on feeders friends, or is it like a public bathroom and they ignore each other?
- In a game of tag with a sprinter and a distance runner, the chaser will probably always win.
- Scooby Doo would be way shorter if they just went to a costume store and asked some questions..
- Does anyone notice the irony behind "hyphenated" and "non-hyphenated"?
- We put paper in a folder to keep it from folding.
- Being scared to end a relationship is the real life version of "are you sure want to quit, any unsaved progress will be lost"
- Flames don't have shadows
- I'm sick af.. there's no way mayonnaise is made from eggs..  :no:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 05, 2021, 11:47:28 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM
- Ok wait a minute.. I just realized Donkey Kong isn't a donkey..

It's a subtle translation from his original Japanese name, which Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto intended as meaning "stubborn as a donkey".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 06, 2021, 04:39:17 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM- Does anyone notice the irony behind "hyphenated" and "non-hyphenated"?

The same happens in Spanish with separado and todo junto. I think it's obvious which one means "separated" and which one "altogether" :sombrero:.
Quote from: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM- We put paper in a folder to keep it from folding.

This doesn't happen in Spanish, though (Carpeta and doblar respectively).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on July 06, 2021, 07:43:18 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM
- Are birds on feeders friends, or is it like a public bathroom and they ignore each other?
They don't ignore each other, they fight for the best perch.

Why do people say, "This is for all the marbles?" If you ever got all the marbles what would you do with them?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 06, 2021, 07:54:23 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM
- Ok wait a minute.. I just realized Donkey Kong isn't a donkey..

- Being scared to end a relationship is the real life version of "are you sure want to quit, any unsaved progress will be lost"

nice  :clap:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on July 06, 2021, 02:35:53 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM
- I just found out the number following a the name of a movie theater indicates how many screens are inside.
That was not always the case.  In the 1970s, the number referred to the screen number at the theater.  Theaters had a lot less screens then so they did it that way.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 06, 2021, 10:44:38 PM
Quote from: GaryV on July 06, 2021, 07:43:18 AM
Why do people say, "This is for all the marbles?" If you ever got all the marbles what would you do with them?

Back when people played marbles, you would get to keep marbles out of someone's collection if you won the game ("playing for keeps"). If something was for all of the marbles it was an important game where you got to keep all of the marbles.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on July 08, 2021, 12:20:06 PM
Sammy Hagar probably always takes I-57 to Chicago
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 11:30:38 PM
If you follow the route of I-35 through Oklahoma City limits, thanks to concurrencies, you'll travel on every 2di in the state, as well as intersecting with half of the 3dis (and ⅔ of the signed ones).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 12:28:40 PM
These thoughts are very much NOT random.  They are from a specific niche group of people, and they are arranged in chronological order.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 12:32:25 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 05, 2021, 10:35:45 PM
- What if our pets think delivery people are our owners because they feed us..

An owner who doesn't even live with you?  I bet not.  And, unless you have the same delivery driver every single time...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on July 21, 2021, 11:42:46 PM
Death by peanut allergy is the most pathetic way to die, considering a peanut cannot defend itself. It was your conscious choice to approach and/or eat said peanut.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 11:56:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on July 21, 2021, 11:42:46 PM
Death by peanut allergy is the most pathetic way to die, considering a peanut cannot defend itself. It was your conscious choice to approach and/or eat said peanut.
Death bt any allergy really
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 12:55:53 AM
Christina Christian Christianity!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 22, 2021, 02:08:06 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 12:55:53 AM
Christina Christian Christianity!
What?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:40:24 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 22, 2021, 02:08:06 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 12:55:53 AM
Christina Christian Christianity!
What?
Just doing some alliteration.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 09:42:25 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:40:24 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 22, 2021, 02:08:06 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 12:55:53 AM
Christina Christian Christianity!

What?

Just doing some alliteration.

Well yeah, they all come from the same etymology.  Of course they're similar.

You left out Christopher and christening, too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 22, 2021, 01:08:02 PM
Tolbs types text
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ozarkman417 on July 22, 2021, 01:24:49 PM
Tolbs Teaches TypingTM
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:24:27 PM
Alps ate apples.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:43:33 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:24:27 PM
Alps ate apples.

That's assonant, dude.  And not even very good assonance, at that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:45:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:43:33 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:24:27 PM
Alps ate apples.

That's assonant, dude.  And not even very good assonance, at that.
Alps ate an apple. What do you think about that?

kphoger keyed the kits.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 22, 2021, 03:23:53 PM
Roadgeekteen rises
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on July 22, 2021, 03:34:38 PM
-  That tolbs17 thinks he's funny.  He should go back to being mrhappy.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 03:39:38 PM
Quote from: renegade on July 22, 2021, 03:34:38 PM
-  That tolbs17 thinks he's funny.  He should go back to being mrhappy.
Are you saying I should go back to my old username "mrhappy1261"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on July 22, 2021, 03:58:52 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 03:39:38 PM
Quote from: renegade on July 22, 2021, 03:34:38 PM
-  That tolbs17 thinks he's funny.  He should go back to being mrhappy.
Are you saying I should go back to my old username "mrhappy1261"?
No, I'm saying your sense of humor is seriously lacking.  Don't consider a career in comedy.  You might starve, mrhappy.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 22, 2021, 06:25:22 PM
Super Scott struts his silly and sizzling stuff.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 06:28:26 PM
rickmastfan67 rode his roller skates on the road.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 22, 2021, 06:47:32 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on July 21, 2021, 11:42:46 PM
Death by peanut allergy is the most pathetic way to die, considering a peanut cannot defend itself. It was your conscious choice to approach and/or eat said peanut.

I'm not allergic, but I get the impression it's not always this easy. People sneak stuff into the stuff they make; I recall one story where someone died because their chili had been thickened with peanut butter (why, I don't know).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 08:59:40 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 22, 2021, 06:47:32 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on July 21, 2021, 11:42:46 PM
Death by peanut allergy is the most pathetic way to die, considering a peanut cannot defend itself. It was your conscious choice to approach and/or eat said peanut.

I'm not allergic, but I get the impression it's not always this easy. People sneak stuff into the stuff they make; I recall one story where someone died because their chili had been thickened with peanut butter (why, I don't know).

I can totally see that.  Peanut butter is, I believe, a decently common ingredient in mole.  Many of those flavor combinations would translate pretty well to chili.  For example, I've put a couple of chocolate candies in a batch of chili before.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on July 23, 2021, 01:03:22 PM
Here's a random thought that's actually road-related:

As a kid, upon crossing into PA on US 15 north and passing this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7241422,-77.3043162,3a,75y,37.27h,88.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sehrhBXQMfqNsQ-DZQSWioA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en), I used to think the significance of "Blue and Gray" was that the southbound lanes were asphalt and the northbound lanes were concrete.  :pan:

And yes, I realize asphalt is black and not blue!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on July 23, 2021, 02:09:59 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 22, 2021, 06:47:32 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on July 21, 2021, 11:42:46 PM
Death by peanut allergy is the most pathetic way to die, considering a peanut cannot defend itself. It was your conscious choice to approach and/or eat said peanut.

I'm not allergic, but I get the impression it's not always this easy. People sneak stuff into the stuff they make; I recall one story where someone died because their chili had been thickened with peanut butter (why, I don't know).
Oh please don't give me nightmares. I already avoid eating dessert if I don't know what's in it because of my peanut allergy; now I've got to avoid chili, too?  :-D  Seriously, though, about 4 years ago, I had a Keebler cheese cracker on a bus coming back from church camp. I ate one then just happened to look at the ingredients list; down at the very bottom, the last ingredient was peanut flour! Almost immediately, I got sick to my stomach, my throat started to itch, and I thought I might die. Luckily, that's as bad as it got (and I did have an Epi-Pen in my duffel bag onboard the bus, so I probably wouldn't have died if my throat swelled shut).

What ticked me off about that cracker the most was that it was advertised as a cheese cracker without saying it had peanuts on the front packaging, it gave me a false sense of security that it was safe for me to eat, but no, it had peanut in it. And no, this wasn't an instance of "may contain nuts" (I'm fine if the product says that), peanuts were on the ingredients list.

Strangely enough though, I can eat things fried in peanut oil like Chick-Fil-A and Zapp's potato chips (it doesn't have the protein my body is allergic to).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 02:15:58 PM
We were baking things with almond flour for our church small group for months before our friend told us he was allergic to several kinds of nuts.  Fortunately, it's mild, and among flour doesn't seem to bother him too much.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 24, 2021, 07:46:03 AM
Mitochondrial disease[Disambiguation needed]
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2021, 05:24:36 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.

At the 24-hour casinos I worked at, they changed the start of the day by fiat to something closer to about when most people wake up. (I can't reveal the exact time.) This was mostly since this was when the money-laundering logs would reset (therefore they wanted it to be something other than midnight to make it harder for criminals to plan around), but it was also used for schedules and accounting paperwork. It did make things much less ambiguous, but it meant that customers would sometimes argue with us when they noticed that we had put the "wrong" date on something.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 24, 2021, 08:54:55 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.
"Saturday night at 12 AM" works better.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 24, 2021, 08:56:59 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 24, 2021, 08:54:55 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.
"Saturday night at 12 AM" works better.

No, it's not better. While it's factually unambiguous (it means when Saturday begins), the common phrase "Saturday night" incorrectly implies the opposite.

This is why we need to use 24-hour time. Use 00:00 or 24:00.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on July 24, 2021, 09:10:23 PM
To prevent confusion, I use 11:59 pm or 12:01 am.  I figure the wasted minute is worth the trouble.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 24, 2021, 09:11:01 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.

When sports games come on the air at midnight Eastern (mostly related to some west coast mid-major college basketball games that might start at 9 PM Pacific for TV), it's advertised as 11:59 PM to avoid confusion.

And yes, as someone who hasn't regularly gone to bed before midnight in years, I consider it a continuation of the same day. So if you told me midnight Saturday, I would take that to be a little less than four hours from the time I wrote this post. 5 AM was usually where I considered yesterday to end and today to begin.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 24, 2021, 10:19:05 PM
Watching the Olympics live sucks this year for me since the basketball games are at like 8 AM.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:32:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 24, 2021, 10:19:05 PM
Watching the Olympics live sucks this year for me since the basketball games are at like 8 AM.
I could put this in the minor things that bother you thread.

You can't set an alarm for 7:55 AM, roll out of bed, stumble to the living room, and turn on the TV? At 7:55 AM! Not 12:55, not 4:55. Most people have already been awake for at least an hour by 7:55 AM, and many are already at work/school. I think you can figure it out.

Or you think sleeping until noon is cool, which it is not. Or you think sleeping until noon is healthy, which it also is not.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 24, 2021, 10:34:09 PM
Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:32:28 PM
Or you think sleeping until noon is cool, which it is not. Or you think sleeping until noon is healthy, which it also is not.

Oh please. Spare us the morning people superiority bullshit.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:37:59 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 24, 2021, 09:11:01 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.

When sports games come on the air at midnight Eastern (mostly related to some west coast mid-major college basketball games that might start at 9 PM Pacific for TV), it's advertised as 11:59 PM to avoid confusion.

And yes, as someone who hasn't regularly gone to bed before midnight in years, I consider it a continuation of the same day. So if you told me midnight Saturday, I would take that to be a little less than four hours from the time I wrote this post. 5 AM was usually where I considered yesterday to end and today to begin.
To say that 5 AM is where one day ends and another begins is like saying that the United States/Canada border runs along I-80. It's a complete lie, regardless of what you want to believe.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on July 24, 2021, 10:42:38 PM
-  I need to advance this to 666 replies ASAP.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:56:00 PM
Quote from: renegade on July 24, 2021, 10:42:38 PM
-  I need to advance this to 667 posts ASAP.
Be careful what you wish for . . .

Now look at the number of what you thought was post 667
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on July 24, 2021, 11:28:16 PM
4 am is typically used as the cutoff for a day by transit agencies, and even companies like Uber. I'd say it's pretty reasonable.

Fun fact: Japanese businesses will often advertise their schedules with 25:00 or 26:00 to indicate times past midnight. We should adopt the practice (on top of switching to a 24hr clock).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 24, 2021, 11:31:20 PM
Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:32:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 24, 2021, 10:19:05 PM
Watching the Olympics live sucks this year for me since the basketball games are at like 8 AM.
I could put this in the minor things that bother you thread.

You can't set an alarm for 7:55 AM, roll out of bed, stumble to the living room, and turn on the TV? At 7:55 AM! Not 12:55, not 4:55. Most people have already been awake for at least an hour by 7:55 AM, and many are already at work/school. I think you can figure it out.

Or you think sleeping until noon is cool, which it is not. Or you think sleeping until noon is healthy, which it also is not.
This summer I've been sleeping until 12-1 pm many days.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 12:00:30 AM
Sometimes I'm up until 5am I have a bad sleep schedule.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 25, 2021, 12:03:13 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.

This is pretty much the way I feel about it.  If I'm up thru the night until, say, 5am, it's still the continuation of the previous day. But once that sun rises, then I treat it as the current day.

In the rare instances where I need to go to bed early and wake up at, say, 11pm to go to work at midnight, usually I think of it as the next day already.


Quote from: 1 on July 24, 2021, 08:56:59 PM
This is why we need to use 24-hour time. Use 00:00 or 24:00.

Claiming it's unambiguous then using 2 different times for the same time doesn't help matters. 


Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:32:28 PM
Or you think sleeping until noon is cool, which it is not. Or you think sleeping until noon is healthy, which it also is not.

Why is it unhealthy?  Getting 8 hours sleep is what's more important than the hour you fall asleep or wake up.  Granted, it's been studied endlessly that sleeping during the daylight hours because someone works overnight usually isn't the best because it disrupts what we are normally conditioned for, and there's often more interruptions during the daytime waking them up.  But that said, someone going to bed at 4am and waking up at 12 noon is perfectly fine, and probably better than someone going to bed at 11pm and waking up at 5am, only getting 6 hours sleep.  Consistent sleep schedules help as well.

Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:37:59 PM
To say that 5 AM is where one day ends and another begins is like saying that the United States/Canada border runs along I-80. It's a complete lie, regardless of what you want to believe.

Comparison of Apples and Rocks.

Businesses - and individuals - have many reasons to consider their day beginning and ending at a point other than midnight.  Casinos are a common example - in many states, the day runs from 6:00am to 5:59am.

In fact, in a similar vein, the calendar year runs from January 1 thru December 1.  However the IRS allows any person or business to file to adopt a Fiscal Year, as long as it completes a full 365 days. Having that approved isn't guaranteed, but the point is a "year" can be any 365 days.


Quote from: Bruce on July 24, 2021, 11:28:16 PM
4 am is typically used as the cutoff for a day by transit agencies, and even companies like Uber. I'd say it's pretty reasonable.

Fun fact: Japanese businesses will often advertise their schedules with 25:00 or 26:00 to indicate times past midnight. We should adopt the practice (on top of switching to a 24hr clock).

Being most transit agencies don't run overnight here in the US, it probably isn't all that necessary.  The ones that do tend to clearly note in their time tables AM & PM to reduce/eliminate confusion.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 25, 2021, 12:03:46 AM
Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:32:28 PM
Or you think sleeping until noon is cool, which it is not. Or you think sleeping until noon is healthy, which it also is not.

I slept until noon for years when I worked 2:30p-11p. Much easier to make it through that shift when you don't start yawning at 9p. And before that I'd usually sleep 9a-6p because I worked 12a-8a. If the entire populace went to bed at 10p, shit wouldn't get done.

Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:37:59 PM
To say that 5 AM is where one day ends and another begins is like saying that the United States/Canada border runs along I-80. It's a complete lie, regardless of what you want to believe.

Saying that the date rollover happens at 12a is one of those things that is only true because everyone bought into it, like paper money being worth anything or Kim Kardashian being famous. The day rolls over at 12a because the day rolls over at 12a.

Going back to what I mentioned upthread about the casino I worked at. Our rollover wasn't at 5a, but that would have been a sensible place for it and I think some casinos do actually do their rollover then. Having the rollover at 12a makes absolutely no sense for a casino because they're right in the middle of their busy period at 12a. Usually it doesn't slow down until 2a (which is when liquor sales end in Oklahoma).

Assuming the rollover were at 5a instead of when it actually was, if I still worked there and the schedule said I come in on 7/24 at 12a, I would be getting ready to leave the house right now. I'd get there and all of my paperwork would still say 7/24, the entries on the Title 31 logs would still be the ones from 7/24, any time I signed and dated anything it'd be 7/24. 7/25 would only begin at 5am because that is when the business decided it did.

Given that all ten thousand people that work for that company all agree 7/25 begins at 5a and act accordingly, how is that any more of a lie than deciding it begins at 12a? Because our measurement of time only means something when people observe it. There is no 5am if you don't have a clock.

Quote from: Bruce on July 24, 2021, 11:28:16 PM
Fun fact: Japanese businesses will often advertise their schedules with 25:00 or 26:00 to indicate times past midnight. We should adopt the practice (on top of switching to a 24hr clock).

Our software at the casino allowed entering times such as this (and I think had some features to display time in this way), but we never used it for much. I do remember seeing some system generated gear box reports that showed things like a ticket and player card was put in a slot machine at 23:59 and cashed out at 24:01, then the same player card was next used in a machine at 25:15, and so on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:14:43 AM
IMO the day is 4 AM-4 AM.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on July 25, 2021, 03:26:23 AM
Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:56:00 PM
Quote from: renegade on July 24, 2021, 10:42:38 PM
-  I need to advance this to 667 posts ASAP.
Be careful what you wish for . . .

Now look at the number of what you thought was post 667
Yeah, let me have this one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 08:10:54 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 25, 2021, 12:03:13 AM
Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:37:59 PM
To say that 5 AM is where one day ends and another begins is like saying that the United States/Canada border runs along I-80. It's a complete lie, regardless of what you want to believe.

Comparison of Apples and Rocks.

Businesses - and individuals - have many reasons to consider their day beginning and ending at a point other than midnight.  Casinos are a common example - in many states, the day runs from 6:00am to 5:59am.

In fact, in a similar vein, the calendar year runs from January 1 thru December 1.  However the IRS allows any person or business to file to adopt a Fiscal Year, as long as it completes a full 365 days. Having that approved isn't guaranteed, but the point is a "year" can be any 365 days.
Never said anything about businesses. Business days, business weeks, fiscal years, and other things of that nature are not the same as days. There can be multiple variants of the same thing. Regular, standard days start and end at midnight.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 25, 2021, 08:14:16 AM
Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 08:10:54 AM
Regular, standard days start and end at midnight.

I agree. However, if you're a regular Wikipedia editor (or any wiki that uses MediaWiki software, which is pretty much all of them except TV Tropes), you'll get used to using UTC.

Also, FunTrivia, which is a worldwide website, uses (US) Central Standard Time year-round (and tells you when website time is at the top of most pages so you won't miss things that end at midnight).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 08:29:26 AM
This debate about whether or not days end at the time that they are universally accepted to end is ironic, because any slightly wrong mention of the seasons on this forum (i.e. "this fall on September 16) will almost certainly attract an I-am-very-smart reply about fall not starting until September 21. Guess facts matter until they don't.

But in the same vein as "business day"  vs "actual day" , there can be different definitions of when the seasons start and end, or even what the seasons are called, for different purposes. For example, a ski resort might consider "ski season"  to run from Thanksgiving to early April, even though that goes beyond the boundaries of actual winter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:42:15 PM
Fall should be Sep 1-Dec 1, IDGAF about the sun or whatever.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on July 25, 2021, 12:52:05 PM
It seems like spring is the shortest season - we go almost directly from winter to summer in one day.

There are several cultures in the world where the day ends at sunset, and then the next day begins.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on July 25, 2021, 01:19:12 PM
- Why are we so sure plants don't have feelings, when other animals and plants probably think we don't have feelings?
- Is it really not in a specific order, if it's in a random order? Why random, when there are billions of other ways to put it?
- What happens when puppies lose their teeth???
- Wait- if you're not there you're square because you are not "a-round"
- Suck my cockiness, lick my persuasion.
- The reason that Marvin the Martian was the ref in Space Jam is because he is both an alien and a Looney Toon.
- Whenever you buy a part of a chicken, you're secretly sharing with someone else.
- So heartbroken when I found out this little piggy went to market does not mean it went grocery shopping.
- Having a shitty day? Remember, you didn't try to explain to someone you are Austrian, and they laughed and said don't you mean Australian. And they were being serious.
- Is your favorite athlete better than Allyson Felix? No.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 25, 2021, 05:45:11 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:02:22 AM
When people advertise something as "midnight Saturday night", do they mean the midnight that immediately follows 11:59 on Friday or do the erroneously call midnight that follows 11:59 Saturday night as still Saturday night?  It's a question I think about a lot when I see that, but it is also an annoyance that most people forget the new day starts at midnight.  Most people think since they are still awake at that time that's its a continuation of the same day.   Like the new day doesn't start until you go to sleep then wake up.

If it's "Saturday night" at 11:30 PM, then it's still "Saturday night" an hour later.  It's still nighttime, and it's still between Saturday and Sunday.  It isn't morning yet, by the commonsense, if not technical, definition of "morning".  This is why, to me, "The baby woke up at 2:00 at night" also makes sense.

Quote from: thspfc on July 24, 2021, 10:37:59 PM
To say that 5 AM is where one day ends and another begins is like saying that the United States/Canada border runs along I-80. It's a complete lie, regardless of what you want to believe.

Multiple civilizations throughout history have reckoned time by starting from the time when people wake up.  Thus, for example, when the Bible speaks of "the third hour", more likely than not it means 9:00 AM–because 6:00 AM was the zero point.  It is perfectly natural to begin reckoning time in the early morning, and it's really quite unnatural to begin at some point in the middle of the night.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 25, 2021, 05:47:08 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 25, 2021, 01:19:12 PM
Why are we so sure plants don't have feelings, when other animals and plants probably think we don't have feelings?

So you've decided plants can think?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 05:47:58 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 25, 2021, 05:47:08 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 25, 2021, 01:19:12 PM
Why are we so sure plants don't have feelings, when other animals and plants probably think we don't have feelings?

So you've decided plants can think?
The pink pellets sting me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on July 25, 2021, 10:13:47 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:42:15 PM
Fall should be Sep 1-Dec 1, IDGAF about the sun or whatever.

Too bad, the Earth was in its orbit around the Sun long before you or I were here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on July 25, 2021, 10:30:10 PM
In Santa Clara, there's a "MoDo" (mochi donuts) next to a MOD Pizza, and if you rearranged all the city's retail businesses by alphabetical order, they'd likely still be together.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
I'm thinking about going out on my bike to see the deserted roads at this time. (Well, I will have to watch out for the drunk people!)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 10:30:37 AM
Quote from: kkt on July 25, 2021, 10:13:47 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:42:15 PM
Fall should be Sep 1-Dec 1, IDGAF about the sun or whatever.

Too bad, the Earth was in its orbit around the Sun long before you or I were here.

But I'm guessing the Earth doesn't care one way or the other what dates we choose for fall.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 27, 2021, 01:27:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 25, 2021, 10:13:47 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:42:15 PM
Fall should be Sep 1-Dec 1, IDGAF about the sun or whatever.

Too bad, the Earth was in its orbit around the Sun long before you or I were here.
There can be two different falls
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 01:45:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 27, 2021, 01:27:11 PM

Quote from: kkt on July 25, 2021, 10:13:47 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:42:15 PM
Fall should be Sep 1-Dec 1, IDGAF about the sun or whatever.

Too bad, the Earth was in its orbit around the Sun long before you or I were here.

There can be two different falls

There are already multiple definitions anyway.

A common definition in the USA is that fall starts at Labor Day week-end, no matter what date that is.
The meteorological season differs from the astronomical season.
Schoolchildren typically think of summer as ending when classes begin.

None of this is a problem.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 27, 2021, 01:48:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 01:45:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 27, 2021, 01:27:11 PM

Quote from: kkt on July 25, 2021, 10:13:47 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:42:15 PM
Fall should be Sep 1-Dec 1, IDGAF about the sun or whatever.

Too bad, the Earth was in its orbit around the Sun long before you or I were here.

There can be two different falls

There are already multiple definitions anyway.

A common definition in the USA is that fall starts at Labor Day week-end, no matter what date that is.
The meteorological season differs from the astronomical season.
Schoolchildren typically think of summer as ending when classes begin.

None of this is a problem.

And everyone thinks of Christmas being in the middle of winter despite barely making it by 5 to 3 days (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SectorZ on July 27, 2021, 02:00:36 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 27, 2021, 01:27:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 25, 2021, 10:13:47 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 12:42:15 PM
Fall should be Sep 1-Dec 1, IDGAF about the sun or whatever.

Too bad, the Earth was in its orbit around the Sun long before you or I were here.
There can be two different falls

9/1-11/30 is meteorological autumn. Celebrate that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on July 29, 2021, 10:16:59 AM
Quote from: 1 on July 25, 2021, 08:14:16 AM
Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 08:10:54 AM
Regular, standard days start and end at midnight.

I agree. However, if you're a regular Wikipedia editor (or any wiki that uses MediaWiki software, which is pretty much all of them except TV Tropes), you'll get used to using UTC.

You'll also get used to UTC quite fast in the meteorological world. Aviation forecasts and current reports are all in terms of UTC only, and a hell of a lot of things are tied specifically to a UTC time. Weather model runs are always referred to by the UTC time they were initialized, weather balloons are launched at 1200 and 0000, SPC's severe weather outlooks are issued at five specific UTC times throughout the day ... I could go on.

The nice thing about the mountain time zone is MDT is 6 hours behind UTC, which makes for very easy conversions since 6 hours is 1/4 of a day. This also makes going back to standard time in winter super annoying because not only is the conversion different, all the UTC-based events happen an hour earlier since UTC doesn't change for daylight savings.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on July 29, 2021, 12:22:47 PM
Roadgeeking on the DC-area weather forecast. I'm sure she won't know, but I couldn't resist asking.

https://twitter.com/1995hoo/status/1420781563172773897
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 29, 2021, 08:44:27 PM
Hell, the people that actually made the slide may not know. They probably got it from a stock image service.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tdindy88 on July 29, 2021, 08:53:26 PM
One of our local TV stations for years has used a stock photo for their morning commute forecasts and it clearly featured a motorway from the UK. I'm guessing they got it from the same place this other station got their's from.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 29, 2021, 10:49:24 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on July 29, 2021, 08:53:26 PM
One of our local TV stations for years has used a stock photo for their morning commute forecasts and it clearly featured a motorway from the UK. I'm guessing they got it from the same place this other station got their's from.

I know this might be cliché to link now, but...

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on July 30, 2021, 01:46:19 AM
Or they might have flipped the image, either accidentally or on purpose.  There's not much detail in there that would show if it has been reflected.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on July 30, 2021, 02:13:36 AM
Quote from: kkt on July 30, 2021, 01:46:19 AM
Or they might have flipped the image, either accidentally or on purpose.  There's not much detail in there that would show if it has been reflected.

Check out the white lines on both sides of the road and the arrow shapes, though. Even if it’s been reflected, it’s definitely not in the US...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on July 30, 2021, 01:07:07 PM
When Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the automatic commercial bread slicing machine in 1928, what did people compare the finished product to upon encountering it on store shelves?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on July 30, 2021, 03:34:53 PM
What if we raise the speed limit of I-366 from 85 to 100?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on August 03, 2021, 04:15:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 30, 2021, 01:07:07 PM
When Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the automatic commercial bread slicing machine in 1928, what did people compare the finished product to upon encountering it on store shelves?

The Greatest Thing Since The Discovery of Obsidian
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 04:31:27 PM
I grew up learning that buoy is pronounced exactly the same as boy, despite the fact that such only seems to be the majority pronunciation outside the United States.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 03, 2021, 04:44:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 04:31:27 PM
I grew up learning that buoy is pronounced exactly the same as boy, despite the fact that such only seems to be the majority pronunciation outside the United States.

This also seems to happen with the word "pianist", which US English often emphasizes the middle syllable as to not sound like "penist" - regardless of the US pronunciation being closer to the pronunciation of the word "piano" anyway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 04:49:57 PM
I've been around musicians for most of my life, and I don't think I've heard more than one or two people say pee-ANN-ist.  Pretty much everyone I know says it correctly:  PEE-in-ist.

Then again, you're from up where people put their copy of "How to Train Your Dray-gon" in their bayg.  And where people play Duck Duck Grey Duck.  And weird stuff like that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 03, 2021, 04:56:19 PM
"Duck Duck Grey Duck" is weird because it implies that a grey duck is not a duck.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 04:58:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2021, 04:56:19 PM
"Duck Duck Grey Duck" is weird because it implies that a grey duck is not a duck.

"Duck, Duck, Grey Duck" actually sounds like a better way to play the game, honestly.

But that doesn't stop me from making fun of it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 03, 2021, 04:59:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 04:58:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2021, 04:56:19 PM
"Duck Duck Grey Duck" is weird because it implies that a grey duck is not a duck.

"Duck, Duck, Grey Duck" actually sounds like a better way to play the game, honestly.

Why?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 05:09:32 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2021, 04:59:15 PM
Why?

From what I understand, the kid going around the outside of the circle says something like "blue duck, red duck, black duck, yellow duck, white duck, chartreuse duck, periwinkle duck, tan duck, grey duck".

That sounds like it would be a lot more engaging and challenging for the other kids than "duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, goose".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 03, 2021, 05:10:44 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 04:31:27 PM
I grew up learning that buoy is pronounced exactly the same as boy, despite the fact that such only seems to be the majority pronunciation outside the United States.

I thought a pull buoy was called a "pull boy" exactly because of that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 05:13:47 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on August 03, 2021, 05:10:44 PM
I thought a pull buoy was called a "pull boy" exactly because of that.

Po boy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po%27_boy), actually.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 03, 2021, 10:20:11 PM
Just saw a horrible accident about an hour ago involving a Buena Vista Township Police cruiser.

https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2021/08/buena-vista-police-officer-hospitalized-after-crash-that-mangles-vehicle.html?fbclid=IwAR3MeZ3-D4DyralbHBr2DOMDK78WCL_TJOSwWBH_IJDkQlMG9Z034x_xiQ8
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 04, 2021, 01:51:03 AM
Wow ... that's incredibly random.  :confused:

Hopefully the officer will be okay.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 04, 2021, 08:29:36 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 04, 2021, 01:51:03 AM
Wow ... that's incredibly random.  :confused:

Hopefully the officer will be okay.
I know it. Last I knew he was in the hospital in serious condition. I just saw on an update that there was an armed robbery about a mile away and the police were in pursuit of the vehicle that crashed.

https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2021/08/robbery-suspect-crashed-into-parked-buena-vista-police-during-pursuit-with-michigan-state-police.html
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 04, 2021, 08:40:04 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 05:13:47 PM
Po boy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po%27_boy), actually.   :biggrin:

In that vein, I thought a sandwich had always to be made with sandwich bread. This is the usage of that word in Spain, a sub sandwich is a bocadillo instead.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 04, 2021, 10:02:20 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on August 04, 2021, 08:40:04 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 05:13:47 PM
Po boy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po%27_boy), actually.   :biggrin:

In that vein, I thought a sandwich had always to be made with sandwich bread. This is the usage of that word in Spain, a sub sandwich is a bocadillo instead.

In (northern?) Mexico, a sandwich made with sandwich bread is called a lonche.  A sandwich made with a bolillo-type roll is called a torta.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 04, 2021, 05:50:45 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on August 04, 2021, 08:40:04 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 05:13:47 PM
Po boy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po%27_boy), actually.   :biggrin:

In that vein, I thought a sandwich had always to be made with sandwich bread. This is the usage of that word in Spain, a sub sandwich is a bocadillo instead.

In America you can make a sandwich out of anything, including cheese (https://cheesewich.net/newlook/) or fried chicken breasts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Down_(sandwich)).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 10:09:25 AM
Also, a hot dog is a sandwich.

:fight:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on August 05, 2021, 01:31:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 10:09:25 AM
Also, a hot dog is a sandwich.

:fight:
Not it's not, that's a silly statement.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 01:42:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 05, 2021, 01:31:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 10:09:25 AM
Also, a hot dog is a sandwich.

:fight:
Not it's not, that's a silly statement.

It's meat with bread on either side, ergo it is a sandwich. A taco is also a sandwich.

Also, the ocean is soup (contains water, salt, meat, and vegetables).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 01:52:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 10:09:25 AM
:fight:

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 05, 2021, 01:31:18 PM
:fight:

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 01:42:54 PM
:fight:

(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/59163141.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 05, 2021, 02:38:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 01:42:54 PM
Also, the ocean is soup (contains water, salt, meat, and vegetables).
I just don't know how to argue against that.  You win the internets for today.   :awesomeface:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 02:46:41 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 05, 2021, 02:38:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 01:42:54 PM
Also, the ocean is soup (contains water, salt, meat, and vegetables).

I just don't know how to argue against that.  You win the internets for today.   :awesomeface:

I would start by pointing out the obvious fact that the ocean is not a food item.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on August 05, 2021, 02:49:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 01:42:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 05, 2021, 01:31:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 10:09:25 AM
Also, a hot dog is a sandwich.

:fight:
Not it's not, that's a silly statement.

It's meat with bread on either side, ergo it is a sandwich. A taco is also a sandwich.

Also, the ocean is soup (contains water, salt, meat, and vegetables).
Hot dog I can concede. TACO?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 02:51:28 PM
If you put your sandwich ingredients in a flatbread, or a pita, is it still a sandwich?  If the answer is yes, then how is a taco different?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 05, 2021, 05:06:57 PM
My friend Jeremy who is a DJ on 103.9 The Fox in Flint in the afternoon was filling in for Johnny Burke (the morning host) one day about two years ago and was going on with Aimee (Johnny's co-host who wasn't on vacation at the time) about how a hot dog is a sandwich. So they decided that they were going to have John Koegel of Koegel Meats who was going to be on the show that day decide on if a hot dog was a sandwich or not, fair enough. John said that it wasn't and Jeremy went on about how it's between two pieces of bread so therefore it's a sandwich.

I was at a Tigers-White Sox game about a month ago and they asked the question between innings so I texted Jeremy and told him that five people think that a hot dog is a sandwich and seven people think it's not a sandwich.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 06:52:08 PM
I don't eat hot dogs enough to keep hot dog buns around the house (they go bad before I use the whole package) so any time I eat hot dogs I use sandwich bread. The negative impact to my hot dog eating experience is negligible.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 07:28:52 PM
Buns last a lot longer if you put them in the fridge.

Anyway, I usually slice my hot dogs in half lengthwise, no matter what sort of bread I have them on.  At Five Guys, they do likewise and the bun is sliced all the way through:  in what way does that differ from a regular sandwich?

I also like to top my hamburger with a sliced hot dog.  If a hamburger is a sandwich, then so is that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 05, 2021, 09:42:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 07:28:52 PM
Buns last a lot longer if you put them in the fridge.

Anyway, I usually slice my hot dogs in half lengthwise, no matter what sort of bread I have them on.  At Five Guys, they do likewise and the bun is sliced all the way through:  in what way does that differ from a regular sandwich?

I also like to top my hamburger with a sliced hot dog.  If a hamburger is a sandwich, then so is that.
You should actually freeze bread it becomes stall in the fridge if you leave in there too long.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
- Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway, breathe if you agree.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on August 06, 2021, 02:26:10 AM
If a tomato is a fruit, then ketchup (which has sugar) is a smoothie
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 06, 2021, 08:04:10 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 04, 2021, 05:50:45 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on August 04, 2021, 08:40:04 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 03, 2021, 05:13:47 PM
Po boy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po%27_boy), actually.   :biggrin:

In that vein, I thought a sandwich had always to be made with sandwich bread. This is the usage of that word in Spain, a sub sandwich is a bocadillo instead.

In America you can make a sandwich out of anything, including cheese (https://cheesewich.net/newlook/) or fried chicken breasts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Down_(sandwich)).

there is a place here that will make you what i consider to be the ultimate grilled cheese:
hamburger patty with cheese inside (aka a 'juicy lucy') --- with two grilled cheese sandwiches as buns.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on August 06, 2021, 08:28:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 02:51:28 PM
If you put your sandwich ingredients in a flatbread, or a pita, is it still a sandwich?  If the answer is yes, then how is a taco different?

Taco shell isn't bread.  It's crisp, more like a large tortilla chip.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on August 06, 2021, 10:10:30 AM
"Sandwich's sandwiches sandwich a sandwich" is a perfectly valid sentence

(Sandwich's (town) sandwiches (food) sandwich (verb) a sandwich (food again))
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 06, 2021, 10:12:16 AM
My favorite (or favourite, considering the subject) is "British left waffles on Falkland Islands".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on August 06, 2021, 10:16:31 AM
Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 10:12:16 AM
My favorite (or favourite, considering the subject) is "British left waffles on Falkland Islands".
British left (group) waffles (verb) on Falkland Islands - "the" is missing, but probably isn't necessary for the meaning (maybe that's a grammar error?)
British (noun) left (verb) waffles (noun) on Falkland Islands - still the same issue
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 06, 2021, 10:19:23 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on August 06, 2021, 10:16:31 AM
"the" is missing

Common in newspaper headlines.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 11:50:56 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 05, 2021, 09:42:08 PM
You should actually freeze bread it becomes stall in the fridge if you leave in there too long.

I've had bread get freezer burn, of sorts.  It gets hard on one side sometimes.  That doesn't tend to happen in the fridge.

Quote from: kurumi on August 06, 2021, 02:26:10 AM
If a tomato is a fruit, then ketchup (which has sugar) is a smoothie

The tomato is only a fruit botanically speaking.  So is zucchini, so are chickpeas, so are jalapeños, so are pea pods, so is okra, so are string beans, so are cucumbers–basically everything that's not a root or a stem or a leaf.  The distinction that makes tomatoes 'fruit' is meaningless in culinary usage.

Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 02:51:28 PM
If you put your sandwich ingredients in a flatbread, or a pita, is it still a sandwich?  If the answer is yes, then how is a taco different?

Quote from: kkt on August 06, 2021, 08:28:43 AM
Taco shell isn't bread.  It's crisp, more like a large tortilla chip.

Hard-shell tacos are an American invention.  I'm talking about the kind of taco you might actually encounter in Mexico.  Tortillas are a form of unleavened bread.

In a similar vein, gorditas are slightly leavened and commonly stuffed with a filling.  As such, they're basically pita pockets–which are listed on Wikipedia under pocket sandwiches (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_sandwich) (as are hot dogs):  "Pocket sandwich is a sandwich which is made using a single piece of folded or hollowed bread, such as a pita, which is made from dough cooked with fillings inside."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 06, 2021, 02:04:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
- Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway, breathe if you agree.
- I am convinced this individual is a sockpuppet ... either it's Marf or tolbs17.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 06, 2021, 02:14:25 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 02:04:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
- Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway, breathe if you agree.
- I am convinced this individual is a sockpuppet ... either it's Marf or tolbs17.

Not a sockpuppet. kenarmy is an African-American living in Mississippi who has to deal with racism, and he speaks from experience. Neither of the two you mentioned would be able to pretend that this was the case.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 02:26:01 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
- Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway, breathe if you agree.

Breathe if you disagree.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 06, 2021, 02:31:02 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 02:14:25 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 02:04:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
- Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway, breathe if you agree.
- I am convinced this individual is a sockpuppet ... either it's Marf or tolbs17.

Not a sockpuppet. kenarmy is an African-American living in Mississippi who has to deal with racism, and he speaks from experience. Neither of the two you mentioned would be able to pretend that this was the case.
He speaks from experience about Britney Spears?

Thanks for butting in. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 02:32:35 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 02:14:25 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway ...

kenarmy is an African-American living in Mississippi who has to deal with racism, and he speaks from experience.

I'm a white guy from Kansas, but that doesn't mean I like Dennis Rader, the Dalton Gang, or Martina McBride.

No excuses.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: frankenroad on August 06, 2021, 02:44:03 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 05, 2021, 05:06:57 PM
My friend Jeremy who is a DJ on 103.9 The Fox in Flint in the afternoon was filling in for Johnny Burke (the morning host) one day about two years ago and was going on with Aimee (Johnny's co-host who wasn't on vacation at the time) about how a hot dog is a sandwich. So they decided that they were going to have John Koegel of Koegel Meats who was going to be on the show that day decide on if a hot dog was a sandwich or not, fair enough. John said that it wasn't and Jeremy went on about how it's between two pieces of bread so therefore it's a sandwich.

I was at a Tigers-White Sox game about a month ago and they asked the question between innings so I texted Jeremy and told him that five people think that a hot dog is a sandwich and seven people think it's not a sandwich.

Many years ago, I was in the process of negotiating a lease for a sandwich shop I was getting ready to open.   I wanted a clause in the lease that the landlord could not lease to any other restaurants whose primary product was sandwiches.   It took my attorney and their attorney too long (and too much $$) to determine if a hot-dog shop would violate that part of the lease.  The result was that, in that instance at least, a hot dog is NOT a sandwich.   Personally, I think both hot dogs and hamburgers, when served on buns, should be considered sandwiches.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 06, 2021, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 02:32:35 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 02:14:25 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway ...

kenarmy is an African-American living in Mississippi who has to deal with racism, and he speaks from experience.

I'm a white guy from Kansas, but that doesn't mean I like Dennis Rader, the Dalton Gang, or Martina McBride.

No excuses.

kenarmy's most recent post here has nothing to do with my assertion that they're different people. I was replying to renegade's sock accusation, not the post quoted by renegade.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 03:04:06 PM
Sorry.  Should have formatted my post appropriately.

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 02:32:35 PM

[sarcasm]
I'm a white guy from Kansas, but that doesn't mean I like Dennis Rader, the Dalton Gang, or Martina McBride.

No excuses.
[/sarcasm]


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 06, 2021, 03:07:29 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 02:32:35 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 02:14:25 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway ...

kenarmy is an African-American living in Mississippi who has to deal with racism, and he speaks from experience.

I'm a white guy from Kansas, but that doesn't mean I like Dennis Rader, the Dalton Gang, or Martina McBride.

No excuses.

kenarmy's most recent post here has nothing to do with my assertion that they're different people. I was replying to renegade's sock accusation, not the post quoted by renegade.
I didn't bring race into the discussion -- you did.  You're barking up the wrong tree.  Thanks again for butting in.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 06, 2021, 03:28:10 PM
I don't know how race became a forbidden subject entirely. I wasn't implying any racism in this thread; I was giving an example of something a sockpuppet couldn't replicate.

For another example of one of his posts a sockpuppet couldn't replicate (unless they're from the same area, which neither tolbs17 nor Marf is):


Quote from: kenarmy on June 29, 2021, 08:58:29 AM
The US route is never mentioned while it is concurrent with interstates in MS. My dad insists that there is a "49 North" and a "49 South" that aren't connected  :-D.
- "Highway 6" is used instead of US 278 while concurrent with MS 6.
- "Highway 80" is the most used while it is concurrent with US 11, but both are acceptable.
- There's a few people who still call I-110 "Highway 15". (Side note, google maps still shows MS 15 on the interstate even though it was truncated)
- A lot of people still think US 98 goes to Natchez with US 84. I heard a meteorologist say "... where US 98 and US 84 split" yesterday. A ton of maps also show this, and sometimes 98 is the primary route west of Bude.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on August 06, 2021, 04:59:02 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
- Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway, breathe if you agree.


1000 mediocre opera singers before a Britney Spears.

Also, when I grow up, I'm going to re-design an airport with all of the worst qualities combined and shape the terminal like an extended middle finger from a fist.

Start with a good airport that just looked like it was 35 years old and expand it, make the distances between terminals longer and include only one escalator in each direction. Make sure people have far less room to sit than than the capacity of the aircraft, and include a lots of overpriced stores (like luggage shops!) that take up space. Make sure the moving walkways are clogged by a single 300-pound passenger and include a minimum of places to line up so that it further blocks passengers walking from one gate to another.

Wait, I'm an adult and all the airports are starting to be this crummy. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 06, 2021, 06:06:00 PM
Wait a minute ...

Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 03:28:10 PM
I don't know how race became a forbidden subject entirely. I wasn't implying any racism in this thread; I was giving an example of something a sockpuppet couldn't replicate.

For another example of one of his posts a sockpuppet couldn't replicate (unless they're from the same area, which neither tolbs17 nor Marf is):


Quote from: kenarmy on June 29, 2021, 08:58:29 AM
The US route is never mentioned while it is concurrent with interstates in MS. My dad insists that there is a "49 North" and a "49 South" that aren't connected  :-D.
- "Highway 6" is used instead of US 278 while concurrent with MS 6.
- "Highway 80" is the most used while it is concurrent with US 11, but both are acceptable.
- There's a few people who still call I-110 "Highway 15". (Side note, google maps still shows MS 15 on the interstate even though it was truncated)
- A lot of people still think US 98 goes to Natchez with US 84. I heard a meteorologist say "... where US 98 and US 84 split" yesterday. A ton of maps also show this, and sometimes 98 is the primary route west of Bude.

Not talking at all about any of your quoted posts.  I referenced the Britney statement shown below.  You added kenarmy's backstory where it was not relevant: 

Quote from: 1 on August 06, 2021, 02:14:25 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 02:04:21 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
- Britney Spears is the greatest singer ever and US 49 is better than your favorite highway, breathe if you agree.
- I am convinced this individual is a sockpuppet ... either it's Marf or tolbs17.
Not a sockpuppet. kenarmy is an African-American living in Mississippi who has to deal with racism, and he speaks from experience. Neither of the two you mentioned would be able to pretend that this was the case.

I bolded a couple important parts here.

Didn't know that.  Didn't need to for the purpose of this discussion.  Please do not attempt to put words into my mouth that I did not use.  kenarmy posts lots of "(x artist) is better than your favorite singer" and "if you would just listen to (y artist)'s (z song), it would become your favorite."  That's not how musical taste works for me.  If someone tells me that, experience tells me that artist/genre sucks hard.  Your mileage may vary.  Thanks for your input.  I'll be much more careful where I'll weigh in going forward.

:wave:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 06:17:46 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 06:06:00 PM
kenarmy posts lots of "(x artist) is better than your favorite singer" and "if you would just listen to (y artist)'s (z song), it would become your favorite."  That's not how musical taste works for me.

That's not how musical taste works, period.  It's not like, if we don't like Britney Spears, then it's because–oops! we made a mistake–last time we listened.  No, it's because we listened and think it's crap.  It's condescending whenever he says that, if we don't share his taste in music, then we're uncultured swine who need to clean the crap out of our ears.  Or whatever words he chooses to convey the same message.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 11:50:56 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 05, 2021, 09:42:08 PM
You should actually freeze bread it becomes stall in the fridge if you leave in there too long.

I've had bread get freezer burn, of sorts.  It gets hard on one side sometimes.  That doesn't tend to happen in the fridge.

Quote from: kurumi on August 06, 2021, 02:26:10 AM
If a tomato is a fruit, then ketchup (which has sugar) is a smoothie

The tomato is only a fruit botanically speaking.  So is zucchini, so are chickpeas, so are jalapeños, so are pea pods, so is okra, so are string beans, so are cucumbers–basically everything that's not a root or a stem or a leaf.  The distinction that makes tomatoes 'fruit' is meaningless in culinary usage.

Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 02:51:28 PM
If you put your sandwich ingredients in a flatbread, or a pita, is it still a sandwich?  If the answer is yes, then how is a taco different?

Quote from: kkt on August 06, 2021, 08:28:43 AM
Taco shell isn't bread.  It's crisp, more like a large tortilla chip.

Hard-shell tacos are an American invention.  I'm talking about the kind of taco you might actually encounter in Mexico.  Tortillas are a form of unleavened bread.

In a similar vein, gorditas are slightly leavened and commonly stuffed with a filling.  As such, they're basically pita pockets–which are listed on Wikipedia under pocket sandwiches (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_sandwich) (as are hot dogs):  "Pocket sandwich is a sandwich which is made using a single piece of folded or hollowed bread, such as a pita, which is made from dough cooked with fillings inside."
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 06:17:46 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 06:06:00 PM
kenarmy posts lots of "(x artist) is better than your favorite singer" and "if you would just listen to (y artist)'s (z song), it would become your favorite."  That's not how musical taste works for me.

That's not how musical taste works, period.  It's not like, if we don't like Britney Spears, then it's because–oops! we made a mistake–

I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

In any event, I don't think Britney is the best musical act of all time, but I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over. But then again, I tend to think of truly great artists as being the ones that change the norms of the art and set a new standard for other acts to follow in the future. While she might be enjoyable to listen to, it's hard to see what Britney did that was transformative.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?
That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?

That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.

I just replied to three different statements, by two people, and none of them was yours.

What is a possibility?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on August 06, 2021, 11:08:23 PM
Umm what did I start. But anyway, I can confirm I'm not a sockpuppet for Marf or Tolbs17. How dare you  :-|.

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 06:17:46 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 06:06:00 PM
kenarmy posts lots of "(x artist) is better than your favorite singer" and "if you would just listen to (y artist)'s (z song), it would become your favorite."  That's not how musical taste works for me.

That's not how musical taste works, period.  It's not like, if we don't like Britney Spears, then it's because–oops! we made a mistake–last time we listened.  No, it's because we listened and think it's crap.  It's condescending whenever he says that, if we don't share his taste in music, then we're uncultured swine who need to clean the crap out of our ears.  Or whatever words he chooses to convey the same message.
r u shore?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 07, 2021, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?

That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.

I just replied to three different statements, by two people, and none of them was yours.

What is a possibility?
That Yoko Ono would be a choice over Britney.

Anyone else as sick of hearing about her as I am?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:36:44 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 07, 2021, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?

That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.

I just replied to three different statements, by two people, and none of them was yours.

What is a possibility?
That Yoko Ono would be a choice over Britney.

Anyone else as sick of hearing about her as I am?
If you're talking about Britney then the answer is yes I am sick of hearing about her. If you're talking about Yoko the answer is also yes as she isn't good looking at all.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 07, 2021, 09:39:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:36:44 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 07, 2021, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?

That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.

I just replied to three different statements, by two people, and none of them was yours.

What is a possibility?
That Yoko Ono would be a choice over Britney.

Anyone else as sick of hearing about her as I am?
If you're talking about Britney then the answer is yes I am sick of hearing about her. If you're talking about Yoko the answer is also yes as she isn't good looking at all.

I find it hard to disassociate Britney Spears and the "mute"  message that is displayed on the corner of a TV.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:55:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 07, 2021, 09:39:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:36:44 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 07, 2021, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?

That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.

I just replied to three different statements, by two people, and none of them was yours.

What is a possibility?
That Yoko Ono would be a choice over Britney.

Anyone else as sick of hearing about her as I am?
If you're talking about Britney then the answer is yes I am sick of hearing about her. If you're talking about Yoko the answer is also yes as she isn't good looking at all.

I find it hard to disassociate Britney Spears and the "mute"  message that is displayed on the corner of a TV.
I was muting her 20 years ago lol.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 07, 2021, 10:55:12 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:55:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 07, 2021, 09:39:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:36:44 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 07, 2021, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?

That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.

I just replied to three different statements, by two people, and none of them was yours.

What is a possibility?
That Yoko Ono would be a choice over Britney.

Anyone else as sick of hearing about her as I am?
If you're talking about Britney then the answer is yes I am sick of hearing about her. If you're talking about Yoko the answer is also yes as she isn't good looking at all.

I find it hard to disassociate Britney Spears and the "mute"  message that is displayed on the corner of a TV.
I was muting her 20 years ago lol.

Yeah me too in high school. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 09, 2021, 02:56:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 07, 2021, 10:55:12 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:55:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 07, 2021, 09:39:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 07, 2021, 09:36:44 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 07, 2021, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:42:26 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on August 06, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
Sometimes if you put the stale bread in the toaster for a light brown toasting its good 2eat.

Which only helps if, say, you're not making a PBJ and putting it in your lunchbox to eat at work.  And that's precisely what I was using sandwich bread for, over the course of several years, until just recently.




Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".

Well, now I'm actually quite proud that the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Especially since I was working at Target right after that song came out, and I about went insane having to see the music video on the TVs every time I walked through that part of the store day after day.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I can think of a lot of stuff I'd choose Britney over.

Yoko Ono?

That might be kind of a stretch, but also a possibility.

I just replied to three different statements, by two people, and none of them was yours.

What is a possibility?
That Yoko Ono would be a choice over Britney.

Anyone else as sick of hearing about her as I am?
If you're talking about Britney then the answer is yes I am sick of hearing about her. If you're talking about Yoko the answer is also yes as she isn't good looking at all.

I find it hard to disassociate Britney Spears and the "mute"  message that is displayed on the corner of a TV.
I was muting her 20 years ago lol.

Yeah me too in high school.
Best thing to do to her
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 09, 2021, 02:57:49 PM
Gitchie Gumee on the way to Grand Island(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210809/87ab9263ee57746adc95dcccdcabbfb5.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 13, 2021, 04:13:55 PM
Have you ever thought about how little of the world we actually see without a pane of glass in front of us?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 04:28:05 PM
Why do we park on driveways yet drive on parkway?
Why is cargo sent in ships, but shipment sent in trucks and cars?
Why do we cook bacon but bake cookies?
Why is VIRGINia the state of lovers?
Is that stuff on the beach called "sand" because it is between sea and land?
I
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 13, 2021, 04:31:09 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 30, 2021, 08:54:04 AM
We drive on a parkway and park in a driveway

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 04:28:05 PM
Why do we park on driveways yet drive on parkway?

echo
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on August 14, 2021, 06:57:05 AM
Why is Mackinaw City a village and Lathrup Village a city?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
why does holyoke, colorado have a street called 'interocean blvd' ? big aspirations? it's a wide spot in us 6 for chrissakes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 14, 2021, 04:57:26 PM
Why there aren't any states named Azerbaijan and Armenia to go alongside Georgia? :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 14, 2021, 07:39:01 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

This sun might be walkable: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun,_West_Virginia
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 14, 2021, 08:18:43 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

...You don't think the sun gets colder in the winter, do you?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 08:27:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 14, 2021, 08:18:43 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

...You don't think the sun gets colder in the winter, do you?

Well since the sun is a paid actor, it's temperature should hover around 98.6 F regardless of the season.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 14, 2021, 08:27:53 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 08:27:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 14, 2021, 08:18:43 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

...You don't think the sun gets colder in the winter, do you?

Well since the sun is a paid actor, it's temperature should hover around 98.6 F regardless of the season.

This directly contradicts your previous post.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 08:33:57 PM
Since when do "random thoughts" have to be consistent? Besides, Astronomy and Science require putting all different ideas on the table.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 14, 2021, 08:39:29 PM
The surface of the sun is approximately 10,000°F year round. If you put different ideas on the table, expect Astronomy and Science to laugh at you.

https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/sunfact.html
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on August 14, 2021, 08:53:16 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.
Instead of waiting until winter, why not just go at night?   :pan:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on August 14, 2021, 09:09:36 PM
Doesn't Smashmouth have song titled Walking on the Sun?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 09:10:45 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on August 14, 2021, 08:53:16 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.
Instead of waiting until winter, why not just go at night?   :pan:

The sun turns off at night so there would be nothing to land on..get ur facts straight.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 14, 2021, 09:43:41 PM
Playing with the URL tag. Do either of these two work? (They don't for me on Safari.)

localhost (http://localhost)

javascript:alert(1337) (//http://javascript:alert(1337))

Also, DO NOT click this one:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%53%70%65%63%69%61%6C%3A%55%73%65%72%4C%6F%67%6F%75%74 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%53%70%65%63%69%61%6C%3A%55%73%65%72%4C%6F%67%6F%75%74)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 14, 2021, 10:13:50 PM
Localhost works for me, but probably only because I have an Apache server running on my desktop. The JavaScript one doesn't, thankfully.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on August 15, 2021, 12:24:22 AM
- So are we gonna ignore two window drive-thrus going extinct?
- It's time for the twerkulator.
- It is so exhausting hearing America is the first democracy.
- Humans can't even properly map the world. lul.
- Chances are... you aren't rich and you don't listen to Bootylicious everyday.
- Complaining? Just remember you don't live in the worst state.
- WAIT A MINUTE.. Sarah Bellum from the powerpuff girls is shaped like a cerebellum!!
- Why do we say it's hard as hell and not "hail"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 15, 2021, 01:25:20 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 15, 2021, 12:24:22 AM
- So are we gonna ignore two window drive-thrus going extinct?

They were already on the way there when I got my first job at Burger King in 2006. We had a first window (officially called "the hole"), but we never had enough employees to man it. When we did, it ate our labor cost percentage alive, so store management was never keen on letting us have someone to man it. It didn't really help our drive thru times much anyway, since the real time sinks were waiting for people to decide on what they wanted at the menu board, and for food to come out of the kitchen, not the paying. I'm not surprised that other restaurants are coming to the conclusion that having someone in the hole isn't worth the money and not even building them on new restaurants.

Of note is that, for a while in the 1990s, McDonalds was using three windows, one for ordering (in lieu of a speakerbox), one for paying, one for pickup. Later they reverted to a traditional speakerbox and two-window setup.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on August 15, 2021, 10:42:12 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
why does holyoke, colorado have a street called 'interocean blvd' ? big aspirations?

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
us 6
There’s your answer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 15, 2021, 10:48:44 AM
Quote from: Takumi on August 15, 2021, 10:42:12 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
why does holyoke, colorado have a street called 'interocean blvd' ? big aspirations?

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
us 6
There's your answer.

that street isn't even us 6 .. .it's us 385 ... holyoke is the interesction of 6 and 385. and 385 certainly doesn't link 2 oceans..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on August 15, 2021, 01:47:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 06:17:46 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 06, 2021, 06:06:00 PM
kenarmy posts lots of "(x artist) is better than your favorite singer" and "if you would just listen to (y artist)'s (z song), it would become your favorite."  That's not how musical taste works for me.

That's not how musical taste works, period.  It's not like, if we don't like Britney Spears, then it's because–oops! we made a mistake–

I'm a bit annoyed you included the word "oops!" in the same sentence as Britney Spears without following it with some variant of "I did it again".


He didn't need to put in the "oops!"  We got it anyway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 15, 2021, 08:09:10 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

Are you stoned or just stupid?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 15, 2021, 09:49:02 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 15, 2021, 08:09:10 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

Are you stoned or just stupid?
LOL
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 16, 2021, 11:29:49 AM
Actually considered we could just launch at night, but since the sun turns off at night there would be nothing to land on, so we have to wait until a 20 degree winter day in the daytime so the sun is on, but has a nice icy surface.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 16, 2021, 11:54:00 AM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

Can't tell whether you're just filling space with a ha-ha or you're actually serious, but somewhat related is that some farmers think Daylight Saving Time is bad because the extra hour of sun burns up their crops.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 16, 2021, 11:56:10 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 16, 2021, 11:54:00 AM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 07:35:49 PM
I wonder if humans will ever walk on the sun? I know it's extremely hot but if we sent a ship in the winter when the sun is like 30 degrees I bet we could land on it.

Can't tell whether you're just filling space with a ha-ha or you're actually serious, but somewhat related is that some farmers think Daylight Saving Time is bad because the extra hour of sun burns up their crops.

That is why farmers shade their crops one day every 4 years to compensate for leap year.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 16, 2021, 02:46:13 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 16, 2021, 11:29:49 AM
Actually considered we could just launch at night, but since the sun turns off at night there would be nothing to land on, so we have to wait until a 20 degree winter day in the daytime so the sun is on, but has a nice icy surface.
Banhammer.  For the love of all things roadworthy, swing the banhammer already.   :pan: 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on August 16, 2021, 02:55:37 PM
I'd hoped the people of this forum were able to pick up on obvious trolling. Alas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 16, 2021, 03:57:46 PM
LOL this is a thread titled "random thoughts" in the off topic section of the forum! Unless you are attacking someone or, worstly, providing false interstate information, how could anyone get banned?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 16, 2021, 04:06:20 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 16, 2021, 03:57:46 PM
LOL this is a thread titled "random thoughts" in the off topic section of the forum! Unless you are attacking someone or, worstly, providing false interstate information, how could anyone get banned?

The forum rules apply to all threads, regardless of what section they are in.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 04:09:22 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on August 15, 2021, 12:24:22 AM
- Chances are... you aren't rich and you don't listen to Bootylicious everyday.

Thank goodness on that last one.

Also, chances are you don't know what "everyday" means.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 16, 2021, 04:13:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 04:09:22 PM
Also, chances are you don't know what "everyday" means.

I've seen this one often in businesses (e.g. free ear piercings everyday, although they don't tell you that it's free with purchase of something else). The worst I've seen, however, is this (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.600662,-71.2222257,3a,15y,299.86h,93.34t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sXsxOWdyjGGFMnlf3wJVsnQ!2e0!5s20171101T000000!7i13312!8i6656):

"Walk-In's Welcome", made worse in that it would cost a lot to fix it. You can't just replace a piece of paper, a menu, or anything like that in this particular case.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mike2357 on August 16, 2021, 04:13:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 16, 2021, 04:06:20 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 16, 2021, 03:57:46 PM
LOL this is a thread titled "random thoughts" in the off topic section of the forum! Unless you are attacking someone or, worstly, providing false interstate information, how could anyone get banned?

The forum rules apply to all threads, regardless of what section they are in.

Fine, I admit I was trolling, but see no point in deleting the posts as they were already quoted multiple times.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 04:14:23 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
why does holyoke, colorado have a street called 'interocean blvd' ? big aspirations? it's a wide spot in us 6 for chrissakes.

According to the Phillips County website coordinator:

Quote from: http://cogenweb.com/phillips/towns-holyoke.html
Most of its streets were named for important people in the community, but there is some question as to the naming of the street named "Interocean" . Some believe it was named because the Pacific Ocean is on one side and the Atlantic is on the other, others say that it was a slam against the Union Pacific, ...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 04:16:13 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 16, 2021, 04:13:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 04:09:22 PM
Also, chances are you don't know what "everyday" means.

I've seen this one often in businesses (e.g. free ear piercings everyday, although they don't tell you that it's free with purchase of something else). The worst I've seen, however, is this (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.600662,-71.2222257,3a,15y,299.86h,93.34t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sXsxOWdyjGGFMnlf3wJVsnQ!2e0!5s20171101T000000!7i13312!8i6656):

"Walk-In's Welcome", made worse in that it would cost a lot to fix it. You can't just replace a piece of paper, a menu, or anything like that in this particular case.

Toyota launched a "Toyota Everyday" ad campaign back in the 90s, and I heard that the spelling was wrong on purpose.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 16, 2021, 06:25:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 04:14:23 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
why does holyoke, colorado have a street called 'interocean blvd' ? big aspirations? it's a wide spot in us 6 for chrissakes.

According to the Phillips County website coordinator:

Quote from: http://cogenweb.com/phillips/towns-holyoke.html
Most of its streets were named for important people in the community, but there is some question as to the naming of the street named "Interocean" . Some believe it was named because the Pacific Ocean is on one side and the Atlantic is on the other, others say that it was a slam against the Union Pacific, ...

huh... never knew that. just seemed like a weird street name for a town that is... well, nowhere.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on August 17, 2021, 01:54:50 AM
Random thoughts about ... piñatas.

The problem at the point of the killing blow, when it splits open and the candy rains down, is that all the other kids rush in to grab the candy. You know how much kids love missing out: who's the one not getting any candy? The one still blindfolded and swinging a bat. That's when the dad needs to rush in and grab the bat: "whoa whoa there sport!"

If kids figure out that there's a negative benefit to being the one delivering the blow, they'll start treating it like Jenga and doing little bunts, hoping someone else will do the coup de grâce. This will extend piñata time to the length of a typical Monopoly game.

To fix this: set aside some good candy that will go to the kid that closes the deal. It has to be better than what's inside the piñata: like full-size name-brand bars. No Tootsie Rolls or Palmer "chocolate" from the aisle in CVS. Then the incentives will be aligned correctly with no conflicts.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: kurumi on August 17, 2021, 01:54:50 AM
Random thoughts about ... piñatas.

The problem at the point of the killing blow, when it splits open and the candy rains down, is that all the other kids rush in to grab the candy. You know how much kids love missing out: who's the one not getting any candy? The one still blindfolded and swinging a bat. That's when the dad needs to rush in and grab the bat: "whoa whoa there sport!"

If kids figure out that there's a negative benefit to being the one delivering the blow, they'll start treating it like Jenga and doing little bunts, hoping someone else will do the coup de grâce. This will extend piñata time to the length of a typical Monopoly game.

To fix this: set aside some good candy that will go to the kid that closes the deal. It has to be better than what's inside the piñata: like full-size name-brand bars. No Tootsie Rolls or Palmer "chocolate" from the aisle in CVS. Then the incentives will be aligned correctly with no conflicts. allow the hitter to swing at the other kids with the bat, to fend them off till he or she can remove the blindfold and have first grab at the goodies.  Then those other greedy little runts won't be so keen on making their move so fast.

That's another option.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 17, 2021, 11:31:16 AM
Quote from: kurumi on August 17, 2021, 01:54:50 AM
Random thoughts about ... piñatas.

The problem at the point of the killing blow, when it splits open and the candy rains down, is that all the other kids rush in to grab the candy. You know how much kids love missing out: who's the one not getting any candy? The one still blindfolded and swinging a bat. That's when the dad needs to rush in and grab the bat: "whoa whoa there sport!"

If kids figure out that there's a negative benefit to being the one delivering the blow, they'll start treating it like Jenga and doing little bunts, hoping someone else will do the coup de grâce. This will extend piñata time to the length of a typical Monopoly game.

To fix this: set aside some good candy that will go to the kid that closes the deal. It has to be better than what's inside the piñata: like full-size name-brand bars. No Tootsie Rolls or Palmer "chocolate" from the aisle in CVS. Then the incentives will be aligned correctly with no conflicts.

My random thought about piñatas is how incredibly dangerous the entire activity is.  Let's give a bat to a kid that is blindfolded and tell him the objective of the game is to hit something moving as hard as he/she can.  It's a recipe for someone getting their skull cracked open or for the bat to go flying and for someone to wear that bat in the ocular cavity. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 11:39:07 AM
Doesn't seem inherently much more dangerous than fielding a ground ball.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 17, 2021, 03:19:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 11:39:07 AM
Doesn't seem inherently much more dangerous than fielding a ground ball.

No blindfold though. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: frankenroad on August 17, 2021, 03:20:45 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 16, 2021, 06:25:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 04:14:23 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 14, 2021, 12:26:35 PM
why does holyoke, colorado have a street called 'interocean blvd' ? big aspirations? it's a wide spot in us 6 for chrissakes.

According to the Phillips County website coordinator:

Quote from: http://cogenweb.com/phillips/towns-holyoke.html
Most of its streets were named for important people in the community, but there is some question as to the naming of the street named "Interocean" . Some believe it was named because the Pacific Ocean is on one side and the Atlantic is on the other, others say that it was a slam against the Union Pacific, ...

huh... never knew that. just seemed like a weird street name for a town that is... well, nowhere.

In its original form, US-6 literally ran from ocean to ocean, so any part of it could be called "Interocean"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 03:27:35 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 17, 2021, 03:19:30 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 11:39:07 AM
Doesn't seem inherently much more dangerous than fielding a ground ball.

No blindfold though. 

I'll take a dowel rod swung by a kid over a bouncing baseball to the noggin any day.

(Actually, what's worse is playing baseball with a golf ball, and then that one bouncing up into your forehead.  Not that I'd ever do that...)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 18, 2021, 07:20:31 PM
A landmark Coney Island in Flint (actually Burton to be exact). I love old school diners like this.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210818/6bd3aa3e3ee40184368d7b3f1b69c510.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on August 26, 2021, 09:13:03 PM
When completed, sort of wild to think that I-69 will be longer than all x5 interstates except I-75 and I-95 (using 69E as part of the mainline).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on August 27, 2021, 12:10:45 PM
Left-handers are the most long-bearing minority. So much is built for right-handers, but lefties (with some exceptions) adapt to using the righties' system instead of clamoring for their own.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on August 27, 2021, 02:31:45 PM
Global warming is a good icebreaker...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on August 27, 2021, 03:09:38 PM
- I went to McDonalds yesterday, and ate a kid's meal ... You would not believe how mad his mom got.   :bigass: 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on August 27, 2021, 03:25:33 PM
Adults should be able to order from the kids' menu.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 27, 2021, 04:45:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 27, 2021, 03:25:33 PM
Adults should be able to order from the kids' menu.

If you get it to go, you can get away with it since they'll assume you're taking it to your kid at home.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on August 27, 2021, 04:52:26 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 27, 2021, 03:25:33 PM
Adults should be able to order from the kids' menu.

Cracker Barrel has quietly allowed this. They seem to understand that not everyone has room for two pounds of food.

"Kids of all ages are welcome to order from these kid-sized portions of some of our favorite menu items." (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d2/4b/76/d24b76dbd526fa415c1030468d50769f.jpg)

Also, Zaxby's didn't seem to care the one time we just all wanted grilled cheese and a whole lotta fries; on a few occasions, I've pulled up solo through the drive thru and picked up a smaller portion meals that just happened to have a toy.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on August 27, 2021, 05:38:42 PM
The Albany metro area has 5 interstates that share 4 numerals: 87, 88, 90, 787, 890. Sorted, these are 777 88888 99 00.
Cincinnati comes close, with 5 interstates and 5 numerals (1, 2, 4, 5, 7).
San Diego goes 4 for 4 (0, 1, 5, 8)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on August 27, 2021, 08:55:15 PM
Why do people stop at a Yield sign, but yield at a Stop sign?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on September 01, 2021, 11:49:30 PM
-Am I the only one that went through the pain of explaining that I wasn't a junior, even though me and my dad had the same first and last name?
- *sigh* Some of you won't ever experience the pain of having to get a haircut every two weeks and wearing a durag to bed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:17:51 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 01, 2021, 11:49:30 PM
-Am I the only one that went through the pain of explaining that I wasn't a junior, even though me and my dad had the same first and last name?
- *sigh* Some of you won't ever experience the pain of having to get a haircut every two weeks and wearing a durag to bed.

My dad was called "Junior" growing up, but wasn't. He shared the same first name as my grandfather, but a different Middle name.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on September 02, 2021, 12:02:37 PM
There must be a few Michigan visitors that have to find out "majors" is correctly pronounced "meyers"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 02, 2021, 01:30:22 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 02, 2021, 12:02:37 PM
There must be a few Michigan visitors that have to find out "majors" is correctly pronounced "meyers"
If you're talking about Meijer it's just Meijer but people always seem to call it Meijer's just like they always seem to call Kroger Kroger's. Meijer is in six states so those other states know about it too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 02, 2021, 01:31:09 PM
Quote from: US71 on August 27, 2021, 08:55:15 PM
Why do people stop at a Yield sign, but yield at a Stop sign?
Are you sure they are the same people doing it though?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 01:52:25 PM
Dates look like giant cockroaches.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 01:53:05 PM
I sure hope people yield at stop signs!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 02, 2021, 01:57:57 PM
The construction vehicles in our neighborhood haven't been stopping or yielding at stop signs - they blow right through.  Imagine being sideswiped by a cement truck or double-bottom hauler.  Even if it's only going 15-20 mph.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 02, 2021, 02:28:13 PM
The City of Saginaw takes an entire summer to do one stretch of street while it only takes MDOT two weeks to repave a stretch of M-46 on the east side of Saginaw. Mackinaw Street was closed two years ago to be repaved from State Street (M-58) to Congress/Malzahn it took them all summer, then they skip a section of street and come up this year and close Mackinaw down from Alexander to Michigan to repave that part.

As you can see in this GSV the street was in pretty bad shape. Oh and keep in mind the image was taken in September 2012, it took them nine years to do something about this.
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.4183911,-83.9728865,3a,24.9y,315.68h,76.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syLFhlwiKXyi8apnCvpF0hA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 02:30:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 01:52:25 PM
Dates look like giant cockroaches.

Maybe if you're going out with girls that you found under a rock...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 02:38:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 02:30:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 01:52:25 PM
Dates look like giant cockroaches.

Maybe if you're going out with girls that you found under a rock...

I was 100% certain someone would reply with that sort of remark.

Continuing on...  I almost posted that observation in the "minor things that bother you" thread because, ever since I realized the dates-cockroaches similarity, I can't bring myself to buy a bag of dates.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 04:50:51 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 02:38:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 02:30:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 01:52:25 PM
Dates look like giant cockroaches.

Maybe if you're going out with girls that you found under a rock...

I was 100% certain someone would reply with that sort of remark.

Glad to fulfill your expectations for you. :D


Why are cars carpeted? It's the one place you're practically guaranteed to go into directly from standing somewhere dirty and/or wet, so why do we put one of the hardest things in the world to keep clean in there?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 04:52:34 PM
Because the extreme temperatures inside a car tend to mess with tile grout.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 02, 2021, 05:04:35 PM
Quote from: GaryV on September 02, 2021, 01:57:57 PM
The construction vehicles in our neighborhood haven't been stopping or yielding at stop signs - they blow right through.  Imagine being sideswiped by a cement truck or double-bottom hauler.  Even if it's only going 15-20 mph.

I've seen roadwork contract workers blow through red lights.  I guess they think the toy yellow blinky light on their pickups give them the right.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on September 02, 2021, 06:43:04 PM
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:17:51 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 01, 2021, 11:49:30 PM
-Am I the only one that went through the pain of explaining that I wasn't a junior, even though me and my dad had the same first and last name?
- *sigh* Some of you won't ever experience the pain of having to get a haircut every two weeks and wearing a durag to bed.

My dad was called "Junior" growing up, but wasn't. He shared the same first name as my grandfather, but a different Middle name.
My brother-in-law is called "Uncle Junior" in his family.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 02, 2021, 06:53:25 PM
My cousin's husband's given name was Junior.

My dad went by John Jr (no middle name), even though his dad was Johannes Cornelius.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on September 02, 2021, 08:20:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 04:50:51 PM
Why are cars carpeted? It's the one place you're practically guaranteed to go into directly from standing somewhere dirty and/or wet, so why do we put one of the hardest things in the world to keep clean in there?

I would guess that bare metal floors didn't look welcoming after a while, they provided sound-deadening, and became a convenient means to hiding wiring.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 10:13:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 04:52:34 PM
Because the extreme temperatures inside a car tend to mess with tile grout.

Quote from: formulanone on September 02, 2021, 08:20:28 PM
I would guess that bare metal floors didn't look welcoming after a while, they provided sound-deadening, and became a convenient means to hiding wiring.

Heh, true, but...I remember my parents having a 70/80s pickup truck that had rubber flooring. (It also had a single bench seat and no AC, so it wasn't exactly the pinnacle of comfort, but...)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 03, 2021, 12:54:29 PM
But, seriously...

Quote from: https://www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners/why-are-car-floors-covered-with-carpet.html
With carpeting on all of the floors, it functions as an excellent sound dampener, as the clanging and rattling of the car's undercarriage is largely absorbed by the carpeting. As much as 40% of the car's sound can be eliminated through the application of carpeting ...

The carpeting not only provides insulation when it comes to sound, but also in terms of temperature regulation ...

While your car's heater could keep the air in the car warm, you would constantly be losing heat through the floor (made primarily of metal, which conducts heat well). For those long road trips when you take off your shoes and get comfortable, placing your feet on cold metal or plastic would be a decidedly unpleasant way to travel ...

Carpet ... could soak up spills and prevent water or oil from sitting for too long in one place and eating away at the body of the car.

And, if you're really looking for a modern car without carpeting, then look no further than the Honda Element.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 05, 2021, 01:51:01 PM
Tell me how this makes any sense it cracks me up.

I was just driving southbound on M-47 at the speed limit which is 55 mph. I was in the right lane with absolutely nothing in the left lane and behind me is a row of cars in the same lane that I'm in I go to get over in the left lane to make a turn and the car that was behind me speeds up. Now keep in mind that this car all of them as a matter of fact behind me had every opportunity for about the past 2 miles to get into the left lane and pass me. So what is the reason that you speed up once I move over into the left lane?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on September 05, 2021, 02:52:44 PM
Why is everything in purple in locked threads?  :confused:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on September 05, 2021, 03:02:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 05, 2021, 02:52:44 PM
Why is everything in purple in locked threads?  :confused:
purple text is used by the mods/admin when speaking as such.  They use the regular black text when they are talking for themselves.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on September 05, 2021, 03:04:39 PM
Quote from: Big John on September 05, 2021, 03:02:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 05, 2021, 02:52:44 PM
Why is everything in purple in locked threads?  :confused:
purple text is used by the mods/admin when speaking as such.  They use the regular black text when they are talking for themselves.
ohhh okk. Thanks for explaining
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on September 05, 2021, 04:32:20 PM
- It's a lot quieter around here at the moment, but I suspect that's about to change shortly..  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 05, 2021, 08:40:33 PM
CHICKEN NUGGET
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on September 06, 2021, 07:03:00 PM
- Children will beg you for something literally everywhere. Like what do you want from Pull-A-Part? A muffler?
- I read part of Antigone for no reason..and later that night I dreamed that my dog died and I was told not to bury it.
- So are we gonna ignore that most countries have really lame names just in different languages? Like really, "Rich Coast"?
- I can't be the only one that thought Bermuda was roughly circle shaped..
- The Sint Marteen/Saint Martin name thing is cute.
- Is it normal to sense energy levels?
- Somebody said "Bar" stands for "beer and alcohol room" but hmmm idk.
- I just can't believe people willingly eat watermelon  :crazy:.
- So no one was gonna tell me that percentages are reversible? (e.g. 64% of 8=8% of 64) Cus like none of my teachers told me that.
- Why do people hate I-75? I wouldn't know because I never use it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on September 06, 2021, 07:13:13 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 06, 2021, 07:03:00 PM
- Why do people hate I-75? I wouldn't know because I never use it.
You'll find out once you use it  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on September 06, 2021, 08:34:10 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 06, 2021, 07:13:13 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 06, 2021, 07:03:00 PM
- Why do people hate I-75? I wouldn't know because I never use it.
You'll find out once you use it  :-D
- I-75 is not as bad as you think it is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 06, 2021, 09:26:43 PM
I-75 is fine. It is what it is a very busy Interstate highway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on September 06, 2021, 11:11:10 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 06, 2021, 09:26:43 PM
I-75 is fine. It is what it is a very busy Interstate highway.
Tbh, it's fine for the most part, as one of the country's busiest interstate. I mostly make fun of it for having some part between the KY border and I-275 under construction for a majority of my lifetime, with many more phases in both projects (Mill Creek and Thru the Valley) to go.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on September 06, 2021, 11:19:44 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 06, 2021, 11:11:10 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 06, 2021, 09:26:43 PM
I-75 is fine. It is what it is a very busy Interstate highway.
Tbh, it's fine for the most part, as one of the country's busiest interstate. I mostly make fun of it for having some part between the KY border and I-275 under construction for a majority of my lifetime, with many more phases in both projects (Mill Creek and Thru the Valley) to go.
It's never going to be finished.  Deal with it.  They started repairin' it the day after it opened.

:awesomeface:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 06, 2021, 11:20:02 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 05, 2021, 01:51:01 PM
Tell me how this makes any sense it cracks me up.

I was just driving southbound on M-47 at the speed limit which is 55 mph. I was in the right lane with absolutely nothing in the left lane and behind me is a row of cars in the same lane that I'm in I go to get over in the left lane to make a turn and the car that was behind me speeds up. Now keep in mind that this car all of them as a matter of fact behind me had every opportunity for about the past 2 miles to get into the left lane and pass me. So what is the reason that you speed up once I move over into the left lane?

I get that quite a bit, both rural and urban -- someone who's been behind me for umpteen miles speeds up and passes me after I change lanes.  I'm guessing they think their changing lanes will attract the attention of a cop.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 07, 2021, 02:31:31 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 06, 2021, 07:03:00 PM
- Children will beg you for something literally everywhere. Like what do you want from Pull-A-Part? A muffler?

I used to ask my dad to bring home license plates from there. They didn't charge anything for them, so he would oblige if he saw any, though he said he usually didn't. Or maybe he just didn't want to take the time to unscrew old license plates from cars, I don't know.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 07, 2021, 07:38:21 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 06, 2021, 11:11:10 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 06, 2021, 09:26:43 PM
I-75 is fine. It is what it is a very busy Interstate highway.
Tbh, it's fine for the most part, as one of the country's busiest interstate. I mostly make fun of it for having some part between the KY border and I-275 under construction for a majority of my lifetime, with many more phases in both projects (Mill Creek and Thru the Valley) to go.
Well that's how it is in Michigan in places too. Hasn't been like that all my life though. They started widening I-75 in Genesee County in 2002, they are just now finishing that project in Saginaw County. In Oakland County I-75 has been under construction for about the past 5-6 years.

One thing I don't like is how it goes from four lanes in each direction to two lanes in each direction at MM 164 when it should be at least three in each direction to the US-23 split outside of Standish at MM 188. I also don't like the four lane stretch in Genesee County between MM 111 and 115.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 08, 2021, 06:44:14 PM
I found out that the new Portillo's in Sterling Heights dining room has finally opened. I saw this sign inside.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210908/9ca34a1c841e7403a7d44d3a52a47e00.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 19, 2021, 12:19:23 AM
Why does Chick-fil-A advertise so heavily during Saturday college football since fans can't go buy it on Sunday when they're now craving it?  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 19, 2021, 11:30:50 AM
As part of my internship, I was looking through the transcript of a 2-hour meeting on Zoom and summarizing it. However, being speech-to-text, it's not entirely accurate. (It's less accurate than new YouTube but way more accurate than old YouTube.)

DOTs became deities, multiple times.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on September 19, 2021, 01:23:56 PM
English might be the Microsoft of human languages.

It's messy and sprawling, and hard to learn because of all the weird stuff they can't change, and have to keep around, for backward compatibility. People who have been using it all their lives don't see any problem, and see no need to learn anything else. It benefits from network effects: there are alternatives, but if you want to work with businesses you'll still need to learn it, and it's so ingrained it would be difficult to supplant.

The funny thing is, learning in detail how other systems work helps you better understand how your own stuff works.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 19, 2021, 01:35:51 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 19, 2021, 01:23:56 PM
English might be the Microsoft of human languages.

It's messy and sprawling, and hard to learn because of all the weird stuff they can't change, and have to keep around, for backward compatibility. People who have been using it all their lives don't see any problem, and see no need to learn anything else. It benefits from network effects: there are alternatives, but if you want to work with businesses you'll still need to learn it, and it's so ingrained it would be difficult to supplant.

The funny thing is, learning in detail how other systems work helps you better understand how your own stuff works.

this is quite the eye-opener, really.. very interesting, and accurate comparison, i think. what would be the linux of languages? like.. esperanto?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on September 19, 2021, 08:56:24 PM
There should be some sort of universal language for flashing your headlights. Perhaps this could be a start:

2 quick blinks: Go ahead
1 long flash: Thank you
4 quick blinks: Something's wrong with your car

The horn is too brusque sometimes for communication with other drivers.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 19, 2021, 09:31:34 PM
What's the proposed signal for "your brights are on", "your lights aren't on", or "cop ahead"? Those are the only I see communicated with headlights around here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 19, 2021, 09:36:00 PM
I was sitting at an outdoor restaurant in a strip mall about two months ago, and someone was honking for about a minute. I believe it was actual Morse code, although I'm not familiar enough with it to understand what it was saying.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: abefroman329 on September 19, 2021, 09:51:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 19, 2021, 09:31:34 PM
What's the proposed signal for "your brights are on", "your lights aren't on", or "cop ahead"? Those are the only I see communicated with headlights around here.
Here they're also used to communicate "go ahead"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on September 21, 2021, 08:54:51 PM
- Sure sharks are scary, but has the person driving you started coughing so hard they started choking and you just sit there because you don't know how to help and you think they might crash and you'll both die?
- What do they do with giraffes when they die??
- I heard "clusterfuck" outside of this forum for the first time Sunday.
- Um wtf there's a Canadian English too?
- Imagine having two continents and all the people in them named after you. How higher does the bar get?
- Do fish pee?
- I was just getting over the trauma from realizing dates look like giant cockroaches.. and then I clicked exactly on that post..
- If you blink, you blink.
- Why you ask for some, and you really want none?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 22, 2021, 07:44:47 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 21, 2021, 08:54:51 PM

- Um wtf there's a Canadian English too?


You betcha
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on September 23, 2021, 11:31:35 PM
N-S US Routes are weirdly spaced. Between Cincinnati and St Louis, I go from 27 to 61, a difference of 34 in just a mere 300 miles.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 23, 2021, 11:57:34 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 23, 2021, 11:31:35 PM
N-S US Routes are weirdly spaced. Between Cincinnati and St Louis, I go from 27 to 61, a difference of 34 in just a mere 300 miles.

More population density in the east meant more routes needed to be commissioned there vs. out west.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 24, 2021, 09:23:40 AM
Awhile back when I had a big time CB radio in my car (I still have a base but don't have a mobile at the moment) I was able to drive in the parking lot of Green Acres Plaza which is a shopping plaza near my house and when I keyed my radio up I set every alarm in the plaza off so to be an ass I went down there at 3 in the morning and keyed up my radio and sure enough all the alarms went off. Then I just went riding around and the cops showed up I was laughing because there was no way they were going to be able to find out it was me that did it. Farmer Jack was open 24 hours so I could just say I was going to Farmer Jack.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM
I believe the move format on AARoads is greatly underrated.
It adds such a level of flair to forum posts that is impossible to replicate otherwise.
Just seeing text move from one side of your screen to the other... absolutely riveting.
It makes you feel like you're driving on a super smooth highway like I-55 south of Chicago while reading it.
It makes the forum more fun, and more people need to embrace it, as well as some of the other great formats we get to enjoy here like shadow and glow.
Make AARoads Fun Again.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on September 24, 2021, 11:38:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM

Congratulations, you just wasted a minute of my time making me wait for your post to scroll back across the screen so I could read the half I didn't see at first glance
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on September 24, 2021, 12:39:20 PM
Quote from: US 89 on September 24, 2021, 11:38:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM

Congratulations, you just wasted a minute of my time making me wait for your post to scroll back across the screen so I could read the half I didn't see at first glance

I'm on my laptop, and I had almost enough time to read the entire thing twice. But then again, I'm also a pretty fast reader.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on September 24, 2021, 12:49:56 PM
:poke: :angry: :sombrero: :colorful: :confused: :wow: :-/ :cool: :-o :rolleyes: :ded: :-D :D :) :-| :love: :no: :pan: :crazy: :-( X-( :sleep: :-P :paranoid: ;-) :nod: :biggrin: :eyebrow: :spin: :clap: :banghead: :coffee: :hmmm: :bigass: :wave: :awesomeface: :popcorn: :ninja: :camera: :cheers: :evilgrin: :whip: :fight: :verymad: :rofl: :hyper: :thumbdown: :thumbsup: :hmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 24, 2021, 12:51:13 PM
Images can also scroll, but I don't want to spam this thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 24, 2021, 01:55:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 24, 2021, 12:39:20 PM
Quote from: US 89 on September 24, 2021, 11:38:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM

Congratulations, you just wasted a minute of my time making me wait for your post to scroll back across the screen so I could read the half I didn't see at first glance

I'm on my laptop, and I had almost enough time to read the entire thing twice. But then again, I'm also a pretty fast reader.
Same here. I don't think I could have read it on my phone though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 24, 2021, 02:07:37 PM
Quote from: US 89 on September 24, 2021, 11:38:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM

Congratulations, you just wasted a minute of my time making me wait for your post to scroll back across the screen so I could read the half I didn't see at first glance

You are more patient than me. I used the quote function and read that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 25, 2021, 04:08:37 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM
I believe the move format on AARoads is greatly underrated.
It adds such a level of flair to forum posts that is impossible to replicate otherwise.
Just seeing text move from one side of your screen to the other... absolutely riveting.
It makes you feel like you're driving on a super smooth highway like I-55 south of Chicago while reading it.
It makes the forum more fun, and more people need to embrace it, as well as some of the other great formats we get to enjoy here like shadow and glow.
Make AARoads Fun Again.

the 90's called. they want their html tag back.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on September 25, 2021, 09:21:17 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 25, 2021, 04:08:37 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM
I believe the move format on AARoads is greatly underrated.
It adds such a level of flair to forum posts that is impossible to replicate otherwise.
Just seeing text move from one side of your screen to the other... absolutely riveting.
It makes you feel like you're driving on a super smooth highway like I-55 south of Chicago while reading it.
It makes the forum more fun, and more people need to embrace it, as well as some of the other great formats we get to enjoy here like shadow and glow.
Make AARoads Fun Again.

the 90's called. they want their html tag back.

One does not simply remove the move tags from my post.

Quote from: SkyPesos on September 24, 2021, 12:49:56 PM
:poke: :angry: :sombrero: :colorful: :confused: :wow: :-/ :cool: :-o :rolleyes: :ded: :-D :D :) :-| :love: :no: :pan: :crazy: :-( X-( :sleep: :-P :paranoid: ;-) :nod: :biggrin: :eyebrow: :spin: :clap: :banghead: :coffee: :hmmm: :bigass: :wave: :awesomeface: :popcorn: :ninja: :camera: :cheers: :evilgrin: :whip: :fight: :verymad: :rofl: :hyper: :thumbdown: :thumbsup: :hmm:

You should've put the :whip: at the end to make it look like he was powering the scroll.

--rm overkill -sso
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 25, 2021, 01:03:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 25, 2021, 09:21:17 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 25, 2021, 04:08:37 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 24, 2021, 10:49:09 AM
I believe the move format on AARoads is greatly underrated.
It adds such a level of flair to forum posts that is impossible to replicate otherwise.
Just seeing text move from one side of your screen to the other... absolutely riveting.
It makes you feel like you're driving on a super smooth highway like I-55 south of Chicago while reading it.
It makes the forum more fun, and more people need to embrace it, as well as some of the other great formats we get to enjoy here like shadow and glow.
Make AARoads Fun Again.

the 90's called. they want their html tag back.

One does not simply remove the move tags from my post.

* hangs head in shame *

Quote from: SkyPesos on September 24, 2021, 12:49:56 PM
:poke: :angry: :sombrero: :colorful: :confused: :wow: :-/ :cool: :-o :rolleyes: :ded: :-D :D :) :-| :love: :no: :pan: :crazy: :-( X-( :sleep: :-P :paranoid: ;-) :nod: :biggrin: :eyebrow: :spin: :clap: :banghead: :coffee: :hmmm: :bigass: :wave: :awesomeface: :popcorn: :ninja: :camera: :cheers: :evilgrin: :whip: :fight: :verymad: :rofl: :hyper: :thumbdown: :thumbsup: :hmm:

You should've put the :whip: at the end to make it look like he was powering the scroll.
--rm move -sso
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on September 26, 2021, 03:28:21 PM
The answer to life, the universe, and everything is 10% weed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on September 26, 2021, 06:41:01 PM
hey can someone tell me where's the brake pedal on this car? i cant stop it
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on September 27, 2021, 11:42:06 AM
The fact that my post was edited only confirms my complaints. Disgraceful.

I hope people know I'm being sarcastic by now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on September 27, 2021, 12:06:51 PM
@SSOWorld should we think this thread is getting TOO heated? I think its time to either split or lock the thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on September 27, 2021, 01:53:39 PM
- You can't skip leg day because you need your legs to skip.
- Get away with your negativity snowc  :meh:
- If you pass a police car and don't look back.. what are you doing??
- Switching from my AAVE to standard is such a sport.
- If a morgue worker dies, they need to come in and work one more time.
- Everything existing is either US 49 or not.
- Why are claustrophobic people ok with their brain being trapped in their skull?
- Hmmm.. why are most of these books I read New York Times bestsellers.
- Grocery stores run out of essential items because people are scared that grocery stores will run out of essential items.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on September 27, 2021, 03:33:30 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 27, 2021, 01:53:39 PM
- You can't skip leg day because you need your legs to skip.
- Get away with your negativity snowc  :meh:
- If you pass a police car and don't look back.. what are you doing??
- Switching from my AAVE to standard is such a sport.
- If a morgue worker dies, they need to come in and work one more time.
- Everything existing is either US 49 or not.
- Why are claustrophobic people ok with their brain being trapped in their skull?
- Hmmm.. why are most of these books I read New York Times bestsellers.
- Grocery stores run out of essential items because people are scared that grocery stores will run out of essential items.

OK, @kenarmy :rolleyes:

[Removed extraneous formatting. -S.]
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on September 27, 2021, 06:49:06 PM
I remember Ethanman got banned for bossing people around with purple font.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 08:56:08 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 27, 2021, 11:42:06 AM
The fact that my post was edited only confirms my complaints. Disgraceful.

I hope people know I'm being sarcastic by now.

If it makes you feel any better, I would have edited it to make it scroll the other way if that was an option.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on September 27, 2021, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
How about every color except purple?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 27, 2021, 09:41:56 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 27, 2021, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
How about every color except purple?

hex codes work
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 27, 2021, 09:55:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 09:41:56 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 27, 2021, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
How about every color except purple?

hex codes work

Nah, that's just the little printer inside your computer screen running out of ink.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 10:04:00 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 27, 2021, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
How about every color except purple?

Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2009, 10:34:10 PM
By posting in our forum, you automatically agree to the following:

What's not allowed:
Excessive use of formatting. Use formatting sparingly. When formatting is used, it should be done for a reason, not simply to make your posts stand out. (As an example, posting a list of Interstates you traveled on with the ones you clinched marked in green is acceptable, but coloring your entire post teal just because you like the way it looks is not.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:10:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 10:04:00 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 27, 2021, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
How about every color except purple?

Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2009, 10:34:10 PM
By posting in our forum, you automatically agree to the following:

What's not allowed:
Excessive use of formatting. Use formatting sparingly. When formatting is used, it should be done for a reason, not simply to make your posts stand out. (As an example, posting a list of Interstates you traveled on with the ones you clinched marked in green is acceptable, but coloring your entire post teal just because you like the way it looks is not.)
So, just one emotion is enough?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:14:00 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:10:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 10:04:00 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 27, 2021, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
How about every color except purple?

Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2009, 10:34:10 PM
By posting in our forum, you automatically agree to the following:

What's not allowed:
Excessive use of formatting. Use formatting sparingly. When formatting is used, it should be done for a reason, not simply to make your posts stand out. (As an example, posting a list of Interstates you traveled on with the ones you clinched marked in green is acceptable, but coloring your entire post teal just because you like the way it looks is not.)
So, just one emotion is enough?

You can have as many emotions as you want, but you don't need to post more than one or two emoticons in a row.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on September 28, 2021, 12:31:22 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on September 21, 2021, 08:54:51 PM
- Um wtf there's a Canadian English too?

For example, in American English it's a black color tire.
In British English it's a black colour tyre.
In Canadian English it's a black colour tire.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on October 04, 2021, 05:18:08 PM
I find it weird that I've been driving a car for over a year, but I've never been taught how to change a tire.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 04, 2021, 06:17:25 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 04, 2021, 05:18:08 PM
I find it weird that I've been driving a car for over a year, but I've never been taught how to change a tire.

Unless you have a parent that finds it important to teach this to you, you'll have to put in the effort to seek out the information on your own. Schools no longer bother to teach basic car repair or household maintenance. Of course, once you leave school, there will be nobody to spoon-feed you suggested topics to learn about, so it pays to get in the habit now of pursuing self education.

As for changing a tire, it is a pretty basic procedure, but a little bit of knowledge on how to do it efficiently goes a long way. You also need to have the proper tools: a jack and a tire iron. Most cars come with a simple jack and a tire iron of the correct size, but I prefer using one of those heavy cross-shaped tire irons because it makes it easier to use body weight as leverage. You can get them at Walmart for $12.59 and leave one in the trunk of your car. A good jack is nice to have around the house, but often impractical to take on the road.

The general procedure is as follows:
1) Remove any hubcap or plastic cover that covers the lug nuts (the nuts that hold the wheel to the axle).
2) Before doing anything with the jack, break the lug nuts loose. This is easier to do with the car on the ground, since when it's in the air the wheel will spin. The easiest way to do this is to put the tire iron on the lug nut, then step on the cross piece of the tire iron with your foot, using your body weight to force the nut to turn. Lug nuts are always fastened far more tightly than most fasteners, because if they come off, so will the wheel, which can lead to an accident.
3) Continue to break the lug nuts loose. When working on lug nuts, don't go around in a clockwise or anti-clockwise order; the proper order is to pick a starting place and then go to the nut directly across from the nut you just worked on, repeating this procedure until all the nuts have been worked on.
4) Once the lug nuts have been loosened enough you can spin the tire iron freely (or as freely as is possible before striking the ground), then you can jack up the car. It is important to place the jack in a place where the car's frame can handle the stress of supporting its weight. Most modern cars make these points obvious by having a notch a few inches wide cut into them for your jack to slot into, and there is usually one right next to each wheel. Read your car's manual for more information on where it is safe to put the jack.
5) Once the jack is in place, raise the car up on it. The exact details of how this is done depends on your jack, but the emergency jack that comes with the car usually operates by a screw or bolt that you turn that raises the car. When the car is raised, be careful not to jostle the jack and risk knocking the car off of it.
6) With the car raised, you can now fully remove the lug nuts that you loosened in step 3. This will allow you to remove the wheel with the flat tire. Be sure to put the lug nuts in a secure place where they won't roll away and be lost–a clean plastic cup is most convenient, but your pocket will also do.
7) Place the new wheel on, being sure to face the valve stem (where you add air to the tire) toward you.
8) Replace the lug nuts and tighten them, following the order specified in step 3.
9) Carefully and slowly lower the car back to the ground. You don't want to go too fast and cause the car to bounce when it lands.
10) With the car on the ground, tighten the lug nuts again as tight as they will go, using your body weight on the tire iron to ensure this. As mentioned above, you absolutely don't want these nuts to come loose.
11) Most cars ship with a compact spare or "donut". Read your car's manual to learn what safety restrictions are in place when driving on a donut. Most donuts are not recommended for use above 50 MPH. You should use the donut as little as possible, until you can take your car to a tire shop and replace or repair the flat tire.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 04, 2021, 07:06:00 PM
You forgot one point.  Many cars have a tire anti-theft lock.  You have to know where the wheel lock key is to unlock it. It came with the car and someone put it in some safe place.  You have to know where that place is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on October 08, 2021, 08:28:24 PM
I'm thinking about starting a thread about Stick Ranger. That's my random thought.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on October 08, 2021, 08:40:56 PM
It's good to know if you drive out to the middle of nowhere.

But I will note that althought I do know how to change a tire, it's only come up once in 41 years of driving.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 08, 2021, 08:44:01 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 08, 2021, 08:40:56 PM
It's good to know if you drive out to the middle of nowhere.

But I will note that althought I do know how to change a tire, it's only come up once in 41 years of driving.


It's come up a few times for me in the 16 years I've been driving, but that's mostly because I've done a good chunk of my driving late at night when tire shops aren't open. Once I get it home, may as well put the donut on before taking it to the tire place.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on October 08, 2021, 09:03:08 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 04, 2021, 05:18:08 PM
I find it weird that I've been driving a car for over a year, but I've never been taught how to change a tire.

Quote from: kkt on October 08, 2021, 08:40:56 PM
It's good to know if you drive out to the middle of nowhere.

But I will note that althought I do know how to change a tire, it's only come up once in 41 years of driving.

Been driving for 48 years, think I've had to change a tire three times in that time span.  That said, I'm glad that I learned how to, as I preferred it to the alternative - waiting at the side of the road for help.

The first time, my car was old enough to still have a full size spare.  The other two times the car had a micro-spare that was just to get you to a repair shop.

IMHO this is something that should be taught in Driver's Ed class.  It was not part of my course in the mid-70s - my Dad taught me how to change a tire.  If I recall, my Mom said that her Driver's Ed class in the 1950's did include physically changing a tire.  Along with other skills lost to the times - like hand signals for turns.  Or driving without the aid of power steering, which was an option in those days.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on October 14, 2021, 06:35:19 PM
There's a brand of electrical food service products called Zojirushi. It means "elephant" in Japanese, and the logo of an elephant appears on some of their products. I've seen it in various places over the past few decades.

But today I stopped for coffee at a hot pot station, and discovered there's another company out there which apparently sells some similar products, but named Shurizjo. That is a very close anagram of the beforementioned brand, and their logo...is a mouse. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 15, 2021, 12:50:04 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 14, 2021, 06:35:19 PM
There's a brand of electrical food service products called Zojirushi. It means "elephant" in Japanese, and the logo of an elephant appears on some of their products. I've seen it in various places over the past few decades.

But today I stopped for coffee at a hot pot station, and discovered there's another company out there which apparently sells some similar products, but named Shurizjo. That is a very close anagram of the beforementioned brand, and their logo...is a mouse. 

That is weird. Shurizjo is a product of Newco in Missouri. It definitely seems intended to resemble the Japanese company.

Another fun fact: Zoujirushi's full name is 象印マホービン株式会社, which means Zoujirushi Vacuum Flask (e.g. Thermos Bottle), Inc. The characters for マホービン (Vacuum Flask) are 魔法瓶, which means "magic bottle" (or even "witchcraft bottle"). Imagine bringing a Thermos into a church and it starts glowing red hot :-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on October 15, 2021, 08:54:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 10:04:00 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 27, 2021, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 27, 2021, 05:21:42 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 27, 2021, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2021, 03:43:59 PM
How did snowc become a moderator?
not a mod, just trying to keep it cool.
I once got thoroughly bitched-out by the mods for using purple font.  You might want to rethink what's cool.
How about every color except purple?

Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2009, 10:34:10 PM
By posting in our forum, you automatically agree to the following:

What's not allowed:
Excessive use of formatting. Use formatting sparingly. When formatting is used, it should be done for a reason, not simply to make your posts stand out. (As an example, posting a list of Interstates you traveled on with the ones you clinched marked in green is acceptable, but coloring your entire post teal just because you like the way it looks is not.)
valid here, random thought ;)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on October 15, 2021, 10:10:46 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 15, 2021, 12:50:04 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 14, 2021, 06:35:19 PM
There's a brand of electrical food service products called Zojirushi. It means "elephant" in Japanese, and the logo of an elephant appears on some of their products. I've seen it in various places over the past few decades.

But today I stopped for coffee at a hot pot station, and discovered there's another company out there which apparently sells some similar products, but named Shurizjo. That is a very close anagram of the beforementioned brand, and their logo...is a mouse. 

That is weird. Shurizjo is a product of Newco in Missouri. It definitely seems intended to resemble the Japanese company.

Another fun fact: Zoujirushi's full name is 象印マホービン株式会社, which means Zoujirushi Vacuum Flask (e.g. Thermos Bottle), Inc. The characters for マホービン (Vacuum Flask) are 魔法瓶, which means "magic bottle" (or even "witchcraft bottle"). Imagine bringing a Thermos into a church and it starts glowing red hot :-)

I always thought it was funny that the kanji for "magic" and "devil" used the radical for "hemp".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on October 20, 2021, 01:46:55 PM
It seems FritzOwl puts a lot more emphasis on E-W interstates than on N-S ones (excluding the ones on the coasts of the US). He's poached my E-W ideas from my fictional highways thread, but hasn't bothered at all with my N-S ones so far.

I should note that I'm not annoyed by this, and nor do I really care; it gives my plans more publicity! Just an observation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on October 20, 2021, 08:01:28 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on October 08, 2021, 09:03:08 PM
Or driving without the aid of power steering, which was an option in those days.
Aw man, I remember making this mistake - I drove my family's newer Nissan, and shifted the car into drive without turning on the engine. While I was in a parking lot.

I started creeping out of my space and towards another car; I tried steering the wheel but found it incredibly hard to turn until I realized I didn't have power steering. Had to turn on the engine, quickly brake and shift into reverse. That was definitely an "oh shit" moment even though the collision speed would've been negligible.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on October 20, 2021, 08:46:54 PM
Crash_It and dzlsabe are both from the Chicago area. They both fixate on one thing. I don't actually believe they're the same person, but still...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on October 20, 2021, 08:55:24 PM
Must be something in the water.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on October 20, 2021, 09:18:26 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 20, 2021, 08:01:28 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on October 08, 2021, 09:03:08 PM
Or driving without the aid of power steering, which was an option in those days.
Aw man, I remember making this mistake - I drove my family's newer Nissan, and shifted the car into drive without turning on the engine. While I was in a parking lot.

I started creeping out of my space and towards another car; I tried steering the wheel but found it incredibly hard to turn until I realized I didn't have power steering. Had to turn on the engine, quickly brake and shift into reverse. That was definitely an "oh shit" moment even though the collision speed would've been negligible.
Bet that was a surprise!

In the time frame I was referring to (mid 1970s) you could buy a car without power steering (or without power brakes for that matter).  When I took Driver's Ed in 10th grade, we had a fleet of about 8-10 cars.  One of them did not have power steering (might have been a Dodge Dart), which we nicknamed "The Tank".  During class, the cars were set up at different stations on the course, you lined up for the ones you wanted, trying to get as much done as you could.  I actually didn't mind "The Tank" that much.  I sometimes would get in its line since it was always shorter than the others!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 20, 2021, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: renegade on October 20, 2021, 08:55:24 PM
Must be something in the water.
That's what they used to say about St. Charles, Michigan; it's in the water.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on October 21, 2021, 05:02:32 PM
Ever considered how Tetris Attack isn't even a Tetris game?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on October 23, 2021, 12:31:21 AM
85 mph may be too high for I-366 (VA 28), but would a speed limit of 85 km/h make sense?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 23, 2021, 09:44:36 AM
Rocking on a Saturday morning. This is Laskos Restaurant in Midland, Michigan.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211023/d5c1a7beae668be8f09def7fa7ec267b.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on October 23, 2021, 09:51:40 AM
Don't know where to put this other than starting a new thread:

Inflation is almost 6% yearly, and it's been less than a year. 6% × (8 months / 1 year) = 4%. (With percentages under 10%, differences between linear and exponential are insignificant.) However, most restaurants have increased their prices, and those increases are more than 4%. (Most restaurant price increases throughout the years are more than 4%; they're just not normally as frequent.) Are restaurant and/or food prices increasing more than other items, do I have a misunderstanding of the inflation rate, or it is confirmation bias?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on October 23, 2021, 10:02:23 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 23, 2021, 09:44:36 AM
Rocking on a Saturday morning. This is Laskos Restaurant in Midland, Michigan.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211023/d5c1a7beae668be8f09def7fa7ec267b.jpg)
Let me ask, are you a great cook?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 23, 2021, 11:28:59 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 23, 2021, 10:02:23 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 23, 2021, 09:44:36 AM
Rocking on a Saturday morning. This is Laskos Restaurant in Midland, Michigan.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211023/d5c1a7beae668be8f09def7fa7ec267b.jpg)
Let me ask, are you a great cook?

at this point i don't care. that grill looks breakfasty and just downright sexy. lets eat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 23, 2021, 12:52:44 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 23, 2021, 10:02:23 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 23, 2021, 09:44:36 AM
Rocking on a Saturday morning. This is Laskos Restaurant in Midland, Michigan.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211023/d5c1a7beae668be8f09def7fa7ec267b.jpg)
Let me ask, are you a great cook?
Yeah I can throw down on the grill.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 23, 2021, 01:04:11 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 23, 2021, 09:51:40 AM
Don't know where to put this other than starting a new thread:

Inflation is almost 6% yearly, and it's been less than a year. 6% × (8 months / 1 year) = 4%. (With percentages under 10%, differences between linear and exponential are insignificant.) However, most restaurants have increased their prices, and those increases are more than 4%. (Most restaurant price increases throughout the years are more than 4%; they're just not normally as frequent.) Are restaurant and/or food prices increasing more than other items, do I have a misunderstanding of the inflation rate, or it is confirmation bias?

In addition to the possibility you state of food cost increasing over and above the general inflation rate (I am not sure whether this is true or not), restaurants also have to contend with rising labor cost. While this is true in all industries, it's hitting food-service harder because pay rates have always been lower compared to other industries. And, of course, in the case of individual restaurants, there may be a reluctance to raising prices that led to a pent-up need for a price increase dating from before the pandemic.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 23, 2021, 01:09:47 PM
A little tour of Saginaw, Michigan. From what I saw everything is on the east side of the river and I see these places just about every day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZmxijewQr0
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on October 23, 2021, 03:37:08 PM
Why is there a "Stairway to Heaven" but a "Highway to Hell"?  Projected traffic counts?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on October 24, 2021, 12:20:10 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on October 23, 2021, 03:37:08 PM
Why is there a "Stairway to Heaven" but a "Highway to Hell"?  Projected traffic counts?
omg you won.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on October 24, 2021, 04:48:59 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on October 23, 2021, 12:31:21 AM
85 mph may be too high for I-366 (VA 28), but would a speed limit of 85 km/h make sense?

85 km/h would be weird, normally km/h speed limits are multiples of 10.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on October 24, 2021, 05:40:03 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 08, 2021, 08:40:56 PM
It's good to know if you drive out to the middle of nowhere.

But I will note that althought I do know how to change a tire, it's only come up once in 41 years of driving.

Even for those of us who know how to jack up a car and change a tire, how many of us regularly check the donut spare to be sure it's inflated and usable?  I don't.  I'll probably be screwed if I ever have to use it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on October 25, 2021, 07:41:00 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on October 23, 2021, 03:37:08 PM
Why is there a "Stairway to Heaven" but a "Highway to Hell"?  Projected traffic counts?

...climbing is more difficult and signage in the field negates existence.

(https://64.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxa7im1wLZ1qz6f4bo1_1280.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on October 26, 2021, 06:13:00 PM
Most of Canada's population lives near the US border, but most of the US population does not live near the Canadian border.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on October 27, 2021, 08:25:23 AM
This was posted on another forum and I have nowhere else to put it here, so this thread will do. Enjoy.

https://twitter.com/Nuevocentos/status/1452618320843141120
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on October 27, 2021, 09:17:29 AM
^
Imagine that driver trying to squeeze a box truck under the 11' 8(+8)" bridge in Durham...  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: abefroman329 on October 27, 2021, 09:42:16 AM
I saw that video last night. It's amazing how people think they can dig their way out of a hole.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on October 28, 2021, 08:15:35 AM
How exactly is Native American defined? Lawrence, MA is mostly Hispanic, with the second largest group being Puerto Rican (Dominican is first). They don't count as Native American, even though those from Alaska and Hawaii do.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on October 28, 2021, 12:02:26 PM
- "ask me anything about (insert place name here) is going to get old really quick.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on October 28, 2021, 01:42:01 PM
They seem to be doing hot atm
(https://i.imgur.com/PY9d1MS.png?1)

and yes, I did intentionally make this post to break the chain.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 28, 2021, 02:59:08 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 28, 2021, 08:15:35 AM
How exactly is Native American defined? Lawrence, MA is mostly Hispanic, with the second largest group being Puerto Rican (Dominican is first). They don't count as Native American, even though those from Alaska and Hawaii do.

The answer is actually really complicated and kind of fucked up. But, it's America, were you expecting the answer to be anything else?

To be considered a Native American, one must first belong to a federally-recognized tribe. Federally-recognized tribes are considered sovereign nations that are allowed to form their own government. There are, as you can imagine, some tribes that have never been federally recognized, because they're too small or considered by the government to be part of some other tribe, and this causes no end of problems for members of those tribes. Each tribe determines their own criteria for who is considered to be part of the tribe, in much the same way that countries set their own citizenship laws. (There was a pretty high-profile decision recently where the Cherokee changed their laws to allow descendants of slaves held by the tribe before the Civil War to become tribal members, where they hadn't been eligible before.) Tribes will issue their members a tribal membership card, which, for many tribes, comes in a format very similar to a driver's license and can be used in place of one when dealing with governments, although private businesses can decide whether to accept them as ID or not.

In addition to being identified as a tribal member, a Native American will also be issued a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certificate_of_Degree_of_Indian_Blood) (CDIB). Whereas the tribal membership card tracks tribal membership, the CDIB tracks tribal ancestry. The CDIB identifies which tribe the bearer has ancestry from (note that this is tribe, singular, so if you're a quarter Chickasaw and a quarter Choctaw, like a lot of people are, you have to pick which one you like better) and your blood quantum (percentage of tribal blood). To get a CDIB, you have to submit your entire genealogy, tracing your ancestry back to someone that was on a federally-assembled list of known tribal members in the 19th century, chiefly the Dawes Rolls (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawes_Rolls). If your ancestors ducked the Dawes Commission–let's be honest, who wants their name on a government watch list, especially when the government has a history of trying to kill you–then you're basically SOL. Many tribes require a CDIB identifying a minimum blood quantum with their tribe as a prerequisite for joining, so you hardly ever see anyone with dual tribal citizenship, despite the fact that many tribes commingled quite a bit in the past.

Basically any sort of program intended for Native Americans only will require a copy of your tribal membership card and CDIB. Hispanic and Puerto Rican do not count as Native American because they don't derive ancestry from a federally-recognized tribe (Mexica/Aztec/Maya are not federally recognized tribes since they weren't in the bounds of the United States, nor do they have an active tribal government to be recognized, after the Spaniards murdered their leaders), nor appear on the Dawes Rolls. That being said, since the Census  is anonymized and does not require proof of tribal membership or ancestry, individuals are free to self-report as whatever race they like on there, so one can claim to be Native American even if they have no documentation that would make them eligible for tribal programs.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on October 28, 2021, 06:14:17 PM
I'm interested how there's a ton of "Ask me anything" threads.

First there was Russia. Then New York. Now there's over 10.

All that interests me and is my random thought of irony.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on October 29, 2021, 07:30:07 PM
103 Dalmatians: New Congress (1/03)
104 Dalmations: Playing cards; crossover with Alice in Wonderland
105 Dalmatians: Weed, but only one quarter of it
106 Dalmatians: Sequel to 103 Dalmatians; now there's an insurrection.
107 Dalmatians: With nothing to go by, it's just a generic sequel.
108 Dalmatians: Crossover with Lost
109 Dalmatians: Crossover with And I Must Scream
110 Dalmatians: Based on cellular automata (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_110)
111 Dalmatians: Computer-based (as in binary)
112 Dalmatians: Takes place in Medieval England, where hundredweights (=112 pounds) were used
113 Dalmatians: Another generic sequel. At this point, it's established that those one less than a multiple of 6 will be generic.
114 Dalmatians: Ketchup vs. mustard, with plenty of Heinz product placement.
115 Dalmatians: At an auction. (Auction fees are traditionally 15%.)
116 Dalmatians: A prequel to 112 Dalmatians; now they're in the Hundred Years' War.
117 Dalmatians: A movie where COVID-19 (specifically, variant B117) is present.
118 Dalmatians: Like Avatar: The Last Airbender, except using the actual periodic table
119 Dalmatians: The next generic sequel, being 6 more than 113.
120 Dalmatians: The movie lasts two hours. The countdown is in real time.
121 Dalmatians: It's a 2D world, and everything is in squares.
122 Dalmatians: Crossover with Sharknado; the number comes from the number of NWS offices.
123 Dalmatians: Count von Count appears.
124 Dalmatians: The producers couldn't pass up a perfect cube, so the generic sequel gets pushed from 125 to 124.
125 Dalmatians: A sequel to 121 Dalmatians; now the squares have become cubes. It's a 3D movie.
126 Dalmatians: Crossover with Five Nights at Freddys; the number comes from having to survive from 12 AM to 6 ΑΜ.
127 Dalmatians: "This is the last sequel. We promise."
-128 Dalmatians: Oops.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 29, 2021, 08:47:53 PM
No 101 Dalmatians versus Kujo?  What about a 101 Dalmatians-Pet Sematary crossover?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 30, 2021, 08:56:26 AM
Quote from: renegade on October 28, 2021, 12:02:26 PM
- "ask me anything about (insert place name here) is going to get old really quick.
I asked one question and don't plan on asking anymore.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on October 30, 2021, 12:02:46 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 30, 2021, 08:56:26 AM
Quote from: renegade on October 28, 2021, 12:02:26 PM
- "ask me anything about (insert place name here) is going to get old really quick.
I asked one question and don't plan on asking anymore.
Same here.  :awesomeface:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 30, 2021, 12:43:44 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 27, 2021, 08:25:23 AM
This was posted on another forum and I have nowhere else to put it here, so this thread will do. Enjoy.

https://twitter.com/Nuevocentos/status/1452618320843141120

USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DUDE!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 30, 2021, 05:48:11 PM
It's the same travel time from the Mackinac Bridge to Lima, Ohio as it is from the Mackinac Bridge to Copper Harbor.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on October 31, 2021, 11:54:16 AM
https://twitter.com/1995hoo/status/1454827715501170689
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 01, 2021, 10:05:09 AM
^ it seems to enjoy that short ledge. (Dare I say, channeling its inner goat?)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 02, 2021, 05:13:30 PM
Probably impossible with the current forum software, but there should be a checkbox labeled "Anyone can delete this post". I would use it when I point out someone's broken image/quote/BBCode or someone plays an invalid photo in one of the photo game threads; they can quickly fix it and then delete my post as if the broken post never happened.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on November 02, 2021, 05:51:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 02, 2021, 05:13:30 PM
Probably impossible with the current forum software, but there should be a checkbox labeled "Anyone can delete this post". I would use it when I point out someone's broken image/quote/BBCode or someone plays an invalid photo in one of the photo game threads; they can quickly fix it and then delete my post as if the broken post never happened.
That's easily abusable.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 02, 2021, 05:53:30 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on November 02, 2021, 05:51:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 02, 2021, 05:13:30 PM
Probably impossible with the current forum software, but there should be a checkbox labeled "Anyone can delete this post". I would use it when I point out someone's broken image/quote/BBCode or someone plays an invalid photo in one of the photo game threads; they can quickly fix it and then delete my post as if the broken post never happened.
That's easily abusable.

That's why it would be a checkbox that would only be enabled if you wanted it to be.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 02, 2021, 07:22:22 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on November 02, 2021, 05:51:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 02, 2021, 05:13:30 PM
Probably impossible with the current forum software, but there should be a checkbox labeled "Anyone can delete this post". I would use it when I point out someone's broken image/quote/BBCode or someone plays an invalid photo in one of the photo game threads; they can quickly fix it and then delete my post as if the broken post never happened.
That's easily abusable.

Would you believe that on Wikipedia, discussions are held on a wiki page where anything can be edited, deleted, or whatever at will by anyone? And that they like it that way so much that when the Foundation tried to change it to something similar to a forum, they fought it tooth and nail? Of course, it only works because not only can anyone delete or change a post, but there's a record of them doing that, and anyone else can revert it to how it was before.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 02, 2021, 07:52:13 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on October 23, 2021, 03:37:08 PM
Why is there a "Stairway to Heaven" but a "Highway to Hell"?  Projected traffic counts?

:clap:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 02, 2021, 07:57:31 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 27, 2021, 08:25:23 AM
This was posted on another forum and I have nowhere else to put it here, so this thread will do. Enjoy.

https://twitter.com/Nuevocentos/status/1452618320843141120

:banghead:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on November 03, 2021, 11:53:10 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 31, 2021, 11:54:16 AM
https://twitter.com/1995hoo/status/1454827715501170689
Oh Deer.
(https://i.imgur.com/zpzoMN0.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 04, 2021, 06:08:37 PM
I never realized that when you are in Downtown Detroit you are 610 miles due west of Downtown Boston.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on November 05, 2021, 10:48:47 AM
Why do so many metro areas have a city named "Lebanon" in an edge of their metro area? So far, I can think of Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville and St Louis, and there's most likely even more.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on November 05, 2021, 11:09:28 AM
Why does tripadvisor make me :rofl:?! :ded:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on November 05, 2021, 01:44:00 PM
- Am I the only one who believes emojis are contributing to the dumbing-down of America? 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 05, 2021, 02:14:42 PM
Quote from: renegade on November 05, 2021, 01:44:00 PM
- Am I the only one who believes emojis are contributing to the dumbing-down of America? 

Only as much as hieroglyphs contributed to the dumbing-down of Egypt. Or as much as any other Unicode code block does (I've got my eyes on you, "Spacing Modifier Letters"). I think it's really dumb when consumer items are festooned with them in the attempt to make them seem "cool"–"You know what kids like? Texting! If we put emoji on it, they'll buy it"–so if anything, emoji are contributing to the dumbing-down of corporate nitwits.

Emoji aren't even American–they were invented by Japanese phone makers (which makes sense, as entering Japanese text on a phone has always been cumbersome, so they were searching for shortcuts to make it quicker to communicate ideas).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 05, 2021, 03:25:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 05, 2021, 02:14:42 PM
Quote from: renegade on November 05, 2021, 01:44:00 PM
- Am I the only one who believes emojis are contributing to the dumbing-down of America? 

Only as much as hieroglyphs contributed to the dumbing-down of Egypt. Or as much as any other Unicode code block does (I've got my eyes on you, "Spacing Modifier Letters"). I think it's really dumb when consumer items are festooned with them in the attempt to make them seem "cool"–"You know what kids like? Texting! If we put emoji on it, they'll buy it"–so if anything, emoji are contributing to the dumbing-down of corporate nitwits.

Emoji aren't even American–they were invented by Japanese phone makers (which makes sense, as entering Japanese text on a phone has always been cumbersome, so they were searching for shortcuts to make it quicker to communicate ideas).

On one hand, emoji makes it easier to communicate those feelings; on the flip side, it also can also trivialize them.

Are you crying uncontrollably due to the inexorable chasm of existence and being, did they discontinue your favorite limited-edition soft drink, or did you just see a cute puppy?

It's a push.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 06, 2021, 11:20:07 AM
Quote from: renegade on November 05, 2021, 01:44:00 PM
- Am I the only one who believes emojis are contributing to the dumbing-down of America? 

No, but the obsession with "mic drops" and other "owned" moments over actual conversation and debate is, even if those things can be enjoyable on the rare occasions they're actually done right.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on November 06, 2021, 12:35:43 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 06, 2021, 11:20:07 AM
Quote from: renegade on November 05, 2021, 01:44:00 PM
- Am I the only one who believes emojis are contributing to the dumbing-down of America? 

No, but the obsession with "mic drops" and other "owned" moments over actual conversation and debate is, even if those things can be enjoyable on the rare occasions they're actually done right.
There's a fine line between "actually done right" and "over-use."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on November 07, 2021, 02:25:59 PM
A good pizza is defined by what you don't put on it.

The idea that a "combo" pizza is ideal, because it has something for everyone, is flawed -- otherwise pizza places would sell only combos, basking in pure efficiency while the happiness of all pizza eaters is automatically maximized.

The Andreotti-Frankel theorem puts the ideal number of toppings on a pizza rounds as 3, because you can't meaningfully have 2.71828182845 toppings, even though would be the true maximum. Fractal toppings has seen some research but not yet meaningful results.

For the same reason that an orchestra doesn't have everyone soloing at once, you need negative spaces, structure, a narrative. Only then does the idea pizza emerge.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 07, 2021, 02:34:43 PM
Quote from: kurumi on November 07, 2021, 02:25:59 PM
Only then does the idea pizza emerge.

Hello, Pizza Hut? Can I get a large pan pizza, half relativity, half Overton window? Thanks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Dirt Roads on November 07, 2021, 02:44:44 PM
Quote from: kurumi on November 07, 2021, 02:25:59 PM
A good pizza is defined by what you don't put on it.

The idea that a "combo" pizza is ideal, because it has something for everyone, is flawed -- otherwise pizza places would sell only combos, basking in pure efficiency while the happiness of all pizza eaters is automatically maximized.

The Andreotti-Frankel theorem puts the ideal number of toppings on a pizza rounds as 3, because you can't meaningfully have 2.71828182845 toppings, even though would be the true maximum. Fractal toppings has seen some research but not yet meaningful results.

For the same reason that an orchestra doesn't have everyone soloing at once, you need negative spaces, structure, a narrative. Only then does the idea pizza emerge.

I do agree, but I did find several exceptions:  Vincent's Pizza Park in the Pittsburgh area does a great job with an everything pizza on a large pie, particularly if you let them put everything on it.  Also, once upon a time there was a pizza joint in downtown Herndon, Virginia that was almost as good (but they are gone now).  At one time they offered to ship a "fresh-made pizza" anywhere in the world.  Our company president at that time was originally from Pittsburgh and almost agreed to let me order one shipped to an overseas project.  No big deal, since he would always try to schedule a trip to Vincent's whenever we both happened to be in The 'Burgh at the same time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on November 08, 2021, 12:34:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 07, 2021, 02:34:43 PM
Quote from: kurumi on November 07, 2021, 02:25:59 PM
Only then does the idea pizza emerge.

Hello, Pizza Hut? Can I get a large pan pizza, half relativity, half Overton window? Thanks.

Each time I order an Overton, the toppings are even further to the █████ side :-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 08, 2021, 12:59:45 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 07, 2021, 02:34:43 PM
Quote from: kurumi on November 07, 2021, 02:25:59 PM
Only then does the idea pizza emerge.

Hello, Pizza Hut? Can I get a large pan pizza, half relativity, half Overton window? Thanks.

:-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 08, 2021, 01:54:07 AM
Quote from: kurumi on November 07, 2021, 02:25:59 PM
A good pizza is defined by what you don't put on it.

The idea that a "combo" pizza is ideal, because it has something for everyone, is flawed -- otherwise pizza places would sell only combos, basking in pure efficiency while the happiness of all pizza eaters is automatically maximized.

The Andreotti-Frankel theorem puts the ideal number of toppings on a pizza rounds as 3, because you can't meaningfully have 2.71828182845 toppings, even though would be the true maximum. Fractal toppings has seen some research but not yet meaningful results.

For the same reason that an orchestra doesn't have everyone soloing at once, you need negative spaces, structure, a narrative. Only then does the idea pizza emerge.

that is the most beautiful description of what i deliver around town all night.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Mr_Northside on November 08, 2021, 02:40:04 PM
Quote from: Dirt Roads on November 07, 2021, 02:44:44 PM
I do agree, but I did find several exceptions:  Vincent's Pizza Park in the Pittsburgh area does a great job with an everything pizza on a large pie, particularly if you let them put everything on it.  Also, once upon a time there was a pizza joint in downtown Herndon, Virginia that was almost as good (but they are gone now).  At one time they offered to ship a "fresh-made pizza" anywhere in the world.  Our company president at that time was originally from Pittsburgh and almost agreed to let me order one shipped to an overseas project.  No big deal, since he would always try to schedule a trip to Vincent's whenever we both happened to be in The 'Burgh at the same time.

Man.... you can feel the arteries clogging when you're eating a Vinnie pie.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 11, 2021, 09:39:55 AM
apparently my check engine light was telling me something real.

turned out i had bad motor mounts.

it was telling me literally, check that the engine is still in the car.

could you see it? 'hello, i've just experienced a very sudden loss of power, and something came flying out of the hood..'
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on November 11, 2021, 11:08:57 AM
Quote from: Mr_Northside on November 08, 2021, 02:40:04 PM
Quote from: Dirt Roads on November 07, 2021, 02:44:44 PM
I do agree, but I did find several exceptions:  Vincent's Pizza Park in the Pittsburgh area does a great job with an everything pizza on a large pie, particularly if you let them put everything on it.  Also, once upon a time there was a pizza joint in downtown Herndon, Virginia that was almost as good (but they are gone now).  At one time they offered to ship a "fresh-made pizza" anywhere in the world.  Our company president at that time was originally from Pittsburgh and almost agreed to let me order one shipped to an overseas project.  No big deal, since he would always try to schedule a trip to Vincent's whenever we both happened to be in The 'Burgh at the same time.

Man.... you can feel the arteries clogging when you're eating a Vinnie pie.
I used to hate pizza having sauce. Now I dont!  :)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 17, 2021, 04:17:14 PM
Silver quarters: for when you want to give a tip to a server directly but that location pools tips

(no, I haven't actually done this)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 17, 2021, 04:25:56 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 17, 2021, 04:17:14 PM
Silver quarters: for when you want to give a tip to a server directly but that location pools tips

(no, I haven't actually done this)

I don't think you should do this. The tip pooling thing is often an employer requirement and the server can get in deep trouble or ultimately be fired for not putting their tips in the pool, and if other employees start suspecting someone is withholding their tips it can lead to a messy situation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2021, 06:13:53 PM
Also you would be surprised how many people don't know how to tell what a quarter is made of, or how many even check.

We pooled our tips at the casino, but if someone left a tip of something interesting like a silver quarter or red seal bill we could swap that out with one from our drawer, then swap it again later with one from our wallet. That way the 25¢ still ended up in the tip pool, and the silver quarter ended up going to whoever wanted it. Win-win, considering that if the silver quarter went in the tip pool it'd just be deposited.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
Oh deer.
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!  :ded: :poke: :pan:
Gotta go to Tarheel Collison tomorrow to get a quote for it.  :ded:Poor car.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: renegade on November 17, 2021, 07:28:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
Oh deer.
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!  :ded: :poke: :pan:
Gotta go to Tarheel Collison tomorrow to get a quote for it.  :ded:Poor car.  :rolleyes:
Wish I knew what any of that means.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 17, 2021, 07:36:59 PM
Quote from: renegade on November 17, 2021, 07:28:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
Oh deer.
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!  :ded: :poke: :pan:
Gotta go to Tarheel Collison tomorrow to get a quote for it.  :ded:Poor car.  :rolleyes:
Wish I knew what any of that means.

My take:

-  The poster got excited about seeing a deer somewhere.
-  The entirety of the North Pole and Santa's Workshop is suffering from a general malaise in life.  Hence the struggle to find any joy in a car crash.
-  Somehow this involves the futile attempts of a body shop in North Carolina to save Christmas. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on November 17, 2021, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: renegade on November 17, 2021, 07:28:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
Oh deer.
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!  :ded: :poke: :pan:
Gotta go to Tarheel Collison tomorrow to get a quote for it.  :ded:Poor car.  :rolleyes:
Wish I knew what any of that means.
My father got into a SERIOUS car crash. It caused a total loss and needs to be repaired.  :pan: :-(
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on November 17, 2021, 07:40:23 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 17, 2021, 07:36:59 PM
Quote from: renegade on November 17, 2021, 07:28:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
Oh deer.
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!  :ded: :poke: :pan:
Gotta go to Tarheel Collison tomorrow to get a quote for it.  :ded:Poor car.  :rolleyes:
Wish I knew what any of that means.

My take:

-  The poster got excited about seeing a deer somewhere.
-  The entirety of the North Pole and Santa's Workshop is suffering from a general malaise in life.  Hence the struggle to find any joy in a car crash.
-  Somehow this involves the futile attempts of a body shop in North Carolina to save Christmas.
See above post for explanation. Pictures available upon request.
Whole front fender is damaged. The tire is off and the mirror is NOT working.  :no:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 17, 2021, 07:41:32 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: renegade on November 17, 2021, 07:28:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
Oh deer.
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!  :ded: :poke: :pan:
Gotta go to Tarheel Collison tomorrow to get a quote for it.  :ded:Poor car.  :rolleyes:
Wish I knew what any of that means.
My father got into a SERIOUS car crash. It caused a total loss and needs to be repaired.  :pan: :-(

A total loss of your father or the car? 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on November 17, 2021, 07:56:52 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 17, 2021, 07:41:32 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: renegade on November 17, 2021, 07:28:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
Oh deer.
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!  :ded: :poke: :pan:
Gotta go to Tarheel Collison tomorrow to get a quote for it.  :ded:Poor car.  :rolleyes:
Wish I knew what any of that means.
My father got into a SERIOUS car crash. It caused a total loss and needs to be repaired.  :pan: :-(

A total loss of your father or the car?
the car!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 17, 2021, 09:51:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 17, 2021, 04:17:14 PM
Silver quarters: for when you want to give a tip to a server directly but that location pools tips

(no, I haven't actually done this)

Lots and lots of people would miss that it's silver.  Silver coins hardly ever appear in change anymore for the past half a century.  Most likely the server would call you a skinflint, while the beneficiary of your largesse would be the cashier where the server shops, or the bank where some business that accepted the quarter from the server made their deposits.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 18, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 17, 2021, 06:59:45 PM
The whole North Pole is trying to reel from another car crash!

Back when I worked on them for a living, I remember a few slot machines that were "trying to reel" (and failing at it).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 18, 2021, 03:40:13 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 17, 2021, 09:51:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 17, 2021, 04:17:14 PM
Silver quarters: for when you want to give a tip to a server directly but that location pools tips

(no, I haven't actually done this)

Lots and lots of people would miss that it's silver.  Silver coins hardly ever appear in change anymore for the past half a century.  Most likely the server would call you a skinflint, while the beneficiary of your largesse would be the cashier where the server shops, or the bank where some business that accepted the quarter from the server made their deposits.


The few pieces of silver coinage I've collected from circulation were probably Very Good to Fine, at best...thus, hardly tip money. Doubtful someone's going to bother appraising/selling it for $1-2 in return (if even that much).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 18, 2021, 05:25:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on November 18, 2021, 03:40:13 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 17, 2021, 09:51:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 17, 2021, 04:17:14 PM
Silver quarters: for when you want to give a tip to a server directly but that location pools tips

(no, I haven't actually done this)

Lots and lots of people would miss that it's silver.  Silver coins hardly ever appear in change anymore for the past half a century.  Most likely the server would call you a skinflint, while the beneficiary of your largesse would be the cashier where the server shops, or the bank where some business that accepted the quarter from the server made their deposits.


The few pieces of silver coinage I've collected from circulation were probably Very Good to Fine, at best...thus, hardly tip money. Doubtful someone's going to bother appraising/selling it for $1-2 in return (if even that much).

I've collected a decent amount of it over the years. Definitely wouldn't be worth finding a place to buy it for one coin, but if I sold all of it I could get maybe $30 for about $3.75 worth of cost. Nice profit margin, but not the gross isn't enough that I've gotten off my ass to find a way to realize that gain, even after not having any income for a year. So in the meantime, they sit in the safe.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 28, 2021, 07:51:28 PM
Control city for I-90 west as you're crossing from Wisconsin into Minnesota:

Common sense: Rochester
MnDOT: Albert Lea
ran4sh: Minneapolis
HighwayStar: Sioux Falls
FritzOwl: Reroute to and sign as Mankato
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 28, 2021, 08:26:03 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 28, 2021, 07:51:28 PM
Control city for I-90 west as you're crossing from Wisconsin into Minnesota:

Common sense: Rochester
MnDOT: Albert Lea

WisDOT also uses Albert Lea at the 90/94 split in Tomah. Control cities are often about travel patterns as much as "common sense".

Quote
HighwayStar: Sioux Falls

I-90 technically enters Albert Lea city limits where the limits jut north along CSAH 22, and three of the four ramps at the CSAH 22 interchange are also in city limits.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 01:07:56 PM
I wish browsers would acknowledge strikethrough over images, perhaps by putting a thick diagonal slash over them. It would be useful for things like the various road sign games here, so that you could reply to an image and comment on it without others thinking it's the image they need to play off of, or mark it as an invalid play.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on December 02, 2021, 02:32:24 PM
Here's a use case that I wish Google Maps or similar would support (maybe one of them does):

I'm on Highway X (a road trip) and want to grab a quick lunch within the next hour. Show me good BBQ/Mexican/etc. places along the way in my direction, within 2 miles of an interchange.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 02, 2021, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 02, 2021, 02:32:24 PM
Here's a use case that I wish Google Maps or similar would support (maybe one of them does):

I'm on Highway X (a road trip) and want to grab a quick lunch within the next hour. Show me good BBQ/Mexican/etc. places along the way in my direction, within 2 miles of an interchange.

Google Maps does something similar; though it's not always super-specific. The range is close if there's a lot of choices for a vague search, but can stretch out a considerable distance if one searches for "Shake Shack" and your location is near "Pine Bluff, Arkansas".

If I punch up a "gas station" 5 miles from an airport, it will oblige. (I'm not brand-picky for rental cars.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on December 02, 2021, 05:44:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 02, 2021, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 02, 2021, 02:32:24 PM
Here's a use case that I wish Google Maps or similar would support (maybe one of them does):

I'm on Highway X (a road trip) and want to grab a quick lunch within the next hour. Show me good BBQ/Mexican/etc. places along the way in my direction, within 2 miles of an interchange.

Google Maps does something similar; though it's not always super-specific. The range is close if there's a lot of choices for a vague search, but can stretch out a considerable distance if one searches for "Shake Shacks" near "Pine Bluff, Arkansas".

If I punch up a "gas station" 5 miles from an airport, it will oblige (I'm not brand-picky for rental cars.)

Can it do it along your corridor and not just at your current location, though?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 02, 2021, 05:46:45 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 02, 2021, 05:44:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 02, 2021, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 02, 2021, 02:32:24 PM
Here's a use case that I wish Google Maps or similar would support (maybe one of them does):

I'm on Highway X (a road trip) and want to grab a quick lunch within the next hour. Show me good BBQ/Mexican/etc. places along the way in my direction, within 2 miles of an interchange.

Google Maps does something similar; though it's not always super-specific. The range is close if there's a lot of choices for a vague search, but can stretch out a considerable distance if one searches for "Shake Shacks" near "Pine Bluff, Arkansas".

If I punch up a "gas station" 5 miles from an airport, it will oblige (I'm not brand-picky for rental cars.)

Can it do it along your corridor and not just at your current location, though?

Not really, unless the retail locations are all along a route and the environs are otherwise bereft of choices (think: rural interstate).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 31, 2021, 10:24:43 PM
Hope everyone's city is having a better night than Saginaw is having. So far someone was shot in the head at a Family Dollar on the other side of town from me and all you can hear in the distance is gun shots and sirens.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on December 31, 2021, 10:49:26 PM
If a live oak tree dies, is it called a dead oak tree?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2021, 11:11:12 PM
Why are so many places called "Insert Name Park"  or "Insert Name Heights"  when they clearly have nothing to with a park or a place of high elevation?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on December 31, 2021, 11:34:01 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2021, 11:11:12 PM
Why are so many places called "Insert Name Park"  or "Insert Name Heights"  when they clearly have nothing to with a park or a place of high elevation?

Heh, in MSP we have those right next to each other with Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul Park.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 01, 2022, 07:21:41 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2021, 11:11:12 PM
Why are so many places called "Insert Name Park"  or "Insert Name Heights"  when they clearly have nothing to with a park or a place of high elevation?
I think of the Detroit suburbs with this. Highland Park, Grosse Pointe Park, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Oak Park, Hazel Park, Dearborn Heights, Sterling Heights and so on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 01, 2022, 07:26:00 AM
Interestingly, it doesn't happen in New England.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on January 05, 2022, 06:52:12 PM
Ok but yall where is a place where you can find regular updates on route changes, truncations and stuff on mainly US routes?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on January 05, 2022, 08:35:25 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 05, 2022, 06:52:12 PM
Ok but yall where is a place where you can find regular updates on route changes, truncations and stuff on mainly US routes?
General Highway Talk
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 07, 2022, 07:22:18 AM
How many people know that Medford, New York has a private road that's actually named "Private Road?"

I've seen old Hagstrom's maps indicating that it had another name years ago, but the Town of Brookhaven officially names it "Private Road."


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 07, 2022, 08:38:19 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 01, 2022, 07:21:41 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2021, 11:11:12 PM
Why are so many places called "Insert Name Park"  or "Insert Name Heights"  when they clearly have nothing to with a park or a place of high elevation?
I think of the Detroit suburbs with this. Highland Park, Grosse Pointe Park, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Oak Park, Hazel Park, Dearborn Heights, Sterling Heights and so on.

I submit that it's done simply to make the place sound more appealing.  Same with naming a street as "terrace," "crescent," "trail," "way," etc. instead of simply "street."  Or ridiculously soothing names such as "Whispering Oaks Drive" (I believe there is a recent thread in the General Highway Talk board about this).  Or pretentious subdivision names such as "Pebble Creek Estates at Heritage Point" (with bonus points if they add superfluous "e"s such as "Pointe").
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 07, 2022, 12:30:02 PM
one of the scungiest trailer parks in my town is called 'stone crest'.

of course, we can't call them trailer parks. now they're 'manufactured home communities'. generally inhabited by 'justice-involved' people.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 08, 2022, 11:05:49 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 07, 2022, 12:30:02 PM
one of the scungiest trailer parks in my town is called 'stone crest'.

of course, we can't call them trailer parks. now they're 'manufactured home communities'. generally inhabited by 'justice-involved' people.
Actually, there's a genuine difference between the two. The mobile homes are the stuff you see in trailer parks. The manufactured homes are two halves of a house hauled on trailers that are removed when they get to a designated spot and attached together.


I'd love to see a tandem of manufactured homes someday.  :)


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 09, 2022, 01:13:29 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 08, 2022, 11:05:49 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 07, 2022, 12:30:02 PM
one of the scungiest trailer parks in my town is called 'stone crest'.

of course, we can't call them trailer parks. now they're 'manufactured home communities'. generally inhabited by 'justice-involved' people.
Actually, there's a genuine difference between the two. The mobile homes are the stuff you see in trailer parks. The manufactured homes are two halves of a house hauled on trailers that are removed when they get to a designated spot and attached together.


I'd love to see a tandem of manufactured homes someday.  :)

The place that I'm talking about does not have these types of homes they are just trailers but they still call with a manufactured home community now. Even though it is a very scuzzy place
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 07:05:05 AM
We call mobile homes double wides here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 09, 2022, 08:35:50 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 09, 2022, 01:13:29 AM
The place that I'm talking about does not have these types of homes they are just trailers but they still call with a manufactured home community now. Even though it is a very scuzzy place
Yeah, I knew there was some political correctness in your post. I just wanted to remind people who didn't know that there was a real distinction.

I'm reminded of a scene from "Up the Down Staircase," where Sylvia Barrett asks her students how she can contact the janitor about a broken window in her classroom, and one of the kids replies sarcastically. "Custodian. This is a very classy school."



Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 09, 2022, 10:49:15 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 07:05:05 AM
We call mobile homes double wides here.

Who knew my rear end was a mobile home?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 12, 2022, 12:21:23 PM
I-10 connects to I-20 connects to I-30 connects to I-40.

Also, I-80 runs concurrent with I-90 for a good ways.

This leaves I-70 as the only 2DI X0 that's all by itself.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 12, 2022, 01:03:49 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 12, 2022, 12:21:23 PM
I-10 connects to I-20 connects to I-30 connects to I-40.

Also, I-80 runs concurrent with I-90 for a good ways.

This leaves I-70 as the only 2DI X0 that's all by itself.

Interesting thought. 

Sometimes I do consider I-70 reaching California (particularly Los Angeles) in the same fashion as I-40 does, just over a much longer route, making I-10 and I-70 indirectly connected.  I know that doesn't count at all to your scenario, but it is used for Southern California traffic originating at points on the I-70 corridor.  I guess you can say that about the whole system though. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on January 16, 2022, 03:44:33 PM
Remember that brief period in the late 1990s when swing music was really popular, then just disappeared again seemingly overnight? That was weird.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on January 16, 2022, 04:03:13 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 12, 2022, 12:21:23 PM
I-10 connects to I-20 connects to I-30 connects to I-40.

Also, I-80 runs concurrent with I-90 for a good ways.

This leaves I-70 as the only 2DI X0 that's all by itself.
I-70 used to run concurrently with I-80S on the PA turnpike, before I-80S got renumbered to I-76, so at one point, every x0 met another one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 17, 2022, 12:52:12 AM
Who here has seen the 1974 Martin Scorsese movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore?"


Is it just me, or does the opening segment make you feel like you're being repeatedly pulled into the screen? It would take a lot to convince me that watching this segment doesn't require being on some kind of hallucinogenic chemicals.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GenExpwy on January 17, 2022, 03:26:56 AM
Just learned this:
Gary Numan is 13 days older than Gary Oldman.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 19, 2022, 03:22:46 AM
The National Weather Service website has a map that uses ESRI tiles. I noticed this unusual "mountain peak" in south Oklahoma City, so I zoomed in.
(https://i.imgur.com/UGb9CFk.png)

Anyone who's familiar with that part of OKC could tell you...that's not a mountain, that's the OKC dump!  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on January 19, 2022, 05:01:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 19, 2022, 03:22:46 AM
The National Weather Service website has a map that uses ESRI tiles. I noticed this unusual "mountain peak" in south Oklahoma City, so I zoomed in.
(https://i.imgur.com/UGb9CFk.png)

Anyone who's familiar with that part of OKC could tell you...that's not a mountain, that's the OKC dump!  :-D

All it takes is a bit of prettying up to turn it into a real hill, though!

We turned a rubble pile in a gasification plant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_Works_Park) into a great sledding hill.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on January 19, 2022, 03:07:27 PM
Quote from: Bruce on January 19, 2022, 05:01:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 19, 2022, 03:22:46 AM
The National Weather Service website has a map that uses ESRI tiles. I noticed this unusual "mountain peak" in south Oklahoma City, so I zoomed in.
(https://i.imgur.com/UGb9CFk.png)

Anyone who's familiar with that part of OKC could tell you...that's not a mountain, that's the OKC dump!  :-D

All it takes is a bit of prettying up to turn it into a real hill, though!

We turned a rubble pile in a gasification plant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_Works_Park) into a great sledding hill.

Looks like RTGame has a new favorite terraforming tool: DUMPS
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 21, 2022, 05:41:24 AM
I'm not sure where to put this but it was kind of a random thought so I thought it would go here. I went to Flint yesterday to eat lunch and decided to drive around the city with my buddy and show him some of the worst parts of Flint. I got gas at the Marathon gas station on Davison and Lynch and was approached by a guy that was begging people for money his exact words to me were, "I'm trying to get my me, my three daughters and my wife some food." Right away I said I can't help ya sorry and he walked away. Then I decided to get out of the area a little bit to get away from him I had no idea what he was up to. So I went up to the old Kroger lot on Davison and Franklin and sat there for a minute before leaving. I then proceeded to go south on Franklin and turn on Kentucky Avenue after I noticed a burned out building a few blocks away that I wanted to get closer to.

As I drove down Kentucky Avenue the evidence of a truly abandoned city came front and center. The first house was burned all the way through, across the street on the north side of the street was where it looked real bad, there were a few houses here and there on the block between Franklin and Vernon that were occupied but most of them were in a pretty sad state. The building that I noticed was an old school called Washington Elementary School and it is being demolished after sitting vacant since 2014. I wanted to know more about the building so I came home and googled the area and come to find out the building caught on fire in October and is now being demolished. The building was built in 1921 so it is now 101 years old. After these schools close they are never going to be reused as schools and it is pretty sad that they end up like this. Flint has lost a lot of population over the last 60 years (a city of 196,000 in 1960 today has around 85,000). A lot of abandoned homes in this city, it actually reminded me of Detroit in the 1990's and 2000's.

This is an article about the school I'm talking about.
https://flintbeat.com/fire-ravages-former-flint-elementary-school/
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on January 21, 2022, 09:21:28 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 21, 2022, 05:41:24 AM
I'm not sure where to put this but it was kind of a random thought so I thought it would go here. I went to Flint yesterday to eat lunch and decided to drive around the city with my buddy and show him some of the worst parts of Flint. I got gas at the Marathon gas station on Davison and Lynch and was approached by a guy that was begging people for money his exact words to me were, "I'm trying to get my me, my three daughters and my wife some food." Right away I said I can't help ya sorry and he walked away. Then I decided to get out of the area a little bit to get away from him I had no idea what he was up to. So I went up to the old Kroger lot on Davison and Franklin and sat there for a minute before leaving. I then proceeded to go south on Franklin and turn on Kentucky Avenue after I noticed a burned out building a few blocks away that I wanted to get closer to.

As I drove down Kentucky Avenue the evidence of a truly abandoned city came front and center. The first house was burned all the way through, across the street on the north side of the street was where it looked real bad, there were a few houses here and there on the block between Franklin and Vernon that were occupied but most of them were in a pretty sad state. The building that I noticed was an old school called Washington Elementary School and it is being demolished after sitting vacant since 2014. I wanted to know more about the building so I came home and googled the area and come to find out the building caught on fire in October and is now being demolished. The building was built in 1921 so it is now 101 years old. After these schools close they are never going to be reused as schools and it is pretty sad that they end up like this. Flint has lost a lot of population over the last 60 years (a city of 196,000 in 1960 today has around 85,000). A lot of abandoned homes in this city, it actually reminded me of Detroit in the 1990's and 2000's.

This is an article about the school I'm talking about.
https://flintbeat.com/fire-ravages-former-flint-elementary-school/
This is depressing. Unfortunately, it looks Jackson, Ms is going down the same path. And the crime rate is terrible. The amount of times I hear gunshots when I visit my grandma..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 21, 2022, 09:24:16 AM
What amazes me is how cities like Detroit and Flint lost over half their population the last half century when the overall human has tripled during the same time period.  Historically declines like that would have only been caused by war or disease. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on January 21, 2022, 09:36:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 21, 2022, 09:24:16 AM
What amazes me is how cities like Detroit and Flint lost over half their population the last half century when the overall human has tripled during the same time period.  Historically declines like that would have only been caused by war or disease.
And East St. Louis.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 21, 2022, 10:40:33 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 21, 2022, 09:21:28 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 21, 2022, 05:41:24 AM
I'm not sure where to put this but it was kind of a random thought so I thought it would go here. I went to Flint yesterday to eat lunch and decided to drive around the city with my buddy and show him some of the worst parts of Flint. I got gas at the Marathon gas station on Davison and Lynch and was approached by a guy that was begging people for money his exact words to me were, "I'm trying to get my me, my three daughters and my wife some food." Right away I said I can't help ya sorry and he walked away. Then I decided to get out of the area a little bit to get away from him I had no idea what he was up to. So I went up to the old Kroger lot on Davison and Franklin and sat there for a minute before leaving. I then proceeded to go south on Franklin and turn on Kentucky Avenue after I noticed a burned out building a few blocks away that I wanted to get closer to.

As I drove down Kentucky Avenue the evidence of a truly abandoned city came front and center. The first house was burned all the way through, across the street on the north side of the street was where it looked real bad, there were a few houses here and there on the block between Franklin and Vernon that were occupied but most of them were in a pretty sad state. The building that I noticed was an old school called Washington Elementary School and it is being demolished after sitting vacant since 2014. I wanted to know more about the building so I came home and googled the area and come to find out the building caught on fire in October and is now being demolished. The building was built in 1921 so it is now 101 years old. After these schools close they are never going to be reused as schools and it is pretty sad that they end up like this. Flint has lost a lot of population over the last 60 years (a city of 196,000 in 1960 today has around 85,000). A lot of abandoned homes in this city, it actually reminded me of Detroit in the 1990's and 2000's.

This is an article about the school I'm talking about.
https://flintbeat.com/fire-ravages-former-flint-elementary-school/
This is depressing. Unfortunately, it looks Jackson, Ms is going down the same path. And the crime rate is terrible. The amount of times I hear gunshots when I visit my grandma..
I'm not familiar with Jackson but the surrounding areas of Flint aren't as bad, like Grand Blanc is nice, Flushing is nice, Swartz Creek is nice, Davison is nice, Clio is nice, Fenton is nice and Flint Township isn't bad either. Flint itself isn't the greatest place but it isn't totally bad like the entire city it's just these off the beaten path neighborhoods that are in bad shape, parts of Burton are bad but the further you get away from Flint it becomes a lot better, Mount Morris is another one that is bad in areas. After I came back to Saginaw yesterday my first reaction was wow this city is in much better shape in it's worst areas than Flint is. Flint used to be a nice city when the auto industry was booming, they had 80,000 GM workers in the late 1970's, today they are lucky if they have 5,000 GM workers in Flint.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 21, 2022, 10:49:19 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 21, 2022, 09:24:16 AM
What amazes me is how cities like Detroit and Flint lost over half their population the last half century when the overall human has tripled during the same time period.  Historically declines like that would have only been caused by war or disease.
I guess it's crime, schooling and jobs that have led to the mass decline of these cities, at least those are major factors. And it's not just Detroit and Flint but the entire state. Michigan hasn't had any true growth since the 1960's, since 1980 the largest percentage of growth was 6.9% between 1990 and 2000 as well as a loss of 0.6% between 2000 and 2010. The state finally cracked 10 million in population in the 2020 census. This state has only added 1.2 million new residents since 1970 which comes out to an average of 24,000 per year, that is totally ridiculous.

Now compare it to Georgia which is roughly the same size as Michigan, a little bigger but not by much. Georgia has doubled it's population in the same time period. I think it's really depressing living in Michigan anymore, the winter's suck and all the major cities seem to be in decline except for maybe Grand Rapids which is the only major city in the state that currently has it's peak population of all time. I think if I was moving to Michigan today I'd move to the Grand Rapids area.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 21, 2022, 11:22:27 AM
Detroit and Flint put all their eggs in one basket (automaking). They're the closure of the small-town plant on an outsized scale.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on January 21, 2022, 09:19:19 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 21, 2022, 11:22:27 AM
Detroit and Flint put all their eggs in one basket (automaking). They're the closure of the small-town plant on an outsized scale.
During the automotive decline in the 70s, Northeast Detroit and Harper Woods were still affluent until the mid 2000s. Now it's rundown.

Grosse Pointe on the other hand, is still going strong.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on January 30, 2022, 07:25:28 PM
Cincinnati is the most populous metro area without a California Pizza Kitchen and second largest (after Pittsburgh) without a Shake Shack.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Dirt Roads on January 30, 2022, 08:35:22 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on January 30, 2022, 07:25:28 PM
Cincinnati is the most populous metro area without a California Pizza Kitchen... <snipped>

Of course, that is because LaRosa's uses provolone instead of mozzarella.  No need for anything other than Cincinnati-style pizza.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 30, 2022, 09:40:33 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on January 21, 2022, 09:19:19 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 21, 2022, 11:22:27 AM
Detroit and Flint put all their eggs in one basket (automaking). They're the closure of the small-town plant on an outsized scale.
During the automotive decline in the 70s, Northeast Detroit and Harper Woods were still affluent until the mid 2000s. Now it's rundown.

Grosse Pointe on the other hand, is still going strong.
Northeast Detroit and Harper Woods started going downhill in the 70's. The area between Kelly and Schoenherr south of 8 Mile has long been one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city of Detroit with 7 Mile and Gratiot being a crime ridden area and it's been that way for quite awhile. Detroit has come back quite well though since Mike Duggan has been mayor.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 31, 2022, 12:16:51 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 16, 2022, 03:44:33 PM
Remember that brief period in the late 1990s when swing music was really popular, then just disappeared again seemingly overnight? That was weird.
That trend emerged from Third-wave Ska music, believe it or not. However, Joe Jackson tried to start a swing revival in 1981 with his "Jumpin' Jive" album, and it wasn't as well-received.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 31, 2022, 12:52:59 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 31, 2022, 12:16:51 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 16, 2022, 03:44:33 PM
Remember that brief period in the late 1990s when swing music was really popular, then just disappeared again seemingly overnight? That was weird.
That trend emerged from Third-wave Ska music, believe it or not. However, Joe Jackson tried to start a swing revival in 1981 with his "Jumpin' Jive" album, and it wasn't as well-received.

Yeah, I remember that.  Funny thing is it was pre-internet. 

Seems the internet has been responsible for things being a fiery hot trend then disappearing and everyone acting like they weren't obsessed with it just a few months ago.

Gangnam Style
The Harlem Shake
Uptown Funk
That dress that was blue/black or white/gold
Those two lamas
Zombies
Bacon
Ninjas
What Does the Fox Say?
Despacito
Laurel or Yanny
The Kiki Challenge
Ice Bucket Challenge
Chilli Pepper Challenge
The Mannequin Challenge
Tiger King
Squid Game


All of these qualify as the same thing.  Something everyone was talking about non stop and then if you ask those same people about it today they will have no recollection of it existing, much less being complete obsessed with it when it was big.   The internet helps with information being almost real time. Someone says this is popular and everyone gets that information immediately. Conversely someone says this is no longer cool and everyone gets that information immediately that they now need to move on to the next thing.   

I understand it now.  Something that came and went in the 90s is strange.  Fads have come and gone for ages, but in today's world they can explode and then completely vanish in literally a week.  I am fascinated with that.  Not the fads, no.  I am fascinated with people I know shutting down their lives completely for this fad, then later acting like they didn't shut their lives down for that fad. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on January 31, 2022, 05:38:56 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 31, 2022, 12:52:59 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 31, 2022, 12:16:51 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 16, 2022, 03:44:33 PM
Remember that brief period in the late 1990s when swing music was really popular, then just disappeared again seemingly overnight? That was weird.
That trend emerged from Third-wave Ska music, believe it or not. However, Joe Jackson tried to start a swing revival in 1981 with his "Jumpin' Jive" album, and it wasn't as well-received.

Yeah, I remember that.  Funny thing is it was pre-internet. 

Seems the internet has been responsible for things being a fiery hot trend then disappearing and everyone acting like they weren't obsessed with it just a few months ago.

Gangnam Style
The Harlem Shake
Uptown Funk
That dress that was blue/black or white/gold
Those two lamas
Zombies
Bacon
Ninjas
What Does the Fox Say?
Despacito
Laurel or Yanny
The Kiki Challenge
Ice Bucket Challenge
Chilli Pepper Challenge
The Mannequin Challenge
Tiger King
Squid Game


All of these qualify as the same thing.  Something everyone was talking about non stop and then if you ask those same people about it today they will have no recollection of it existing, much less being complete obsessed with it when it was big.   The internet helps with information being almost real time. Someone says this is popular and everyone gets that information immediately. Conversely someone says this is no longer cool and everyone gets that information immediately that they now need to move on to the next thing.   

I understand it now.  Something that came and went in the 90s is strange.  Fads have come and gone for ages, but in today's world they can explode and then completely vanish in literally a week.  I am fascinated with that.  Not the fads, no.  I am fascinated with people I know shutting down their lives completely for this fad, then later acting like they didn't shut their lives down for that fad. 


I'm sure it had happened before, too. The swing revival was notably preserved by some 90s sitcoms making episodes involving it. Friends and Home Improvement off the top of my head, and a third (I want to say Just Shoot Me, but not 100% on that) where two of the main characters are looking to join a swing dancing club but inadvertently join a swingers' sex club. I'm also watching through Frasier currently and wouldn't be surprised if there's an episode mentioning it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 31, 2022, 07:20:40 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 31, 2022, 12:52:59 PM
That dress that was blue/black or white/gold

Gotta say that's still somewhat fascinating to me, because photographic white balance can really distort the perception of colors. 

Quote from: Takumi on January 31, 2022, 05:38:56 PM
Remember that brief period in the late 1990s when swing music was really popular, then just disappeared again seemingly overnight? That was weird.

Ah yes, Squirrel Nut Zippers were huge for about 2-3 months. "Hot" is still a fun listen.

Someone remarked that it was an amazing surprise hit, since it was difficult to get airplay for a genre that fit few radio stations' patterns. (I don't know if I worded that right.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: allniter89 on January 31, 2022, 10:47:04 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 31, 2022, 12:16:51 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 16, 2022, 03:44:33 PM
Remember that brief period in the late 1990s when swing music was really popular, then just disappeared again seemingly overnight? That was weird.
That trend emerged from Third-wave Ska music, believe it or not. However, Joe Jackson tried to start a swing revival in 1981 with his "Jumpin' Jive" album, and it wasn't as well-received.


My mothers' fav dance was the Swing, she said it was sooo much fun. She was in her 70s, she ballroom danced til she was 90.
I enjoy Brian Seltzers' Orchestra music occasionaly. I prefer Rock n Roll tho!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: allniter89 on February 01, 2022, 12:55:39 AM
This posts' purpose is to raise my post count past six six six. to 667 :awesomeface:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 01, 2022, 03:12:36 AM
Quote from: allniter89 on February 01, 2022, 12:55:39 AM
This posts' purpose is to raise my post count past six six six. to 667 :awesomeface:


It didn't work. :P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 01, 2022, 03:22:55 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 01, 2022, 03:12:36 AM
Quote from: allniter89 on February 01, 2022, 12:55:39 AM
This posts' purpose is to raise my post count past six six six. to 667 :awesomeface:


It didn't work. :P

Shenanigans, I tell you!  :pan:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kevinb1994 on February 01, 2022, 06:26:44 AM
Quote from: allniter89 on January 31, 2022, 10:47:04 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 31, 2022, 12:16:51 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 16, 2022, 03:44:33 PM
Remember that brief period in the late 1990s when swing music was really popular, then just disappeared again seemingly overnight? That was weird.
That trend emerged from Third-wave Ska music, believe it or not. However, Joe Jackson tried to start a swing revival in 1981 with his "Jumpin' Jive" album, and it wasn't as well-received.


My mothers' fav dance was the Swing, she said it was sooo much fun. She was in her 70s, she ballroom danced til she was 90.
I enjoy Brian Setzer's Orchestra music occasionaly. I prefer Rock n Roll tho!
FIFY

I'm a fan of Setzer myself ("˜Rock This Town' is one for the ages, and he put out a Christmas album some years ago), but I haven't listened to him in awhile. Rock and roll will never die, of course.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on February 02, 2022, 06:46:18 PM
Force is the derivative of energy, and the derivative of force is momentum. Meaning that momentum is somehow a more significant quantity than force (because the second derivative is the most useful).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 02, 2022, 08:01:18 PM
First year calculus?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on February 02, 2022, 09:05:07 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 02, 2022, 08:01:18 PM
First year calculus?
College physics, actually. Basic college physics.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on February 02, 2022, 10:08:00 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 02, 2022, 06:46:18 PM
Force is the derivative of energy, and the derivative of force is momentum. Meaning that momentum is somehow a more significant quantity than force (because the second derivative is the most useful).

Hm? Force is the derivative of momentum with respect to time (F = m*a = m*dv/dt = dp/dt).

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2022, 10:10:07 PM
If something is "out of order"  was it once "in of order?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: noelbotevera on February 02, 2022, 10:27:26 PM
Quote from: US 89 on February 02, 2022, 10:08:00 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 02, 2022, 06:46:18 PM
Force is the derivative of energy, and the derivative of force is momentum. Meaning that momentum is somehow a more significant quantity than force (because the second derivative is the most useful).

Hm? Force is the derivative of momentum with respect to time (F = m*a = m*dv/dt = dp/dt).
I have this backwards. Impulse is the integration of force w.r.t time, but energy (or rather work) is the integration of force with respect to displacement. Deriving force in that scenario (with respect to displacement) results in...I think jerk, because it's assumed that mass is constant.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 02, 2022, 10:38:52 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2022, 10:10:07 PM
If something is "out of order"  was it once "in of order?"

I mean, it would be awkward to say it like that, so I guess that's why we call that situation "working as expected".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 02, 2022, 10:56:53 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2022, 10:10:07 PM
If something is "out of order"  was it once "in of order?"

No, it just means that the order it contains has been depleted and more order needs to be supplied at the next available opportunity.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 05, 2022, 06:50:46 AM
I thought this was rather cool. Yesterday as I was driving on SB I-75 heading to Detroit a bunch of traffic got jammed up in the two lane stretch between the US-23 split and the south end of I-475. A Dodge Journey with Texas license plates decides to start weaving in and out of traffic and punching it. When we got up to the point where I-475 dumps into I-75 south and a third lane is added from I-475's off ramp the Dodge Journey punched it and was doing over 100 mph. About 10 miles down the road near the Grange Hall exit a Michigan State trooper had the Dodge Journey pulled over, I started laughing when I saw that it was the Dodge Journey that had been blowing around all the traffic. It had a different colored tailgate than the rest of the vehicle. I loved seeing that though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on February 06, 2022, 12:49:22 PM
Kids don't know how good they have it these days.  When I was young, I had to walk through 9 feet of shag carpet to change the channel on the TV.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 06, 2022, 12:55:05 PM
Quote from: GaryV on February 06, 2022, 12:49:22 PM
Kids don't know how good they have it these days.  When I was young, I had to walk through 9 feet of shag carpet to change the channel on the TV.

when I was a kid, the only tv we got up here was a fuzzy-at-best channel 5 out of cheyenne, unless you wanted to shell out serious cash for the old c-band satellite. so, no channel-changing, but frequent knocking-snow-off-the-antenna.

now i have 500 channels of directv and don't even miss stupid channel 5.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on February 06, 2022, 03:20:44 PM
Some states favor extruded signs (see other thread). Other states favor increment.

Craig County takes a little from the former, and the rest from the latter :-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 06, 2022, 03:29:07 PM
That took me a minute. :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 07, 2022, 03:21:25 PM
https://twitter.com/StanleyRoberts/status/1490781702142054401
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 09, 2022, 12:20:23 AM
Ugh, another good website is dead, and Internet Archives won't preserve it.

Some guy who called himself "railkid" used to have a website which included a guide to the railroad regulatory signs, and now it's gone:
http://railkid.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/NORACSignalRules3.png
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 09, 2022, 08:09:15 AM
I mentioned it awhile ago but we have a county in Michigan that uses the same type of font for street signs that the famous or infamous maybe Craig County sign uses. The Michigan county that does this is Tuscola.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 14, 2022, 11:50:28 PM
What other signs are in the "RG Series" of the MUTCD besides this one?


(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/MUTCD_RG-260.svg/600px-MUTCD_RG-260.svg.png)

Because I looked on the source link for that sign, and it's dead.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 14, 2022, 11:52:02 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 07, 2022, 03:21:25 PM
https://twitter.com/StanleyRoberts/status/1490781702142054401

They're called suppositories.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on February 25, 2022, 07:39:46 PM
Someone created 29 new threads this month (as of now) on this forum, and the month isn't even over yet. Probably a new record (and not a good one imo).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 25, 2022, 07:53:49 PM
Because there is no administrator's noticeboard thread on this forum, this thread is de facto the place to put things that would go there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on February 25, 2022, 07:57:34 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 25, 2022, 07:39:46 PM
Someone created 29 new threads this month (as of now) on this forum, and the month isn't even over yet. Probably a new record (and not a good one imo).

It's been asked before, I'll ask again...compilation thread for said user?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 25, 2022, 08:00:33 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 25, 2022, 07:39:46 PM
Someone created 29 new threads this month (as of now) on this forum, and the month isn't even over yet. Probably a new record (and not a good one imo).

It probably isn't the record.  It seems like someone comes along every year or so and does the same thing. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on February 25, 2022, 08:22:09 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on February 25, 2022, 07:57:34 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 25, 2022, 07:39:46 PM
Someone created 29 new threads this month (as of now) on this forum, and the month isn't even over yet. Probably a new record (and not a good one imo).

It's been asked before, I'll ask again...compilation thread for said user?
There technically is one (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28817.0), except it's not use that often, and he much prefers creating new threads.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:25:08 PM
In my thoughts I feel like when I come on aaroads, when I make a thread, (especially ones with little to no value) It's almost like a Tolbs vs Max contest.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:37:41 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:25:08 PM
In my thoughts I feel like when I come on aaroads, when I make a thread, (especially ones with little to no value) It's almost like a Tolbs vs Max contest.

What contest?  A lot of your threads require expounding upon to even get a baseline understanding of what you are trying to convey. 

Also, maybe instead of complaining about me perhaps you might actually want to put some effort into your postings?  It probably would serve you better than posting constant Google links with little to no expiation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:25:08 PM
In my thoughts I feel like when I come on aaroads, when I make a thread, (especially ones with little to no value) It's almost like a Tolbs vs Max contest.

When you post a thread with little value, it's not a contest, it's you wasting everyone else's time. Max is simply the one who speaks up.

If you recognize that a thread has no value, why are you posting it? You do realize by admitting you know your threads are valueless you're kind of making the case for why you shouldn't be allowed to make them, correct?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on February 27, 2022, 09:43:00 PM
well. i guess this is my trademark thread  :popcorn:.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 01, 2022, 12:58:02 PM
I didn't feel like starting a "funny geographic place name" thread, so here's Tippy Ditch on I-69 near Marion, Indiana:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51912488330_741e869e90_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n6k5bf)

I didn't think it was possible to misread a sign at least two times.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2022, 01:11:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 27, 2022, 09:43:00 PM
well. i guess this is my trademark thread  :popcorn:.

Mine probably is still this:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=17891.msg2141833#msg2141833
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on March 01, 2022, 06:57:29 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 25, 2022, 07:39:46 PM
Someone created 29 new threads this month (as of now) on this forum, and the month isn't even over yet. Probably a new record (and not a good one imo).
Now that it's the end of the month, final total is 31 threads. I wonder how many of those 31 are considered "spam"...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on March 03, 2022, 03:37:18 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2022, 01:11:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 27, 2022, 09:43:00 PM
well. i guess this is my trademark thread  :popcorn:.

Mine probably is still this:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=17891.msg2141833#msg2141833

That's kind of an interesting thread topic: what's your trademark thread? Mine might be my fictional interstates thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 03, 2022, 03:39:55 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on March 03, 2022, 03:37:18 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2022, 01:11:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 27, 2022, 09:43:00 PM
well. i guess this is my trademark thread  :popcorn:.

Mine probably is still this:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=17891.msg2141833#msg2141833

That's kind of an interesting thread topic: what's your trademark thread? Mine might be my fictional interstates thread.

Mine is probably either Road Sign UNO, single ideas that aren't enough for their own thread, or the FritzOwl compilation thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 03, 2022, 03:41:50 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on March 03, 2022, 03:37:18 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2022, 01:11:05 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 27, 2022, 09:43:00 PM
well. i guess this is my trademark thread  :popcorn:.

Mine probably is still this:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=17891.msg2141833#msg2141833

That's kind of an interesting thread topic: what's your trademark thread? Mine might be my fictional interstates thread.

Go ahead and open one up.  Way more interesting than all that post count shenanigans from years past.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2022, 05:30:11 AM
Someone needs to create a North Carolina version of the famous View of the World from 9th Avenue magazine cover.

(https://i.imgur.com/dpIvUgj.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on March 04, 2022, 09:33:36 AM
^^^^

My parents (both of whom grew up in Brooklyn) had a framed poster of that cover hanging in our house for many years (I don't know whether my mom still has it). As a kid, I always thought it made Jersey look like a dirt road. As an adult, I like that characterization of Jersey that much more (recognizing there are plenty of nice parts of Jersey, it still fits with the stereotype that the Turnpike is the only part of the state anyone from out-of-state knows anything about).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on March 04, 2022, 11:25:06 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 04, 2022, 05:30:11 AM
Someone needs to create a North Carolina version of the famous View of the World from 9th Avenue magazine cover.

(https://i.imgur.com/dpIvUgj.png)
Not quite as dramatic, but I made this sketch in a notebook: https://imgur.com/a/tzadWms
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 10:31:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:25:08 PM
In my thoughts I feel like when I come on aaroads, when I make a thread, (especially ones with little to no value) It's almost like a Tolbs vs Max contest.

When you post a thread with little value, it's not a contest, it's you wasting everyone else's time. Max is simply the one who speaks up.

If you recognize that a thread has no value, why are you posting it? You do realize by admitting you know your threads are valueless you're kind of making the case for why you shouldn't be allowed to make them, correct?
Because, it makes it interesting that states do something different (especially with the ones that might or might not follow the MUTCD guidelines) and some don't and it looks silly.... And yes
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 10:32:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:37:41 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:25:08 PM
In my thoughts I feel like when I come on aaroads, when I make a thread, (especially ones with little to no value) It's almost like a Tolbs vs Max contest.

What contest?  A lot of your threads require expounding upon to even get a baseline understanding of what you are trying to convey. 

Also, maybe instead of complaining about me perhaps you might actually want to put some effort into your postings?  It probably would serve you better than posting constant Google links with little to no expiation.
Just with you replying to my posts frequently!

And I will put some effort into my postings.. I try my best to do so.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2022, 10:41:57 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 10:31:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:25:08 PM
In my thoughts I feel like when I come on aaroads, when I make a thread, (especially ones with little to no value) It's almost like a Tolbs vs Max contest.

When you post a thread with little value, it's not a contest, it's you wasting everyone else's time. Max is simply the one who speaks up.

If you recognize that a thread has no value, why are you posting it? You do realize by admitting you know your threads are valueless you're kind of making the case for why you shouldn't be allowed to make them, correct?
Because, it makes it interesting that states do something different (especially with the ones that might or might not follow the MUTCD guidelines) and some don't and it looks silly.... And yes

You can't make something interesting by posting about it. If it's uninteresting and you make a post about it, then both the thing itself and your post about it will be uninteresting.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 05, 2022, 12:35:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 04, 2022, 10:41:57 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 10:31:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:25:08 PM
In my thoughts I feel like when I come on aaroads, when I make a thread, (especially ones with little to no value) It's almost like a Tolbs vs Max contest.

When you post a thread with little value, it's not a contest, it's you wasting everyone else's time. Max is simply the one who speaks up.

If you recognize that a thread has no value, why are you posting it? You do realize by admitting you know your threads are valueless you're kind of making the case for why you shouldn't be allowed to make them, correct?
Because, it makes it interesting that states do something different (especially with the ones that might or might not follow the MUTCD guidelines) and some don't and it looks silly.... And yes

You can't make something interesting by posting about it. If it's uninteresting and you make a post about it, then both the thing itself and your post about it will be uninteresting.
Like this (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=30800.0) thread for example. No replies, and I'm sure nobody cares about having airport, hospital, camp signs attached to the main exit sign huh?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 06, 2022, 03:56:09 PM
I dunno, wait a little until one thread has concluded and then start another?

If you bombard the forum with 2-3 threads a day, it shows you just want to vent. We're not here to unilaterally care about the same things you do. And we're not here to put out all your little fires, so to speak. Most of us want to share knowledge and learn something, not just post about minor differences in signage.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on March 06, 2022, 04:03:25 PM
I don't like the spam either. Here's the front page of the General board. Of the 14 most recent threads here, 8 of them are tolbs threads (one of those 8 got moved to fictional). So pretty much more than half of the most recently replied to 14 threads are from one user, and I (and probably the post quality restrictions filter too) categorize some of those as spam.
(https://i.imgur.com/UAZw45t.png?1)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 04:08:18 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 06, 2022, 04:03:25 PM
I don't like the spam either. Here's the front page of the General board. Of the 14 most recent threads here, 8 of them are tolbs threads (one of those 8 got moved to fictional). So pretty much more than half of the most recently replied to 14 threads are from one user, and I (and probably the post quality restrictions filter too) categorize some of those as spam.
(https://i.imgur.com/UAZw45t.png?1)

I know why you circled my name (because I was the one who moved it), but without that context that makes it look like you think I'm tolbs's sockpuppet :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 05:19:45 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 06, 2022, 03:56:09 PM
I dunno, wait a little until one thread has concluded and then start another?

If you bombard the forum with 2-3 threads a day, it shows you just want to vent. We're not here to unilaterally care about the same things you do. And we're not here to put out all your little fires, so to speak. Most of us want to share knowledge and learn something, not just post about minor differences in signage.
I normally make one thread a day. I will keep waiting
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on March 06, 2022, 05:33:41 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 06, 2022, 04:03:25 PM
I don't like the spam either. Here's the front page of the General board. Of the 14 most recent threads here, 8 of them are tolbs threads (one of those 8 got moved to fictional). So pretty much more than half of the most recently replied to 14 threads are from one user, and I (and probably the post quality restrictions filter too) categorize some of those as spam.
(https://i.imgur.com/UAZw45t.png?1)
It wouldn't look like that if a few users didn't perpetuate tolbs' threads by complaining about the number of North Carolina references in them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 06, 2022, 05:54:09 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 05:19:45 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 06, 2022, 03:56:09 PM
I dunno, wait a little until one thread has concluded and then start another?

If you bombard the forum with 2-3 threads a day, it shows you just want to vent. We're not here to unilaterally care about the same things you do. And we're not here to put out all your little fires, so to speak. Most of us want to share knowledge and learn something, not just post about minor differences in signage.
I normally make one thread a day. I will keep waiting

I'm not sure if you are aware but there is numerous Facebook groups which are more about popcorn posts.  Freewayjim, Roadgeekery and there is no way that is MUTCD complaint are common places to see more generic posts (including Google Maps images). 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on March 06, 2022, 11:00:20 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 05:19:45 PM
I normally make one thread a day. I will keep waiting

Protip: this is the wrong approach for most internet forums.

This isn't Discord or Facebook or a chatroom where you just post whatever comes to mind. Because it takes a little longer to make a post on here, it's generally expected that posts be thought through more and contribute something that a good chunk of the forum's membership will find interesting. This is a forum full of nitpicky pedantry and attention to detail, so the fact that a lot of people even on here have been consistently finding your topics too nitpicky or focused on uninteresting details should maybe suggest something. People get tired of seeing posts with contextless Google Maps links to some minor thing that North Carolina does, especially when it's framed as "why don't other states do it like this?" or as a poll with "do you prefer x or y?". Even on here, most people don't care.

If a post isn't going to contribute something interesting and well thought out... it's better off if it's never made at all. Waiting another day or two doesn't help. It may reduce the degree of forum spamming, but it doesn't make the post any better. There is no need to post a new thread (or at all) every day. Nor is there any need to apologize for not posting on here... which I've seen a couple people do in recent days/weeks.

(Side note: this culture does vary by forum. On another forum I lurk and post in on occasion, probably over half the posts consist of one-line thoughts that may not contribute a whole lot. That seems to be considered acceptable over there as opposed to here, but I find it makes threads exceptionally hard to read as it's basically a chatroom in a medium that wasn't built for that purpose.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:22:51 PM
Quote from: US 89 on March 06, 2022, 11:00:20 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 05:19:45 PM
I normally make one thread a day. I will keep waiting

Protip: this is the wrong approach for most internet forums.

This isn't Discord or Facebook or a chatroom where you just post whatever comes to mind. Because it takes a little longer to make a post on here, it's generally expected that posts be thought through more and contribute something that a good chunk of the forum's membership will find interesting. This is a forum full of nitpicky pedantry and attention to detail, so the fact that a lot of people even on here have been consistently finding your topics too nitpicky or focused on uninteresting details should maybe suggest something. People get tired of seeing posts with contextless Google Maps links to some minor thing that North Carolina does, especially when it's framed as "why don't other states do it like this?" or as a poll with "do you prefer x or y?". Even on here, most people don't care.

If a post isn't going to contribute something interesting and well thought out... it's better off if it's never made at all. Waiting another day or two doesn't help. It may reduce the degree of forum spamming, but it doesn't make the post any better. There is no need to post a new thread (or at all) every day. Nor is there any need to apologize for not posting on here... which I've seen a couple people do in recent days/weeks.

(Side note: this culture does vary by forum. On another forum I lurk and post in on occasion, probably over half the posts consist of one-line thoughts that may not contribute a whole lot. That seems to be considered acceptable over there as opposed to here, but I find it makes threads exceptionally hard to read as it's basically a chatroom in a medium that wasn't built for that purpose.)
I don't get along with others through social media. Most of them are not roadgeeks. So I just present my ideas here really.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on March 06, 2022, 11:28:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on March 06, 2022, 11:00:20 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 05:19:45 PM
I normally make one thread a day. I will keep waiting

Protip: this is the wrong approach for most internet forums.

This isn't Discord or Facebook or a chatroom where you just post whatever comes to mind. Because it takes a little longer to make a post on here, it's generally expected that posts be thought through more and contribute something that a good chunk of the forum's membership will find interesting. This is a forum full of nitpicky pedantry and attention to detail, so the fact that a lot of people even on here have been consistently finding your topics too nitpicky or focused on uninteresting details should maybe suggest something. People get tired of seeing posts with contextless Google Maps links to some minor thing that North Carolina does, especially when it's framed as "why don't other states do it like this?" or as a poll with "do you prefer x or y?". Even on here, most people don't care.

If a post isn't going to contribute something interesting and well thought out... it's better off if it's never made at all. Waiting another day or two doesn't help. It may reduce the degree of forum spamming, but it doesn't make the post any better. There is no need to post a new thread (or at all) every day. Nor is there any need to apologize for not posting on here... which I've seen a couple people do in recent days/weeks.

(Side note: this culture does vary by forum. On another forum I lurk and post in on occasion, probably over half the posts consist of one-line thoughts that may not contribute a whole lot. That seems to be considered acceptable over there as opposed to here, but I find it makes threads exceptionally hard to read as it's basically a chatroom in a medium that wasn't built for that purpose.)
Looking at the recent non-tolbs General Highway Talk threads that have reached two pages? Almost all of them are either

A) a variation of "what highways have you been on" (i.e. lowest numbered route you haven't been on, most challenging conventional roads you've been on)

or

B) looking for examples of a certain type or characteristic of a road or things relating to a road (i.e. drive thrus backing up onto streets, long state highways that tie into short state highways, busiest 4-lane highways, highways that were underbuilt)


Of course there are some exceptions. But not many.

Neither of these types of post are high-effort.

The only difference between most posts that "succeed" in General and tolbs17's posts are that tolbs almost exclusively links to things from North Carolina, which is where it becomes spam. For example, if tolbs created the thread "Most Exciting/Most Embarrassing Ends Of A Single Interstate", he would have linked to the unremarkable ending of I-9999 in Greensvillesdalesboro NC, which nobody is interested in seeing, and therefore people complain about another North Carolina link rather than discussing the thread topic.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on March 06, 2022, 11:51:36 PM
Quote from: US 89 on March 06, 2022, 11:00:20 PM
If a post isn't going to contribute something interesting and well thought out... it's better off if it's never made at all. Waiting another day or two doesn't help. It may reduce the degree of forum spamming, but it doesn't make the post any better. There is no need to post a new thread (or at all) every day. Nor is there any need to apologize for not posting on here... which I've seen a couple people do in recent days/weeks.
Or he can post in his "tolbs17 in one thread" thread, if he really wants to get his thoughts out, and doesn't clutter the forum for the rest of us.

Quote from: US 89 on March 06, 2022, 11:00:20 PM
(Side note: this culture does vary by forum. On another forum I lurk and post in on occasion, probably over half the posts consist of one-line thoughts that may not contribute a whole lot. That seems to be considered acceptable over there as opposed to here, but I find it makes threads exceptionally hard to read as it's basically a chatroom in a medium that wasn't built for that purpose.)
I see this variation between subreddits on Reddit a lot too. Some of them expect high-quality threads (sometimes even more strict guidelines than this forum), while some others as many shitposts as they want, and a lot in between.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:28:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Because I was asking why do some buses only drive 45 mph and not 55 or 60 or even faster.....
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:31:28 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:28:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Because I was asking why do some buses only drive 45 mph and not 55 or 60 or even faster.....

In North Carolina, how is that non-regional highway talk?  Do you seriously not see the problem we are all trying to illustrate with posts like this? 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:36:29 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:31:28 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:28:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Because I was asking why do some buses only drive 45 mph and not 55 or 60 or even faster.....

In North Carolina, how is that non-regional highway talk?  Do you seriously not see the problem we are all trying to illustrate with posts like this?
Yes, but take a look at this though...

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-871/#:~:text=The%20maximum%20speed%20limit%20for,is%20more%20than%2055%20miles

It's not just NC that requires school buses to go 45 mph, Virginia does it too... however, they are not as strict compared to NC with the 45 mph laws.

So with you saying that, should that thread get moved to the "Southeast" board? I did ask and it never got moved...

I do see the problem. I'm obsessed with nitpicking because it creates an error for people to read.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:45:49 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:36:29 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:31:28 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:28:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Because I was asking why do some buses only drive 45 mph and not 55 or 60 or even faster.....

In North Carolina, how is that non-regional highway talk?  Do you seriously not see the problem we are all trying to illustrate with posts like this?
Yes, but take a look at this though...

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-871/#:~:text=The%20maximum%20speed%20limit%20for,is%20more%20than%2055%20miles

It's not just NC that requires school buses to go 45 mph, Virginia does it too... however, they are not as strict compared to NC with the 45 mph laws.

So with you saying that, should that thread get moved to the "Southeast" board? I did ask and it never got moved...

I do see the problem. I'm obsessed with nitpicking because it creates an error for people to read.

Really if you want it direct I'm implying that the majority of your posts are wasteful.  If you can't stop posting fluff, then maybe this isn't the hobby for you.  I don't know how many ways people can say to you "stop spam posting"  without you getting it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:50:15 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:45:49 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:36:29 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:31:28 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:28:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Because I was asking why do some buses only drive 45 mph and not 55 or 60 or even faster.....

In North Carolina, how is that non-regional highway talk?  Do you seriously not see the problem we are all trying to illustrate with posts like this?
Yes, but take a look at this though...

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-871/#:~:text=The%20maximum%20speed%20limit%20for,is%20more%20than%2055%20miles

It's not just NC that requires school buses to go 45 mph, Virginia does it too... however, they are not as strict compared to NC with the 45 mph laws.

So with you saying that, should that thread get moved to the "Southeast" board? I did ask and it never got moved...

I do see the problem. I'm obsessed with nitpicking because it creates an error for people to read.

Really if you want it direct I'm implying that the majority of your posts are wasteful.  If you can't stop posting fluff, then maybe this isn't the hobby for you.  I don't know how many ways people can say to you "stop spam posting"  without you getting it?
Then I will stop spam-posting minor details and start posting more interesting stuff that people would enjoy! I go out to ride my bike sometimes...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:53:24 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:50:15 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:45:49 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:36:29 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:31:28 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:28:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Because I was asking why do some buses only drive 45 mph and not 55 or 60 or even faster.....

In North Carolina, how is that non-regional highway talk?  Do you seriously not see the problem we are all trying to illustrate with posts like this?
Yes, but take a look at this though...

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-871/#:~:text=The%20maximum%20speed%20limit%20for,is%20more%20than%2055%20miles

It's not just NC that requires school buses to go 45 mph, Virginia does it too... however, they are not as strict compared to NC with the 45 mph laws.

So with you saying that, should that thread get moved to the "Southeast" board? I did ask and it never got moved...

I do see the problem. I'm obsessed with nitpicking because it creates an error for people to read.

Really if you want it direct I'm implying that the majority of your posts are wasteful.  If you can't stop posting fluff, then maybe this isn't the hobby for you.  I don't know how many ways people can say to you "stop spam posting"  without you getting it?
Then I will stop spam-posting minor details and start posting more interesting stuff that people would enjoy! I go out to ride my bike sometimes...

So basically more localized stuff nobody wants to hear about.  So basically, just more wasteful spam...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 07, 2022, 12:57:00 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:53:24 AM
So basically more localized stuff nobody wants to hear about.  So basically, just more wasteful spam...

Dare I say the situation turned you into Mad Max?  :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:57:32 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:53:24 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:50:15 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:45:49 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:36:29 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:31:28 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:28:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:24:38 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:09:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.

More so, why was it posted on the General Board?
Because it was not related to roads?

And that makes it belong in General Highway Talk because why?
Because I was asking why do some buses only drive 45 mph and not 55 or 60 or even faster.....

In North Carolina, how is that non-regional highway talk?  Do you seriously not see the problem we are all trying to illustrate with posts like this?
Yes, but take a look at this though...

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-871/#:~:text=The%20maximum%20speed%20limit%20for,is%20more%20than%2055%20miles

It's not just NC that requires school buses to go 45 mph, Virginia does it too... however, they are not as strict compared to NC with the 45 mph laws.

So with you saying that, should that thread get moved to the "Southeast" board? I did ask and it never got moved...

I do see the problem. I'm obsessed with nitpicking because it creates an error for people to read.

Really if you want it direct I'm implying that the majority of your posts are wasteful.  If you can't stop posting fluff, then maybe this isn't the hobby for you.  I don't know how many ways people can say to you "stop spam posting"  without you getting it?
Then I will stop spam-posting minor details and start posting more interesting stuff that people would enjoy! I go out to ride my bike sometimes...

So basically more localized stuff nobody wants to hear about.  So basically, just more wasteful spam...
And I don't care about hearing about that's more than 500 miles away from where I live unless it's something interesting like a major highway or a rail project.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:59:10 AM
^^^

Then go join a forum or social media platform that is all about North Carolina and stop wasting our time.  We don't want to hear about your local stuff. 

Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 07, 2022, 12:57:00 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:53:24 AM
So basically more localized stuff nobody wants to hear about.  So basically, just more wasteful spam...

Dare I say the situation turned you into Mad Max?  :bigass:

If you can't fix what's broken you'll go insane. 

And yes, that is a Mad Max movie quote.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 01:07:01 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:59:10 AM
^^^

Then go join a forum or social media platform that is all about North Carolina and stop wasting our time.  We don't want to hear about your local stuff. 
Used to be on City-Data but got banned from there since then. I got too pissy....but ok. Maybe I should join Reddit?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on March 07, 2022, 01:11:35 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 01:07:01 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:59:10 AM
^^^

Then go join a forum or social media platform that is all about North Carolina and stop wasting our time.  We don't want to hear about your local stuff. 
Used to be on City-Data but got banned from there since then. I got too pissy....but ok. Maybe I should join Reddit?
Southeast board here works too. There's most likely more people interested in NC roads than in the General board.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 01:16:21 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 07, 2022, 01:11:35 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 01:07:01 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 12:59:10 AM
^^^

Then go join a forum or social media platform that is all about North Carolina and stop wasting our time.  We don't want to hear about your local stuff. 
Used to be on City-Data but got banned from there since then. I got too pissy....but ok. Maybe I should join Reddit?
Southeast board here works too. There's most likely more people interested in NC roads than in the General board.
Now maybe I should just get a moderator to move the thread...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 03:46:09 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Again, you're not actually responding to any of the concerns anyone has raised.

Too many of your posts are you just spouting off what's on your mind and not actually taking the time to understand other users' posts and formulate a meaningful response to them. So you end up talking past them, and people gradually come to the conclusion that talking to you is a waste of time because your replies rarely indicate that you actually read anything anyone ever says to you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 03:53:53 AM
Example of a thread I could see happening:

TOLBS: I think they should make a law where everyone has to eat beans for dinner.
ME: Hold up. I don't think that's a good idea. I don't even like beans.
ROTHMAN: How would you even enforce that?
MAX: What about people who don't have a way to cook beans, like when they go camping or something?
TOLBS: Here's a picture on Google of someone eating beans (https://i.redd.it/927hrhuwy3j11.jpg).

A link to a picture of someone on Google eating beans doesn't convince me, Rothman, or Max it's a good idea, and doesn't address the point I raised about me not liking beans, Rothman not thinking that law can be enforced, and Max being concerned that some people don't have a way to cook beans. It also doesn't even explain why you think they should make that a law.

Nobody learns anything as a result of this conversation. It was a waste of time for everyone involved.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 03:46:09 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 12:23:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2022, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 06, 2022, 11:32:53 PM
This thread is specifically about North Carolina

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25425.msg2621761#msg2621761

Okay, so? That doesn't actually respond to the problems anyone has here.
Ah, I see what it is now.

Again, you're not actually responding to any of the concerns anyone has raised.

Too many of your posts are you just spouting off what's on your mind and not actually taking the time to understand other users' posts and formulate a meaningful response to them. So you end up talking past them, and people gradually come to the conclusion that talking to you is a waste of time because your replies rarely indicate that you actually read anything anyone ever says to you.
Oh man that sucks. I do read what people say. I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about. Maybe I will start posting more pics that are not in NC, and less nitpicking on minor stuff, hopefully that will give people more interest in replying to my comments in a nice way. That way, it will help with me not wasting everyone's time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 04:51:34 AM
I think the problem is less the location of pictures you're posting and more so that the pictures you post aren't really something to have a conversation about. Even if you lived in Oklahoma and posted things from around me I probably wouldn't really be all that more interested in them.

I think where you could really stand to improve is in the depth of your posts. Take this post for instance, about California adopting external exit tabs:
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 09:50:42 PM
Just seeing this; it's about time they switched! The in-set ones looked silly and childish..

This post is more or less identical to:
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 09:50:42 PM
I like it!

...Cool, but not really a thought that's developed enough to have a conversation about. Sure, you like it. But how is anyone else supposed to carry on that conversation? It's sort of like someone invited you over to their house to have fun with you and you just laid down on the floor and fell asleep.

So here's how you could develop that further:

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 09:50:42 PM
Just seeing this; it's about time they switched! The in-set ones looked silly and childish..

- Nobody really needs to know when you saw it. It's not like you were supposed to comment on it and you were late or something so you need to justify your lateness. We can't do anything with that information. You can leave that out.
- Why is it about time they switched? What was wrong with the inset tabs that were there before? "Silly" and "childish" are vague and tell us nothing. Clearly someone at Caltrans thinks they're not silly or they wouldn't have used them for 10 years. Why do you think that person is wrong? What do you think is better about the new way of doing tabs? Were there any reasons for doing it the old way? Why do you think those reasons aren't good enough to do it that way? Have you read about this subject outside AARoads? What did you find?

If you make a post that has some degree of depth into it, you will find people will respond to you a lot more positively, because you give them something to actually talk about.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2022, 07:18:56 AM
Is posting about North Carolina really the problem? Max Rockatansky almost exclusively posts and creates new threads about California. The difference is the depth of content.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 07:58:55 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 07:18:56 AM
Is posting about North Carolina really the problem? Max Rockatansky almost exclusively posts and creates new threads about California. The difference is the depth of content.

Certainly not, in fact the most tags we have on Gribblenation is for blogs about North Carolina topics.  Another major difference is when I post about California or Adam does about North Carolina we don't do it in General topic boards.

The real problem is trying to explain to tolbs what the issue is in some sort of way he understands and can't twist around.  I'm pretty much convinced at this point that he just wants to see things his way and is has learned nothing since the Peekaboo incident.  Camping out in the Southeast board would be a big start but wouldn't really solve the core issue about low quality posting.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 07, 2022, 08:01:29 AM
Yeah, I'd say random posts about a particular state with not much application to anything else should go in that state's regional board... maybe even in that state's thread if there is one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:05:38 AM
He actually does post there.  The same he also thinks his topics about random traffic control devices centric to North Carolina belongs in General. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:10:32 AM
I think there's also a lack of understanding that signage doesn't update like software does; it could be twenty years between replacement if something is not seriously out of whack or physically destroyed.

To be entirely fair, until I noticed that other states did things a little different from the next, or that certain design philosophies abound in the field, I was quite ignorant of what happened and why it did. So there's going to be a lot of variety due the times something was created or the changes in terrain...and thank goodness for that! The hobby would be a lot less interesting if everything slavishly obeyed to the letter of a handbook*.

The irony is that North Carolina typically has signage that would be the upper quintile of most roadgeek's rankings, compared to all other states.

* admittedly, I'm still bitter about Florida's colored US shields getting axed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:17:33 AM
That's why I don't understand why so many in this hobby are obsessed with everything single sign being up to spec with the latest volumes of the MUTCD.  All the memorable signage is far outside current MUTCD and likely wasn't in spec with any edition to begin with. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2022, 08:49:10 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:17:33 AM
That's why I don't understand why so many in this hobby are obsessed with everything single sign being up to spec with the latest volumes of the MUTCD.  All the memorable signage is far outside current MUTCD and likely wasn't in spec with any edition to begin with.

The 2009 MUTCD has an option for push buttons that says "hold for extra time" . I believe this forum doesn't know of a single instance where that sign has been installed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:59:59 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 04:51:34 AM
I think the problem is less the location of pictures you're posting and more so that the pictures you post aren't really something to have a conversation about. Even if you lived in Oklahoma and posted things from around me I probably wouldn't really be all that more interested in them.

I think where you could really stand to improve is in the depth of your posts. Take this post for instance, about California adopting external exit tabs:
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 09:50:42 PM
Just seeing this; it's about time they switched! The in-set ones looked silly and childish..

This post is more or less identical to:
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 09:50:42 PM
I like it!

...Cool, but not really a thought that's developed enough to have a conversation about. Sure, you like it. But how is anyone else supposed to carry on that conversation? It's sort of like someone invited you over to their house to have fun with you and you just laid down on the floor and fell asleep.

So here's how you could develop that further:

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 09:50:42 PM
Just seeing this; it's about time they switched! The in-set ones looked silly and childish..

- Nobody really needs to know when you saw it. It's not like you were supposed to comment on it and you were late or something so you need to justify your lateness. We can't do anything with that information. You can leave that out.
- Why is it about time they switched? What was wrong with the inset tabs that were there before? "Silly" and "childish" are vague and tell us nothing. Clearly someone at Caltrans thinks they're not silly or they wouldn't have used them for 10 years. Why do you think that person is wrong? What do you think is better about the new way of doing tabs? Were there any reasons for doing it the old way? Why do you think those reasons aren't good enough to do it that way? Have you read about this subject outside AARoads? What did you find?

If you make a post that has some degree of depth into it, you will find people will respond to you a lot more positively, because you give them something to actually talk about.
because the tabs did not follow the MUTCD guidance?  And the offset ones are better because they follow the guidelines.  And it does not obscure the text on the sign. And no I have not read the subject outside of this forum.  And I will put more depth into my posts about what I'm talking about.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.
I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.
I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.

I've met with SectorZ and noelbotevera in person, as well as going to one roadmeet and hanging out the most with PHLBOS during that roadmeet.

I do not recommend the forum chatroom; they're hostile to chat newcomers, even me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:42:23 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.
I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.

I've met with SectorZ and noelbotevera in person, as well as going to one roadmeet and hanging out the most with PHLBOS during that roadmeet.
Want to meet up? email me for details or add me on discord and we can do it from there. I would be interested in wanting to go to a roadmeet. I've never met any of y'all
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2022, 10:44:11 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:42:23 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.
I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.

I've met with SectorZ and noelbotevera in person, as well as going to one roadmeet and hanging out the most with PHLBOS during that roadmeet.
Want to meet up? email me for details or add me on discord and we can do it from there. I would be interested in wanting to go to a roadmeet. I've never met any of y'all

We're 600 miles apart. SectorZ lives very close, the Newburyport meet was also fairly close (but slightly farther), and noelbotevera was in the middle of a road trip (it helps that I'm near I-495, a major long-distance corridor).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:45:25 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:44:11 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:42:23 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.
I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.

I've met with SectorZ and noelbotevera in person, as well as going to one roadmeet and hanging out the most with PHLBOS during that roadmeet.
Want to meet up? email me for details or add me on discord and we can do it from there. I would be interested in wanting to go to a roadmeet. I've never met any of y'all

We're 600 miles apart. SectorZ lives very close, the Newburyport meet was also fairly close (but slightly farther), and noelbotevera was in the middle of a road trip (it helps that I'm near I-495, a major long-distance corridor).
So I'm out in the country and not near any roadgeeks. That's fantastic
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2022, 10:46:58 AM
Maybe the next time someone on this forum takes a trip along US 17, you can meet for lunch or dinner? You will need to plan in advance, though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:49:31 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:46:58 AM
Maybe the next time someone on this forum takes a trip along US 17, you can meet for lunch or dinner? You will need to plan in advance, though.
Would work. I'm mostly open. Not doing anything at all. Just at home on my computer.

And I will plan in advance
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:50:36 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.

I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.

I didn't mean take it to a chatroom.  I meant construct your posts in such a way that it invites people in.

A simple example of this would be to say "Why is _________ like this, when the MUTCD says _________?" instead of "Sometimes highway departments put total garbage on their signs."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:59:20 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:50:36 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.

I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.

I didn't mean take it to a chatroom.  I meant construct your posts in such a way that it invites people in.

A simple example of this would be to say "Why is _________ like this, when the MUTCD says _________?" instead of "Sometimes highway departments put total garbage on their signs."
Ok, so it would be "Why is this (https://goo.gl/maps/MEaQXKq1azCVFDgr9) sign like this when the MUTCD says it should be like this (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part2/fig2e_33_longdesc.htm)? It should say EXITS not INTERCHANGES based on the guidance and here (https://goo.gl/maps/6q4x2PdUKSrmzBLg6) is a perfect example.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 11:09:25 AM
Exactly.  Then we can start a discussion about whether "interchanges" was ever an approved alternative, or if they're used in subtly different circumstances, or if it's a state-specific thing, or whatever.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 11:13:50 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 11:09:25 AM
Exactly.  Then we can start a discussion about whether "interchanges" was ever an approved alternative, or if they're used in subtly different circumstances, or if it's a state-specific thing, or whatever.
Might as well do that, also there was this thread too but I'm not bumping it because it's a topic that has been discussed almost 9 years ago so it has some inactive members on it such as (agentsteel53, Kacie Jane, etc)

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=9237.0
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 07, 2022, 12:11:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
I do not recommend the forum chatroom; they're hostile to chat newcomers, even me.

Concur. I logged in a couple times and got the sense that if I wasn't going to contribute very actively, I shouldn't bother being there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 12:16:22 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 11:13:50 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 11:09:25 AM
Exactly.  Then we can start a discussion about whether "interchanges" was ever an approved alternative, or if they're used in subtly different circumstances, or if it's a state-specific thing, or whatever.
Might as well do that, also there was this thread too but I'm not bumping it because it's a topic that has been discussed almost 9 years ago so it has some inactive members on it such as (agentsteel53, Kacie Jane, etc)

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=9237.0

I don't mind seeing old posts bumped, as long as there's relevant content, seeing some old names and getting a chance to see posts I missed beforehand is welcome.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 07, 2022, 01:15:18 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
I do not recommend the forum chatroom; they're hostile to chat newcomers, even me.

This is not true. At all.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 07, 2022, 03:58:31 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 07, 2022, 01:15:18 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
I do not recommend the forum chatroom; they're hostile to chat newcomers, even me.

This is not true. At all.

I can confirm that it isn't true, as I've been welcomed with open arms.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 04:01:55 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 07, 2022, 03:58:31 PM
I can confirm that it isn't true, as I've been welcomed with open arms.

Are you sure, madam, that it's not just because you're a lily among thorns?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on March 07, 2022, 05:23:45 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 04:01:55 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 07, 2022, 03:58:31 PM
I can confirm that it isn't true, as I've been welcomed with open arms.

Are you sure, madam, that it's not just because you're a lily among thorns?
That's exactly why.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 05:27:32 PM
I'm not a regular in forum chat I've never been anything but welcomed in there when I do visit.  I talk to a lot of the regulars in a Facebook Messenger group chat given it is way easier to use on my phone than forum chat.  Even when I tried TapTalk I found forum chat to be difficult from a phone. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on March 07, 2022, 05:47:23 PM
I'm also not a regular on the chat, simply because it is most active when I'm asleep. The downside of being in a time zone well ahead of most of you. At least I can take advantage of that to create New Year threads at 6 p.m. Eastern :sombrero:. I remember tolbs17 created one of his quantity-over-quality threads on such topic, without even noticing my now traditional time traveling one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2022, 07:58:14 PM
Changing the subject: I've done about 15 miles of walking, mostly in dense housing areas, since the war started, and I have not seen a single Ukrainian flag. Is this typical?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jlam on March 07, 2022, 08:03:34 PM
The forum chat is acting weird for me. It's saying "This IP address is invalid."  What's that about?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:13:56 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 07:58:14 PM
Changing the subject: I've done about 15 miles of walking, mostly in dense housing areas, since the war started, and I have not seen a single Ukrainian flag. Is this typical?

Is it typical to Ukrainian flags in New England?  I didn't even know what the Ukrainian flag looked like until a bunch of people made it their Facebook profile picture.  I've never seen an actual Ukrainian flag out in the world.  I suspect more people than not aren't paying attention to the war in the Ukrainian and on other things closer to home.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:11:55 PM
Quote from: jlam on March 07, 2022, 08:03:34 PM
The forum chat is acting weird for me. It's saying "This IP address is invalid."  What's that about?
I'm getting the same issue with the chat, however I get a different message it says "User or IP is banned.".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2022, 09:18:17 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:11:55 PM
Quote from: jlam on March 07, 2022, 08:03:34 PM
The forum chat is acting weird for me. It's saying "This IP address is invalid."  What's that about?
I'm getting the same issue with the chat, however I get a different message it says "User or IP is banned.".

I believe you actually are banned, based on what you've said before (it happened a few years ago).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Alps on March 07, 2022, 09:19:43 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 10:26:39 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
I try my best to make them interesting for them to see what I'm talking about.

It's a forum.  The bulk of your activity should be focused on engaging people in a conversation, not just posting something you hope someone will be interested in seeing.
I get that it's a forum but I don't know what chatroom that's related to roads or any roadgeeks that I can talk to in person about my nitpicks.

I've met with SectorZ and noelbotevera in person, as well as going to one roadmeet and hanging out the most with PHLBOS during that roadmeet.

I do not recommend the forum chatroom; they're hostile to chat newcomers, even me.
Mostly just you. A lot of newcomers are welcome.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on March 07, 2022, 09:34:35 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 07:58:14 PM
Changing the subject: I've done about 15 miles of walking, mostly in dense housing areas, since the war started, and I have not seen a single Ukrainian flag. Is this typical?

Ukrainian flags are in high demand and are hard to find right now–similar to how US flags were very hard to find after 9-11. I have one that came in today's mail, but I'm not flying it (or any flag) right now because of bad weather. Hopefully the weather will allow me to fly it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:35:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 09:18:17 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:11:55 PM
Quote from: jlam on March 07, 2022, 08:03:34 PM
The forum chat is acting weird for me. It's saying "This IP address is invalid."  What's that about?
I'm getting the same issue with the chat, however I get a different message it says "User or IP is banned.".

I believe you actually are banned, based on what you've said before (it happened a few years ago).
Few years ago? That would be in 2019 and 2020. Wasn't very active
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 09:36:59 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:35:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 09:18:17 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:11:55 PM
Quote from: jlam on March 07, 2022, 08:03:34 PM
The forum chat is acting weird for me. It's saying "This IP address is invalid."  What's that about?
I'm getting the same issue with the chat, however I get a different message it says "User or IP is banned.".

I believe you actually are banned, based on what you've said before (it happened a few years ago).
Few years ago? That would be in 2019 and 2020. Wasn't very active

More activity was obviously not the solution.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jlam on March 07, 2022, 09:46:14 PM
I might be banned too. Alps was acting a little weird to me while I was on there earlier.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Alps on March 07, 2022, 09:49:03 PM
Quote from: jlam on March 07, 2022, 09:46:14 PM
I might be banned too. Alps was acting a little weird to me while I was on there earlier.
You weren't exactly chatting.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on March 07, 2022, 11:35:09 PM
Quote from: jlam on March 07, 2022, 09:46:14 PM
I might be banned too. Alps was acting a little weird to me while I was on there earlier.
its ok bestie i can get to the chat sometimes but then i get autobanned soon after  :-P.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 08, 2022, 08:20:25 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 07, 2022, 11:35:09 PM
Quote from: jlam on March 07, 2022, 09:46:14 PM
I might be banned too. Alps was acting a little weird to me while I was on there earlier.
its ok bestie i can get to the chat sometimes but then i get autobanned soon after  :-P.

I think it kicks you out after a certain length of time without saying anything.

I didn't feel welcome, but I simultaneously decided it wasn't a good fit for me anyways. I'm better with thought-out communication than spontaneous.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 08, 2022, 12:21:26 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 07, 2022, 03:58:31 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 07, 2022, 01:15:18 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2022, 10:37:00 AM
I do not recommend the forum chatroom; they're hostile to chat newcomers, even me.

This is not true. At all.

I can confirm that it isn't true, as I've been welcomed with open arms.
i pop in sometimes, and the conversation can be interesting.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 09, 2022, 12:49:16 PM
I'm graduating university in a couple months and I'm looking forward to being out of school.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on March 09, 2022, 01:06:11 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 09, 2022, 12:49:16 PM
I'm graduating university in a couple months and I'm looking forward to being out of school.

Congratulations!  It's a good time to be entering the job market.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 15, 2022, 04:48:29 PM
Other forums are still having DST threads...and they look exactly the same as AARoads DST threads used to. The only thing different is the usernames.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on March 16, 2022, 12:57:59 PM
Warning... this reply contains the S-word...



A really thorough ESL course will need to devote a lecture to the proper use of the word shit. It's more than just a scatalogical term. It's a multipurpose metaphor that warps the grammar around it and has surprising nuance.

"Wawa is the shit" means it's good. But "Wawa is shit" means it's bad. However, "Wawa ain't shit" is also bad.

"He doesn't know shit" and "He knows his shit" are semantic opposites, but the role of the word "shit" in each is not as directly opposite. In fact, it's difficult to find a non-shit word that can be substituted in both sentences and still sound natural. Try it!

As George Carlin pointed out long ago, you don't "take a shit", you leave one. Meaning, "shit" can completely negate the meaning of nearby verbs.

As noted in Taro Gomi's book, "Everyone Poops". And various types of animal scat convey specific meanings. Yes, often "bullshit", "horseshit" and "dogshit" can be interchanged. Ticketmaster service fees can be described with any of those. But a good-natured "I'm just bullshitting you" cannot be swapped with "horse" or "dog". It doesn't sound right.

"Bat shit" has its own specific meaning (crazy), as does "ape shit" (belligerent).

The other colloquial uses are not as subtle or difficult to master.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on March 16, 2022, 06:53:53 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2022, 12:57:59 PM
Warning... this reply contains the S-word...

"Bat shit" has its own specific meaning (crazy), as does "ape shit" (belligerent).

Also paraphrasing Carlin ...  "He went bananas!"  and "He went ape-shit!" ... Think about it ... Bananas is ape shit.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 16, 2022, 07:01:39 PM
Does anyone rant from the top of a soap box anymore?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on March 16, 2022, 07:50:24 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2022, 12:57:59 PM
Warning... this reply contains the S-word...



A really thorough ESL course will need to devote a lecture to the proper use of the word shit. It's more than just a scatalogical term. It's a multipurpose metaphor that warps the grammar around it and has surprising nuance.

"Wawa is the shit" means it's good. But "Wawa is shit" means it's bad. However, "Wawa ain't shit" is also bad.

"He doesn't know shit" and "He knows his shit" are semantic opposites, but the role of the word "shit" in each is not as directly opposite. In fact, it's difficult to find a non-shit word that can be substituted in both sentences and still sound natural. Try it!

As George Carlin pointed out long ago, you don't "take a shit", you leave one. Meaning, "shit" can completely negate the meaning of nearby verbs.

As noted in Taro Gomi's book, "Everyone Poops". And various types of animal scat convey specific meanings. Yes, often "bullshit", "horseshit" and "dogshit" can be interchanged. Ticketmaster service fees can be described with any of those. But a good-natured "I'm just bullshitting you" cannot be swapped with "horse" or "dog". It doesn't sound right.

"Bat shit" has its own specific meaning (crazy), as does "ape shit" (belligerent).

The other colloquial uses are not as subtle or difficult to master.

Pity the English as a 2nd language student...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 20, 2022, 07:45:12 PM
hbelkins hasn't logged in since early on the 18th... maybe he's too upset (pun intended) that his basketball team lost to a 15 seed...

except he beat me to this post by a minute and a half
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 20, 2022, 08:09:33 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 20, 2022, 07:45:12 PM
hbelkins hasn't logged in since early on the 18th... maybe he's too upset (pun intended) that his basketball team lost to a 15 seed...

except he beat me to this post by a minute and a half

I'm more surprised someone didn't ask if he was alive or not given the attenuation of time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 03, 2022, 11:07:49 AM
Yesterday afternoon I was driving around in Saginaw when I saw an accident at the corner of N. Niagara and W. Genesee. A tan Pontiac ran the red light and slammed into a Chevy Equinox. The Pontiac suffered severe front end damage and his air bags went off. I was at the Sunoco gas station at the same intersection and noticed that the Pontiac that hit the Chevy took off going westbound on W. Genesee. So I got out onto the street and had the green light so I took off behind the Pontiac that left the scene of an accident. I got behind him at the corner of W. Genesee and Hill Street and got his plate number and dialed 911. I told them I had the plate number of the vehicle that drove off from the accident at Genesee and Niagara and they asked me if I would stay on the line with them until they could get the cops involved so I agreed to it and kept following the vehicle about two blocks behind him. He turned right at Barnard and then went up to Morgan and made another right, then went down Mershon Street. The cops came off of Davenport got behind him and pulled him over on Mershon between State and W. Genesee. I went back to the scene of the accident to see if the people that were hit were still there and they were. I informed them that I got the Pontiac's plate number and have already given it to 911 and told them that the car has been pulled over by the cops on Mershon Street. I asked them if they were ok and they both said they were ok then we talked for a few minutes and they were thanking me for helping. Just another day in Saginaw, Michigan.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on April 03, 2022, 01:32:12 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 03, 2022, 11:07:49 AM
Yesterday afternoon I was driving around in Saginaw when I saw an accident at the corner of N. Niagara and W. Genesee. A tan Pontiac ran the red light and slammed into a Chevy Equinox. The Pontiac suffered severe front end damage and his air bags went off. I was at the Sunoco gas station at the same intersection and noticed that the Pontiac that hit the Chevy took off going westbound on W. Genesee. So I got out onto the street and had the green light so I took off behind the Pontiac that left the scene of an accident. I got behind him at the corner of W. Genesee and Hill Street and got his plate number and dialed 911. I told them I had the plate number of the vehicle that drove off from the accident at Genesee and Niagara and they asked me if I would stay on the line with them until they could get the cops involved so I agreed to it and kept following the vehicle about two blocks behind him. He turned right at Barnard and then went up to Morgan and made another right, then went down Mershon Street. The cops came off of Davenport got behind him and pulled him over on Mershon between State and W. Genesee. I went back to the scene of the accident to see if the people that were hit were still there and they were. I informed them that I got the Pontiac's plate number and have already given it to 911 and told them that the car has been pulled over by the cops on Mershon Street. I asked them if they were ok and they both said they were ok then we talked for a few minutes and they were thanking me for helping. Just another day in Saginaw, Michigan.

Glad they didn't decide they didn't want someone following them and shoot at you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 03, 2022, 09:14:44 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 03, 2022, 01:32:12 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 03, 2022, 11:07:49 AM
Yesterday afternoon I was driving around in Saginaw when I saw an accident at the corner of N. Niagara and W. Genesee. A tan Pontiac ran the red light and slammed into a Chevy Equinox. The Pontiac suffered severe front end damage and his air bags went off. I was at the Sunoco gas station at the same intersection and noticed that the Pontiac that hit the Chevy took off going westbound on W. Genesee. So I got out onto the street and had the green light so I took off behind the Pontiac that left the scene of an accident. I got behind him at the corner of W. Genesee and Hill Street and got his plate number and dialed 911. I told them I had the plate number of the vehicle that drove off from the accident at Genesee and Niagara and they asked me if I would stay on the line with them until they could get the cops involved so I agreed to it and kept following the vehicle about two blocks behind him. He turned right at Barnard and then went up to Morgan and made another right, then went down Mershon Street. The cops came off of Davenport got behind him and pulled him over on Mershon between State and W. Genesee. I went back to the scene of the accident to see if the people that were hit were still there and they were. I informed them that I got the Pontiac's plate number and have already given it to 911 and told them that the car has been pulled over by the cops on Mershon Street. I asked them if they were ok and they both said they were ok then we talked for a few minutes and they were thanking me for helping. Just another day in Saginaw, Michigan.

Glad they didn't decide they didn't want someone following them and shoot at you.
They wouldn't have known that I saw them leave the accident scene. I was at a gas pump at the gas station, when I got up to them they had no idea that I had seen them leave. After I got the plate number I maintained about two blocks behind them just reporting the turns they were making and was careful doing it. I'm sure they figured I was part of getting them pulled over but the vehicle had airbags deflated and he was stopping at every single intersection along W. Genesee no matter if there was a stop sign or not, there are two one at Bond and one at Mason. I don't think he was going to get very far anyway, the cops were already looking for the vehicle I just helped them find it quicker.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 05, 2022, 09:15:53 AM
Why did the bundles of sticks and cigarettes get changed to biscuits and lorries instead of just switching them the way user english si said to? And will Mike2357's favorite word be filtered, or are there too many false positives?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 09:21:44 AM
If you get a speeding ticket, and then a year later the speed limit is raised on that stretch of road, then you should get money back.

For example:

Speed limit = 35 mph
Your speed = 48 mph
Ticket = 13 over
Fine = $57

New speed limit = 40 mph
Ticket would have been = 8 over
Fine would have been = $45

You get a check in the mail for $12.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 05, 2022, 10:35:10 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 09:21:44 AM
If you get a speeding ticket, and then a year later the speed limit is raised on that stretch of road, then you should get money back.

I like your idea, but I did have to laugh at the thought of a ticket being less than $100.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 10:41:00 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 05, 2022, 10:35:10 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 09:21:44 AM
If you get a speeding ticket, and then a year later the speed limit is raised on that stretch of road, then you should get money back.

I like your idea, but I did have to laugh at the thought of a ticket being less than $100.

If you subtract the court cost from the total, it's not uncommon for the actual fine itself to be under $100.

Example (https://www.gardnerkansas.gov/government/departments-and-divisions-/municipal-court/speeding-fine-schedule)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 05, 2022, 11:02:50 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 10:41:00 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 05, 2022, 10:35:10 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 09:21:44 AM
If you get a speeding ticket, and then a year later the speed limit is raised on that stretch of road, then you should get money back.

I like your idea, but I did have to laugh at the thought of a ticket being less than $100.

If you subtract the court cost from the total, it's not uncommon for the actual fine itself to be under $100.

Example (https://www.gardnerkansas.gov/government/departments-and-divisions-/municipal-court/speeding-fine-schedule)

That's... actually probably not far off from what you might pay in NY, but the difference is that tickets for less than 15 mph over are rare, so you're basically starting at $90.

NY also has a $300 "driver assessment fee" when you accrue 6 points on your license. You get 6 points for speeding 21-30 mph over the limit, so, the vast majority of tickets will come with an additional $300 due (you can pay $100/year for 3 years, but still).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:37:20 PM
I think we should do it like the Scandinavian countries and have the fine set as a percentage of income. A $150 speeding ticket would bring down my whole financial house of cards at the moment. Bill Gates could just laugh at the same ticket, toss a couple of Benjamins at the court clerk and tell them to keep the change, and probably drive home even faster because he could lose ten times that amount in his couch cushions and never realize it. If you want it to actually affect behavior it has to have the same bite for everyone, no matter their income level.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 04:39:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:37:20 PM
I think we should do it like the Scandinavian countries and have the fine set as a percentage of income. A $150 speeding ticket would bring down my whole financial house of cards at the moment. Bill Gates could just laugh at the same ticket, toss a couple of Benjamins at the court clerk and tell them to keep the change, and probably drive home even faster because he could lose ten times that amount in his couch cushions and never realize it. If you want it to actually affect behavior it has to have the same bite for everyone, no matter their income level.

Ha!  If they actually affected behavior, then they'd lose their revenue stream.  Well-off people paying affordable tickets is their cash cow.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on April 05, 2022, 04:53:22 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:37:20 PM
I think we should do it like the Scandinavian countries and have the fine set as a percentage of income. A $150 speeding ticket would bring down my whole financial house of cards at the moment. Bill Gates could just laugh at the same ticket, toss a couple of Benjamins at the court clerk and tell them to keep the change, and probably drive home even faster because he could lose ten times that amount in his couch cushions and never realize it. If you want it to actually affect behavior it has to have the same bite for everyone, no matter their income level.

I agree.  But Gates' solution would probably be even simpler.  Just hand the ticket to his assistant and say "pay this".  Not go to court.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on April 05, 2022, 04:55:07 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:37:20 PM
I think we should do it like the Scandinavian countries and have the fine set as a percentage of income. A $150 speeding ticket would bring down my whole financial house of cards at the moment. Bill Gates could just laugh at the same ticket, toss a couple of Benjamins at the court clerk and tell them to keep the change, and probably drive home even faster because he could lose ten times that amount in his couch cushions and never realize it. If you want it to actually affect behavior it has to have the same bite for everyone, no matter their income level.
That is why they have demerit points.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 05, 2022, 05:12:52 PM
Quote from: Big John on April 05, 2022, 04:55:07 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:37:20 PM
I think we should do it like the Scandinavian countries and have the fine set as a percentage of income. A $150 speeding ticket would bring down my whole financial house of cards at the moment. Bill Gates could just laugh at the same ticket, toss a couple of Benjamins at the court clerk and tell them to keep the change, and probably drive home even faster because he could lose ten times that amount in his couch cushions and never realize it. If you want it to actually affect behavior it has to have the same bite for everyone, no matter their income level.
That is why they have demerit points.

In states that have them, anyway. Minnesota does not have a points system.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 07:26:34 PM
I just went for a walk (I needed to vote in a municipal election and the weather was nice), and saw someone on my street proudly flying an American flag and what appeared to be an Iowa flag in their back yard.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 05, 2022, 08:01:14 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 05, 2022, 05:12:52 PM
In states that have them, anyway. Minnesota does not have a points system.

Suddenly Minnesota has become a much more attractive place to live.  :-o

Though I've only picked up one speeding ticket in the last 10 years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 06, 2022, 08:43:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 07:26:34 PM
I just went for a walk (I needed to vote in a municipal election and the weather was nice), and saw someone on my street proudly flying an American flag and what appeared to be an Iowa flag in their back yard.

In the back yard??  Are you sure it was proudly?   :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 06, 2022, 08:00:56 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 05, 2022, 11:02:50 AM
That's... actually probably not far off from what you might pay in NY, but the difference is that tickets for less than 15 mph over are rare, so you're basically starting at $90.

NY also has a $300 "driver assessment fee" when you accrue 6 points on your license. You get 6 points for speeding 21-30 mph over the limit, so, the vast majority of tickets will come with an additional $300 due (you can pay $100/year for 3 years, but still).

Don't forget the state-mandated $88 or $93 surcharge added to speeding tickets.




Today: What if school buses had yield signs instead of stop signs affixed to their sides?  :spin:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on April 06, 2022, 08:56:44 PM
On the subject of school buses, if I encounter one going the other direction and they turn their yellow flashing lights on, I often wonder how far to push my luck with trying to get past before their lights switch to red. I tend to be a bit more cautious with buses than I would at a stoplight, partly because there's likely children/pedestrians in the area and partly because the buses' yellow phase is much more random in length. But sometimes I've come to a complete stop for 5-10 seconds before their lights switch to red and the stop signs open, which leaves me wishing I had just accelerated a bit and kept going - but how could I have known that in advance? One of those situations where you just can't win, I suppose.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on April 07, 2022, 01:27:19 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 05, 2022, 10:35:10 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 09:21:44 AM
If you get a speeding ticket, and then a year later the speed limit is raised on that stretch of road, then you should get money back.

I like your idea, but I did have to laugh at the thought of a ticket being less than $100.

Hey, my first speeding ticket was all of $26 ... this was for 74 in a 55 zone.  It was also a while back when I was young and stupid.  In the NMSL days.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 07, 2022, 09:15:04 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 06, 2022, 08:56:44 PM
On the subject of school buses, if I encounter one going the other direction and they turn their yellow flashing lights on, I often wonder how far to push my luck with trying to get past before their lights switch to red. I tend to be a bit more cautious with buses than I would at a stoplight, partly because there's likely children/pedestrians in the area and partly because the buses' yellow phase is much more random in length. But sometimes I've come to a complete stop for 5-10 seconds before their lights switch to red and the stop signs open, which leaves me wishing I had just accelerated a bit and kept going - but how could I have known that in advance? One of those situations where you just can't win, I suppose.

And sometimes, the bus has arrived early and is just parallel-parking for a while.  No red lights to be seen for a couple of minutes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 07, 2022, 09:19:25 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 06, 2022, 08:56:44 PM
On the subject of school buses, if I encounter one going the other direction and they turn their yellow flashing lights on, I often wonder how far to push my luck with trying to get past before their lights switch to red. I tend to be a bit more cautious with buses than I would at a stoplight, partly because there's likely children/pedestrians in the area and partly because the buses' yellow phase is much more random in length. But sometimes I've come to a complete stop for 5-10 seconds before their lights switch to red and the stop signs open, which leaves me wishing I had just accelerated a bit and kept going - but how could I have known that in advance? One of those situations where you just can't win, I suppose.
Well just know that the red lights won't go on until they open the door so the bus would have to be at a complete stop for the red lights to come on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 07, 2022, 10:05:46 AM
Here's a road-related random thought that occurred to me while driving the route described below over the weekend:

The fastest route from Baltimore to Pittsburgh puts you on both directions of US 30 at completely different points along the route:
-Eastbound in Breezewood (while connecting from I-70 to the PA Turnpike)
-Westbound in Pittsburgh (once it joins I-376 & US 22 on the Penn-Lincoln Parkway)

And on top of that, you cross over US 30 on the Turnpike 3 times in between the 2 points above (on either side of Bedford, and at the Irwin interchange).
Title: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 07, 2022, 11:24:16 AM
Yesterday, I received a phone call message nicely asking me to apply to the Global Executive Solutions Group, which is an logistics and hiring firm.

(Can't a guy walk down the street without being offered a job?)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220407/e9599d497b0999f3e05359508b53ef45.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 07, 2022, 02:51:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 07, 2022, 09:19:25 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 06, 2022, 08:56:44 PM
On the subject of school buses, if I encounter one going the other direction and they turn their yellow flashing lights on, I often wonder how far to push my luck with trying to get past before their lights switch to red. I tend to be a bit more cautious with buses than I would at a stoplight, partly because there's likely children/pedestrians in the area and partly because the buses' yellow phase is much more random in length. But sometimes I've come to a complete stop for 5-10 seconds before their lights switch to red and the stop signs open, which leaves me wishing I had just accelerated a bit and kept going - but how could I have known that in advance? One of those situations where you just can't win, I suppose.
Well just know that the red lights won't go on until they open the door so the bus would have to be at a complete stop for the red lights to come on.

Haha. My first bus driver was pretty blasé about the order of turn on lights-open door-stop the fucking bus. I remember a few times when she was cruising down my street with the door open at about 20 mph and had to put her arm out to stop me from trying to get too close to the open door. Sometimes if two stops were close to each other she wouldn't bother shutting the door in between.

A lot of the parents hated her but the kids liked her because we got home way faster when she was driving.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
I remember I had a bus driver where he would pull over shortly after a signalized intersection on the route right before an uphill section with a 15mph speed limit increase, and allow all the rest of the traffic to pass until the end of the signal phase, then he would pull back onto the road and continue behind them. Pretty courteous if you ask me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on April 07, 2022, 05:19:56 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
I remember I had a bus driver where he would pull over shortly after a signalized intersection on the route right before an uphill section with a 15mph speed limit increase, and allow all the rest of the traffic to pass until the end of the signal phase, then he would pull back onto the road and continue behind them. Pretty courteous if you ask me.

What a polite bus driver.

The only school bus driver who stands out in my memory is one who would speed and pass slower traffic in the oncoming lane of a 2-lane road.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:42:59 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 07, 2022, 05:19:56 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
I remember I had a bus driver where he would pull over shortly after a signalized intersection on the route right before an uphill section with a 15mph speed limit increase, and allow all the rest of the traffic to pass until the end of the signal phase, then he would pull back onto the road and continue behind them. Pretty courteous if you ask me.

What a polite bus driver.

The only school bus driver who stands out in my memory is one who would speed and pass slower traffic in the oncoming lane of a 2-lane road.

What a risky bus driver!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 07, 2022, 06:46:23 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:42:59 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 07, 2022, 05:19:56 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
I remember I had a bus driver where he would pull over shortly after a signalized intersection on the route right before an uphill section with a 15mph speed limit increase, and allow all the rest of the traffic to pass until the end of the signal phase, then he would pull back onto the road and continue behind them. Pretty courteous if you ask me.

What a polite bus driver.

The only school bus driver who stands out in my memory is one who would speed and pass slower traffic in the oncoming lane of a 2-lane road.

What a risky bus driver!

Only slightly riskier than any other pass on a 2-lane road.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 07, 2022, 06:54:50 PM
It's riskier to pass them in the same lane.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 07, 2022, 07:00:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 07, 2022, 06:54:50 PM
It's riskier to pass them in the same lane.

Pfft. Not with that attitude.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 08:04:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 07, 2022, 06:46:23 PM
Only slightly riskier than any other pass on a 2-lane road.

A very Oklahoma-driver thing to say.  :-D

Quote from: kphoger on April 07, 2022, 06:54:50 PM
It's riskier to pass them in the same lane.

What a fancy name for rear-ending someone. "No officer, I wasn't distracted, I was just trying to pass in the same lane!"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on April 08, 2022, 01:27:01 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 07, 2022, 06:46:23 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:42:59 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 07, 2022, 05:19:56 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
I remember I had a bus driver where he would pull over shortly after a signalized intersection on the route right before an uphill section with a 15mph speed limit increase, and allow all the rest of the traffic to pass until the end of the signal phase, then he would pull back onto the road and continue behind them. Pretty courteous if you ask me.

What a polite bus driver.

The only school bus driver who stands out in my memory is one who would speed and pass slower traffic in the oncoming lane of a 2-lane road.

What a risky bus driver!

Only slightly riskier than any other pass on a 2-lane road.

You'd consider passing with a 30-foot school bus on a neighborhood arterial a reasonable move?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 08, 2022, 06:02:39 AM
Quote from: kkt on April 07, 2022, 05:19:56 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
I remember I had a bus driver where he would pull over shortly after a signalized intersection on the route right before an uphill section with a 15mph speed limit increase, and allow all the rest of the traffic to pass until the end of the signal phase, then he would pull back onto the road and continue behind them. Pretty courteous if you ask me.

What a polite bus driver.

The only school bus driver who stands out in my memory is one who would speed and pass slower traffic in the oncoming lane of a 2-lane road.

It was a school bus driver who taught me you could go 15 over with the little yellow sign says, here in the canyon.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 09:42:47 AM
Quote from: kkt on April 08, 2022, 01:27:01 AM
on a neighborhood arterial

Hey, now, you did fail to mention that part in the original telling.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 09, 2022, 04:28:14 AM
Quote from: kkt on April 08, 2022, 01:27:01 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 07, 2022, 06:46:23 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:42:59 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 07, 2022, 05:19:56 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 07, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
I remember I had a bus driver where he would pull over shortly after a signalized intersection on the route right before an uphill section with a 15mph speed limit increase, and allow all the rest of the traffic to pass until the end of the signal phase, then he would pull back onto the road and continue behind them. Pretty courteous if you ask me.

What a polite bus driver.

The only school bus driver who stands out in my memory is one who would speed and pass slower traffic in the oncoming lane of a 2-lane road.

What a risky bus driver!

Only slightly riskier than any other pass on a 2-lane road.

You'd consider passing with a 30-foot school bus on a neighborhood arterial a reasonable move?

Well, my school bus route was mostly on 65-mph state highways and 45-mph county roads, so...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on April 13, 2022, 12:28:04 AM
They should start remaking games that weren't that great. Remaking good games is fine, but some games deserve to get a second chance because they're not all bad.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 13, 2022, 12:30:00 AM
walmart will happily let felons shop in their stores, but won't let them work there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 09:32:16 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 13, 2022, 12:30:00 AM
walmart will happily let felons shop in their stores, but won't let them work there.

I have a feeling this is true of a lot of stores, not just Mal-Wart.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 13, 2022, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 09:32:16 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 13, 2022, 12:30:00 AM
walmart will happily let felons shop in their stores, but won't let them work there.

I have a feeling this is true of a lot of stores, not just Mal-Wart.

Interestingly it wasn't true when I worked Loss Prevention at Dillard's, they didn't do background checks on new hires.  It was a total blood bath regarding employee theft cases, usually I had at least twenty every year.  Most were direct observation hits to, a lot of cash theft especially.  There was a lot of drug usage that would go on through the course of the day also, most of the long sales people were coked up. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 09:58:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 13, 2022, 09:39:16 AM
Interestingly it wasn't true when I worked Loss Prevention at Dillard's, they didn't do background checks on new hires.  It was a total blood bath regarding employee theft cases, usually I had at least twenty every year.  Most were direct observation hits to, a lot of cash theft especially.  There was a lot of drug usage that would go on through the course of the day also, most of the long sales people were coked up. 

Hmm... that... kind of... maybe... explains why my uncle worked there for so long.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on April 13, 2022, 10:35:21 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 09:58:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 13, 2022, 09:39:16 AM
Interestingly it wasn't true when I worked Loss Prevention at Dillard's, they didn't do background checks on new hires.  It was a total blood bath regarding employee theft cases, usually I had at least twenty every year.  Most were direct observation hits to, a lot of cash theft especially.  There was a lot of drug usage that would go on through the course of the day also, most of the long sales people were coked up. 

Hmm... that... kind of... maybe... explains why my uncle worked there for so long.

Jesus!  I may never look at a Dillards the same ever again!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 22, 2022, 07:08:48 PM
The default behavior of most browsers–hell, it may even be in the HTML specification for all I know–is to outline an image that is also a link with a blue border, which then turns to purple when you click it. This is good design since it lets you know that an image is a link and not just an image, and mirrors the behavior of text links.

Nearly every web designer has decided that the border is ugly, and sets its width to 0 pixels. I'm not so sure that doing that is a good thing for usability, but...I don't like how the border looks either, and I set it to 0 pixels on my sites as well...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on April 23, 2022, 12:00:34 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 05, 2022, 05:12:52 PM
Quote from: Big John on April 05, 2022, 04:55:07 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:37:20 PMI think we should do it like the Scandinavian countries and have the fine set as a percentage of income. A $150 speeding ticket would bring down my whole financial house of cards at the moment. Bill Gates could just laugh at the same ticket, toss a couple of Benjamins at the court clerk and tell them to keep the change, and probably drive home even faster because he could lose ten times that amount in his couch cushions and never realize it. If you want it to actually affect behavior it has to have the same bite for everyone, no matter their income level.

That is why they have demerit points.

In states that have them, anyway. Minnesota does not have a points system.

That is often a distinction without a difference.  Kansas also does not have a points system, but more than three tickets for moving violations in one year leads to license suspension.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 24, 2022, 09:12:04 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 07, 2022, 02:51:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 07, 2022, 09:19:25 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 06, 2022, 08:56:44 PM
On the subject of school buses, if I encounter one going the other direction and they turn their yellow flashing lights on, I often wonder how far to push my luck with trying to get past before their lights switch to red. I tend to be a bit more cautious with buses than I would at a stoplight, partly because there's likely children/pedestrians in the area and partly because the buses' yellow phase is much more random in length. But sometimes I've come to a complete stop for 5-10 seconds before their lights switch to red and the stop signs open, which leaves me wishing I had just accelerated a bit and kept going - but how could I have known that in advance? One of those situations where you just can't win, I suppose.
Well just know that the red lights won't go on until they open the door so the bus would have to be at a complete stop for the red lights to come on.

Haha. My first bus driver was pretty blasé about the order of turn on lights-open door-stop the fucking bus. I remember a few times when she was cruising down my street with the door open at about 20 mph and had to put her arm out to stop me from trying to get too close to the open door. Sometimes if two stops were close to each other she wouldn't bother shutting the door in between.

A lot of the parents hated her but the kids liked her because we got home way faster when she was driving.
That reminds me of a city bus driver here in Saginaw. I got to know her on a first name basis her name is Jackie. Well Jackie is a pretty crazy driver for sure. Some people hate the way she drives but I loved it when I was riding the bus (I haven't rode the bus in a few years here). It was like we'd be at the transfer plaza downtown and the buses were all departing for their runs, she would get up to speed as fast as she could and whip around the corners like nobodies business. It was like she was on a mission. I haven't seen her in a couple years though I would think she's still driving for STARS but whenever they lift the face mask mandate I'll ride the bus just for the hell of it.

I would joke around with some of the other bus drivers here and joke about her making it out to Fashion Square Mall in about 30 seconds. One time I remember the buses were running about 20 minutes late and I was on another route but I knew Jackie was on route 6 which is the Fashion Square route and said about a minute after the buses departed she's probably already out to Tittabawassee (which is where the mall is).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 24, 2022, 09:21:07 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 24, 2022, 09:12:04 AM
whenever they lift the face mask mandate

They probably already have. A court order a few days ago lifted the mandate on all public transportation, so unless the bus system itself decided to keep it, it's been lifted.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 24, 2022, 09:23:20 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 24, 2022, 09:21:07 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 24, 2022, 09:12:04 AM
whenever they lift the face mask mandate

They probably already have. A court order a few days ago lifted the mandate on all public transportation, so unless the bus system itself decided to keep it, it's been lifted.
They haven't. They said they are going to continue it for two more weeks and review it then. I know the federal mandate is gone.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 27, 2022, 08:20:12 AM
Chip and seal... is that like fish and chips but with a different sea animal?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 27, 2022, 09:50:58 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 27, 2022, 08:20:12 AM
Chip and seal... is that like fish and chips but with a different sea animal?

I just received a notice yesterday that my street will be closed soon for "slurry sealing".  All I could think about was cooking with cornstarch.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 27, 2022, 05:31:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 27, 2022, 09:50:58 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 27, 2022, 08:20:12 AM
Chip and seal... is that like fish and chips but with a different sea animal?

I just received a notice yesterday that my street will be closed soon for "slurry sealing".  All I could think about was cooking with cornstarch.

Maybe it's just me, but 'slurry' is one of those words that makes anything it applies to several times grosser than if you called it literally anything else.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 30, 2022, 05:14:58 PM
Why does every beer ad on TV feature the dingiest, sketchiest looking convenience stores?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 05:35:48 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 30, 2022, 05:14:58 PM
Why does every beer ad on TV feature the dingiest, sketchiest looking convenience stores?

Truth in advertising–ever been in a 7-Eleven?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 30, 2022, 07:11:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 05:35:48 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 30, 2022, 05:14:58 PM
Why does every beer ad on TV feature the dingiest, sketchiest looking convenience stores?

Truth in advertising–ever been in a 7-Eleven?

...or any one-off gas station / convenience store out in the boonies?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on May 02, 2022, 11:02:51 AM
A bear, on a street?
https://www.wral.com/on-cam-police-officer-escorts-lost-bear-through-downtown-asheville/20247901/ (https://www.wral.com/on-cam-police-officer-escorts-lost-bear-through-downtown-asheville/20247901/)
Why would bears be escorted on a busy street? Just curious.  :confused:
Maybe the bear has diseases and could spread across Asheville?
These questions may never be answered.  :-D
To end this, my random thought is... when will the world come to peace?  :colorful:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 02, 2022, 01:23:58 PM
When someone asks you, "A penny for your thoughts", why do you give them your 2 cents worth?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: I-55 on May 02, 2022, 01:25:11 PM
Quote from: GaryV on May 02, 2022, 01:23:58 PM
When someone asks you, "A penny for your thoughts", why do you give them your 2 cents worth?

Sales Tax
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on May 02, 2022, 01:42:14 PM
Quote from: I-55 on May 02, 2022, 01:25:11 PM
Quote from: GaryV on May 02, 2022, 01:23:58 PM
When someone asks you, "A penny for your thoughts", why do you give them your 2 cents worth?

Sales Tax
A 100% sales tax is high ngl
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 02, 2022, 02:08:49 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 02, 2022, 01:42:14 PM
Quote from: I-55 on May 02, 2022, 01:25:11 PM
Quote from: GaryV on May 02, 2022, 01:23:58 PM
When someone asks you, "A penny for your thoughts", why do you give them your 2 cents worth?

Sales Tax
A 100% sales tax is high ngl

Quote from: snowc on May 02, 2022, 11:02:51 AM
A bear, on a street?
https://www.wral.com/on-cam-police-officer-escorts-lost-bear-through-downtown-asheville/20247901/ (https://www.wral.com/on-cam-police-officer-escorts-lost-bear-through-downtown-asheville/20247901/)
Why would bears be escorted on a busy street? Just curious.  :confused:
Maybe the bear has diseases and could spread across Asheville?
These questions may never be answered.  :-D
To end this, my random thought is... when will the world come to peace?  :colorful:

Let the Bears Pay the Bear Tax!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 02:45:08 PM
Quote from: GaryV on May 02, 2022, 01:23:58 PM
When someone asks you, "A penny for your thoughts", why do you give them your 2 cents worth?

Because you value your own thoughts more than other people do, of course.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 04:45:45 PM
It is customary to tell people when you are parting their company "goodbye"  or the more casual/neutral sounding "bye."   How come there isn't a "bad bye"  when it would serve as the fully negative end of the "bye"  spectrum?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 02, 2022, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 04:45:45 PM
It is customary to tell people when you are parting their company "goodbye"  or the more casual/neutral sounding "bye."   How come there isn't a "bad bye"  when it would serve as the fully negative end of the "bye"  spectrum?

You know what, I might start using "bad bye". It's a great idea.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 05:21:21 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 02, 2022, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 04:45:45 PM
It is customary to tell people when you are parting their company "goodbye"  or the more casual/neutral sounding "bye."   How come there isn't a "bad bye"  when it would serve as the fully negative end of the "bye"  spectrum?

You know what, I might start using "bad bye". It's a great idea.

Feel free to also start wishing people a "bad day."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on May 02, 2022, 05:40:06 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 05:21:21 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 02, 2022, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 04:45:45 PM
It is customary to tell people when you are parting their company "goodbye"  or the more casual/neutral sounding "bye."   How come there isn't a "bad bye"  when it would serve as the fully negative end of the "bye"  spectrum?

You know what, I might start using "bad bye". It's a great idea.

Feel free to also start wishing people a "bad day."
a

not to sound like a cheesy t-shirt, but why are we telling people what kind of day to have?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 05:43:32 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 02, 2022, 05:40:06 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 05:21:21 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 02, 2022, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 04:45:45 PM
It is customary to tell people when you are parting their company "goodbye"  or the more casual/neutral sounding "bye."   How come there isn't a "bad bye"  when it would serve as the fully negative end of the "bye"  spectrum?

You know what, I might start using "bad bye". It's a great idea.

Feel free to also start wishing people a "bad day."
a

not to sound like a cheesy t-shirt, but why are we telling people what kind of day to have?

Because the social norm of wishing someone a "good day"  begs the question why can't you wish someone the opposite.

And what's this about cheddar flavored t-shirts?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 02, 2022, 05:54:19 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 02, 2022, 05:40:06 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 05:21:21 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 02, 2022, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 04:45:45 PM
It is customary to tell people when you are parting their company "goodbye"  or the more casual/neutral sounding "bye."   How come there isn't a "bad bye"  when it would serve as the fully negative end of the "bye"  spectrum?

You know what, I might start using "bad bye". It's a great idea.

Feel free to also start wishing people a "bad day."
a

not to sound like a cheesy t-shirt, but why are we telling people what kind of day to have?
I remember a shirt from the 1980s saying Have a Day with a face having a straight line for the mouth.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 07:01:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 05:21:21 PM
Feel free to also start wishing people a "bad day."

But the long-form "Have a bad night!" would probably elicit an angry response.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2022, 05:43:32 PM
Because the social norm of wishing someone a "good day"  begs the question why can't you wish someone the opposite.

It does honestly make me wonder in what social situation you would find it preferable to wish someone a bad day over simply not saying anything at all.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2022, 07:05:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 07:01:14 PM
It does honestly make me wonder in what social situation you would find it preferable to wish someone a bad day over simply not saying anything at all.

Supervillain to a hero.

When winter precipitation was possible, I used to tell people to have an ice day to see if they noticed. Nobody ever did.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 02, 2022, 08:44:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2022, 07:05:31 PM

When winter precipitation was possible, I used to tell people to have an ice day to see if they noticed. Nobody ever did.
When there was a Winterfest in Milwaukee, that was their slogan.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 02, 2022, 09:00:41 PM
Quote from: snowc on May 02, 2022, 11:02:51 AM
A bear, on a street?
https://www.wral.com/on-cam-police-officer-escorts-lost-bear-through-downtown-asheville/20247901/ (https://www.wral.com/on-cam-police-officer-escorts-lost-bear-through-downtown-asheville/20247901/)
Why would bears be escorted on a busy street? Just curious.

To protect the bear from the humans.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jgb191 on May 05, 2022, 04:25:53 AM
I really hope most Americans aren't gullible enough to believe that today, Cinco de Mayo, is a real holiday.  Not very many people in Mexico even care about this day much less celebrate it.  It was the liquor companies that made this fake holiday famous.

And for those of you wondering about Mexico's Independence Day, it is on September 16th; that day is equivalent to our July 4th.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 05, 2022, 08:22:04 AM
Cinco de Mayo and Orthodox Earth Day always fall on the same day and will until 2100 when the Julian calendar falls behind by one more day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 05, 2022, 09:30:55 AM
If I was a robot, would I know?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 05, 2022, 10:54:31 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on May 05, 2022, 04:25:53 AM
I really hope most Americans aren't gullible enough to believe that today, Cinco de Mayo, is a real holiday.  Not very many people in Mexico even care about this day much less celebrate it.  It was the liquor companies that made this fake holiday famous.

And for those of you wondering about Mexico's Independence Day, it is on September 16th; that day is equivalent to our July 4th.

Careful not to overstate your case.  It certainly is a "real holiday".

May 5th is not a statutory federal holiday in Mexico, nor is it widely commemorated with celebrations.  However, it is a statutory state holiday in Puebla, and schools are out nationwide.

https://calendariolaboral.com.mx/calendario-feriados-2012.html
https://www.gob.mx/sep?tab=Calendario%20escolar
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 05, 2022, 10:55:26 AM
Quote from: 1 on May 05, 2022, 08:22:04 AM
Cinco de Mayo and Orthodox Earth Day always fall on the same day and will until 2100 when the Julian calendar falls behind by one more day.

My wedding anniversary and Earth Day always fall on the same day anyway.   :-P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 08, 2022, 12:25:50 PM
Will people ever not think "Dodge" when talking about Ram, even though they have been separate brands for a while now?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2022, 12:59:50 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 08, 2022, 12:25:50 PM
Will people ever not think "Dodge" when talking about Ram, even though they have been separate brands for a while now?

Doesn't help it wasn't necessary to divorce the Ram trucks from the Dodge line to begin with.  It's not like they are promoted as upscale trucks like the GMC variants are over Chevrolet.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 08, 2022, 07:20:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2022, 12:59:50 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 08, 2022, 12:25:50 PM
Will people ever not think "Dodge" when talking about Ram, even though they have been separate brands for a while now?

Doesn't help it wasn't necessary to divorce the Ram trucks from the Dodge line to begin with.  It's not like they are promoted as upscale trucks like the GMC variants are over Chevrolet.

I think the problem was when they started wanting to have more than one truck carry the Ram name. People think of it as Dodge (company) Ram (model). If a Ram 57000 is materially different from a Ram 110237, that starts causing problems when people show up at the auto parts store wanting to buy parts for a "Dodge Ram".

Of course the better way to solve that problem would be to make the Ram 57000 be the Dodge Ram and the Ram 110237 the Dodge Horseradish or something, but corporate brain rot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 09, 2022, 09:33:52 AM
If police/fire/ambulance sirens were a constant standardized pitch, say A440, it would be easier to tell which direction they're coming from based on the Doppler effect. Just make sure you take into account your own vehicle's motion, too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 09, 2022, 10:09:29 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 08, 2022, 07:20:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2022, 12:59:50 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 08, 2022, 12:25:50 PM
Will people ever not think "Dodge" when talking about Ram, even though they have been separate brands for a while now?

Doesn't help it wasn't necessary to divorce the Ram trucks from the Dodge line to begin with.  It's not like they are promoted as upscale trucks like the GMC variants are over Chevrolet.

I think the problem was when they started wanting to have more than one truck carry the Ram name. People think of it as Dodge (company) Ram (model). If a Ram 57000 is materially different from a Ram 110237, that starts causing problems when people show up at the auto parts store wanting to buy parts for a "Dodge Ram".

Of course the better way to solve that problem would be to make the Ram 57000 be the Dodge Ram and the Ram 110237 the Dodge Horseradish or something, but corporate brain rot.

I kind of prefer how Ford does it with conventions like F150, F250, F350 and so on.  GM got weird with calling their trucks different variations of the Silverado and Sierra.  It does seem superfluous to have stuff like Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500 and upward.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 09, 2022, 11:06:47 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 08, 2022, 07:20:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2022, 12:59:50 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 08, 2022, 12:25:50 PM
Will people ever not think "Dodge" when talking about Ram, even though they have been separate brands for a while now?

Doesn't help it wasn't necessary to divorce the Ram trucks from the Dodge line to begin with.  It's not like they are promoted as upscale trucks like the GMC variants are over Chevrolet.

I think the problem was when they started wanting to have more than one truck carry the Ram name. People think of it as Dodge (company) Ram (model). If a Ram 57000 is materially different from a Ram 110237, that starts causing problems when people show up at the auto parts store wanting to buy parts for a "Dodge Ram".

Of course the better way to solve that problem would be to make the Ram 57000 be the Dodge Ram and the Ram 110237 the Dodge Horseradish or something, but corporate brain rot.

The domestic light-truck market numbering system is similarly aligned:

Ford: F150, F250, F350, ...
Chevy/GMC: 1500, 2500, 3500, ...
Ram: 1500, 2500, 3500, ...

In short, the light-duty pickups are in the 150x range (no diesels), medium-duty 250x (mix of gas and diesel varieties), and heavier-duty (diesel, some dual-wheel axles). So they get somewhat larger and loading/towing capacities increase as the number implies.

There's also the ranges (F450+ or 4500+) into the medium truck and heavy truck lines, and most of that stuff is custom-built on a bare chassis frame, engine, and transmission. Think of anything from the size of an ambulance, and larger. The greater vehicle weights (over 8000 pounds) and sizes classify these past "light trucks", for the sake of EPA regulations.

Because of the terrific amount of available options and aftermarket customization when you get to the 250x models, figuring out the exact trim levels can get tricky even at the dealership level, although the manufacturer usually has a pretty good idea of what was installed just before it left the factory.

There really wasn't much reason to create a RAM "brand", and it looks a bit foolish as it came of the heels of a brand that just shed over 700 franchises and dropped several models. In the light of new ownership, maybe the RAM brand posits itself as "All-American", though still mostly owned by the Italian FIAT Group. Interestingly, the Jeep brand has enough cache that there are now some standalone dealers for the brand, though it's my understanding that a Chrysler-Dodge-RAM franchise must come along for the ride (will look into this one day).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 03:13:28 PM
I wish car manufacturers wouldn't use numbers or letters at all. While, yeah, you can tell the relative fanciness of a Ford truck from its F number, there are dozens of cars that are just named like J7 or TZ or 6Q and things like that. Not being a car guy, I have no idea which one is which or even which model number is made by a particular company. If you say something like "Chevy Impala" I have a decent idea of about what sort of car you're talking about, but if you say "Lexus IS-350" or "Infinity Q50" that could be literally anything because I just don't remember random numbers and letters like that well.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on May 09, 2022, 03:58:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 03:13:28 PMI wish car manufacturers wouldn't use numbers or letters at all. While, yeah, you can tell the relative fanciness of a Ford truck from its F number, there are dozens of cars that are just named like J7 or TZ or 6Q and things like that. Not being a car guy, I have no idea which one is which or even which model number is made by a particular company. If you say something like "Chevy Impala" I have a decent idea of about what sort of car you're talking about, but if you say "Lexus IS-350" or "Infinity Q50" that could be literally anything because I just don't remember random numbers and letters like that well.

With letters, numbers, or letter-number combinations, I find it is the pattern that matters, and it is inevitably easier to remember for marques or segments thereof I am interested in or with which I have passive familiarity.  It is otherwise no easier or harder than model names.

For example, I can explain the scheme for Lexus sedans off the top of my head (IS, ES, GS, and LS in roughly ascending order of fanciness, with the following number generally referring to engine displacement in liters times 100 until hybrid platforms and twin-turbo engines came on the scene), but I have no idea how it works for Lexus SUVs because I have zero interest in them.  For Toyota I understand the Camry well (we have one in the family fleet), but I can't tell you the difference between an Echo or a Yaris without running to Wikipedia.  I know the Acura Legend was a fancy car (an aunt owned one in the early 1990's), but again, I can't tell you where a TL fits in the model lineup without looking it up.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 04:10:28 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 09, 2022, 03:58:50 PM
It is otherwise no easier or harder than model names.

This is the pertinent part, I think, of what you said.

Current SEAT models sold in Mexico:  Arona, Ateca, Ibiza, León, Tarraco.  Can you tell by the names which is fancier than which?  I'm guessing not.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:13:42 PM
Given that I don't really pay much attention to cars other than to the extent necessary to not hit them with my own, I have not internalized any of these patterns, and don't really intend to. (I don't even know what "engine displacement" is without looking it up, so that figure is meaningless to me.)

The main way I come across car names is people describing a car to me when I'm not there to see it, e.g. someone telling me a story like "I was on I-35 and this idiot in a Toyota Yaris cut me off". At least with that, I am picturing a small car, even if I'm not familiar enough with the model that I could pick one out in a parking lot. If someone tells me they got cut off by a Lexus GS 62⅜, to my mind it could be anything from a golf cart to a school bus.

Hell, I've driven the same Pontiac G6 for 7 years and I still sometimes accidentally put that it's a G8 on forms before going back and correcting it. (Or even sometimes a G7, which would at least correctly indicate that Vladimir Putin is not welcome in my car.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 09, 2022, 04:18:15 PM
I've always wondered what letter designations for trim levels meant, if anything.  Example: what did the "LT"  on my Sonic denote?  Did it mean I had the "Limited Trim?"   If so, what the hell did "LTZ"  stand for?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 04:20:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:13:42 PM
The main way I come across car names is people describing a car to me when I'm not there to see it, e.g. someone telling me a story like "I was on I-35 and this idiot in a Toyota Yaris cut me off". At least with that, I am picturing a small car, even if I'm not familiar enough with the model that I could pick one out in a parking lot.

What is it about the name 'Yaris' that means 'a small car' to you?

If I didn't already know what a Toyota Yaris looked like, I couldn't have told you anything about its size.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:32:41 PM
Inherently? Nothing. But the model name has percolated to me through cultural osmosis so I at least remember that it is a subcompact.

A number/letter system is more orderly and lets you compare two cars, but if you have no context for where the range starts and ends, it is just a difficult to remember string of characters. It was mentioned upthread that the cheapest Ram is the 1500, but without that context, it could easily be a mid-range product that's 15 levels higher than a Ram 100. (Or a top-end product 1500 times as good as a Ram 1!) And the Lexus prefix letters that J.N. Winkler quotes don't form any sort of obvious pattern to me.

If you wanted to make it 100% orderly, you could just do away with model names altogether and print the VIN on the tailgate. Sure, nobody could remember it, but it would be orderly.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 09, 2022, 04:59:06 PM
The idea behind the general alphanumeric car naming scheme is to put emphasis on the brand name as opposed to the model name. The Germans have been doing that for some time, and Lexus and Infiniti followed suit upon their debuts, with Acura, Lincoln, and Cadillac doing so later. (When Hyundai spun Genesis off into its own brand a few years ago, they also used an alphanumeric naming system for it.) Lincoln has gone back to actual names for its models, and Acura is, somewhat controversially*, reviving the Integra name to replace the entry-level ILX.

*by “somewhat controversially”, I mean “a bunch of 19-year-old internet neckbeards who aren’t buying new cars anyway are complaining that the name is being used on a 5-door hatchback instead of a coupe, when Civic coupe sales dwindled to the point that Honda didn’t bother making a new one when the current Civic came out”.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 09, 2022, 05:13:50 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 09, 2022, 04:18:15 PM
I've always wondered what letter designations for trim levels meant, if anything.  Example: what did the "LT"  on my Sonic denote?  Did it mean I had the "Limited Trim?"   If so, what the hell did "LTZ"  stand for?
Multiple manufacturers have used the "RS"  and "GT"  trims. Do they always stand for the same things, if anything at all? (For at least two of the manufacturers that use RS, I know for Chevrolet and Audi respectively it stands for "Rally Sport"  and "Rennsport" , which is German for "racing sport" , but I don't know what, if anything, the RS in the Ford Focus RS stood for, or if Honda's use of it only in certain markets like Asia is because another brand owns the trademark for whatever it stands for elsewhere.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on May 09, 2022, 06:19:01 PM
Lexus sedan prefixes decoded:

*  IS = Intelligent Sport (Lexus' BMW 3-series killer and a very distant conceptual successor to the Cadillac Cimarron; on paper it looks like an ideal fit for someone who wants luxury that is fun to drive and easy to park, but its customer satisfaction ratings are consistently poor)

*  ES = Executive Sedan (the only FWD sedan, and basically a really expensive Camry--I don't know why people buy it)

*  GS = Grand Sedan (like the LS, but a step down, and I like it less than I feel I should after looking at its specs)

*  LS = Luxury Sedan (top of the line)

Many of these models were actually sold as Toyotas under various model names in Japan before the Lexus brand was introduced there.  For example, the LS was the Toyota Celsior, while the GS was the Toyota Aristo.

Though I've never actually owned one, I'm a Lexus enthusiast to the extent that I have downloaded and read the New Car Features books Toyota has published for each new generation of the IS, GS, ES, and LS.  (In most model years these are just 20 pages long--not much longer than a car brochure--but in the first year of a major redesign they often run to more than 200 pages, with detailed descriptions of design innovations in various vehicle systems.)

The original LS was famous for its 4.0 L V8 engine, whose smoothness Lexus demonstrated in an iconic wineglass commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0fGw0kvAzs).  With RWD and double wishbone suspension, it also handled more nimbly than a FWD car.  A few years ago, I actually considered getting a 1994 specimen as a hobby vehicle, but had to back away from the idea after some due diligence followed by a test drive.  Going in, I knew about expensive parts (all Lexus OEM parts come from Japan; Toyota OEM parts are significantly cheaper and not noticeably less reliable), 20 MPG highway on premium gas, first-generation tech with not all bugs worked out, and leaking capacitor disease, but had not realized that the suspension design means it sidles from side to side like a crab on long curved ramps unless the shock absorbers are fresh.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:13:42 PMI don't even know what "engine displacement" is without looking it up, so that figure is meaningless to me.

It is the volume within the cylinders that is swept by the pistons (it does not include volume within the combustion chambers), and is used as a rough guide to power output.  As such, it also functions as a proxy for penis length, testicle circumference, etc.

Personally, I tend to be more interested in long-term durability (including the absence of oil consumption), smoothness, and power output per unit of weight (preferably 0.055 hp/lb or more).  For a 3500 lb midsize car that tends to translate into a 3.0 L normally aspirated V6 with about 200 hp, though my daily driver is actually a 2200 lb compact whose 1.9 L I4 outputs 124 hp, sounds like a coffee grinder, and has an oil habit.  (Turbos are now quite popular and wring the same output from much smaller displacements.  However, I distrust them because I'm not sure how well they control sludging.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 09, 2022, 07:12:39 PM
Quote

*  GS = Grand Sedan (like the LS, but a step down, and I like it less than I feel I should after looking at its specs)

You aren't alone in that. The GS never sold as well as its siblings, and was finally discontinued in August 2020. Adding AWD to the ES finally did the GS in, as the Camry-based car was cheaper than the GS, which was on the same chassis as Toyota Japan's flagship Crown.

I've mentioned it here before, but I've owned one of each of the first two generations of GS/Aristo. The first one was a 2004 GS300, of the second generation (98-05), which was slow and thirsty, but comfortable and surprisingly fun to throw around. At 250,000 miles, it wasn't exactly factory fresh, but it was reliable apart from some issues caused by human error. I replaced it with an imported 1992 Aristo, with the famous twin turbo inline 6 shared with the 4th generation Supra. When it works, it's the best car I've ever owned, but it doesn't work enough for my taste so I'm planning to get rid of it soon. You probably made the right decision by not buying that LS.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 09, 2022, 07:26:39 PM
UX = based on the CH-R
NX = based on the RAV4
RX = based on the Highlander
GX = own model, no exact US equivalent
LX = Land Cruiser

SC = Soarer
RC = 2-door IS
LC = bespoke model
LFA = Spaceship!
HS = Prius
CT = Prius
LM = Toyota Alphard (a minivan; Japan / China only model)

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 09, 2022, 06:19:01 PM
*  ES = Executive Sedan (the only FWD sedan, and basically a really expensive Camry--I don't know why people buy it)

Although the Lexus ES was built in Japan for many years, the latest generation ES is based on the Avalon. It's also built in the Georgetown, Kentucky plant alongside the Camry (oddly the VIN begins with a 5, though Camrys start with a 4).

Quote
*  GS = Grand Sedan (like the LS, but a step down, and I like it less than I feel I should after looking at its specs)

The second generation were actually built like tanks; some detail improvements with the 2001-05 model years. Basically, a sportier version of the LS but with less rear-seat legroom, and rear-wheel-drive instead of the ES...a Mercedes E-class / BMW 5-series / Audi A6 competitor.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 09, 2022, 07:38:29 PM
^ Technically the LC continues the Soarer-sourced chassis code, as well. The last Soarer-badged car had a chassis code of Z40, the fourth generation of Soarer. It was sold outside of Japan as the SC430, and became that in Japan as well when Lexus was introduced to Japan in 2005, until its discontinuation in 2010. When the LC came out it got the chassis code Z100, so it’s not a directly new Soarer but it fills the same niche that the SC/Soarer did. (Acura did a similar thing with the ILX and new Integra, picking up where the RSX left off with a gap. The RSX/4th gen Integra was chassis code DC5, the ILX had chassis codes DE1-DE3, and the 2023 Integra is the DE4, with the rumored Type S likely to be the DE5. The ILX’s predecessor, the Canada-only CSX, used a Civic-based chassis code.)

The GX is based on the international Land Cruiser Prado, earlier generations of which are only recently starting to show up in the US as a product of the 90s JDM boom. The Prado is lighter duty than your standard Land Cruiser of the same age, but can be the same size.

The Avalon going away makes me wonder what the future of the ES will be.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 11, 2022, 07:22:47 AM
How many sides does an ontonagon have?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 11, 2022, 09:41:10 AM
Quote from: 1 on May 11, 2022, 07:22:47 AM
How many sides does an ontonagon have?

A few more than a pokagon.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 11, 2022, 09:43:28 AM
Quote from: 1 on May 11, 2022, 07:22:47 AM
How many sides does an ontonagon have?

Due to the curvature of the Lake Superior shoreline, it is not a polygon.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on May 11, 2022, 05:10:05 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 09, 2022, 07:38:29 PM
The GX is based on the international Land Cruiser Prado, earlier generations of which are only recently starting to show up in the US as a product of the 90s JDM boom. The Prado is lighter duty than your standard Land Cruiser of the same age, but can be the same size.
Interesting. I always thought it was based on the 4Runner.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 12, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Speaking of.. it's amazing how the Land Cruiser was able to survive all these years in the US with poor sales. I thought Toyota would cut the Sequoia first if they had to. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 13, 2022, 06:06:05 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Speaking of.. it's amazing how the Land Cruiser was able to survive all these years in the US with poor sales. I thought Toyota would cut the Sequoia first if they had to. 

I guess Toyota sold enough of them in USDM guise for Canada and the Middle East in decent numbers, and they only change it once every 10+ years.

On the other end of their portfolio, they finally put an end to the Yaris, which was part of their bread-and-butter (as the Tercel/Echo) decades ago. But I guess it was just a Mazda 2 built in Mexico, so it will probably live on for a bit.

https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2021-us-vehicle-sales-figures-by-model/

It's really weird to see Mazda sell 60 Mazda 5s in one month when the model was discontinued five years ago. Must be a typo from MX-5 (Miata) sales.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 13, 2022, 08:32:44 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 13, 2022, 06:06:05 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Speaking of.. it's amazing how the Land Cruiser was able to survive all these years in the US with poor sales. I thought Toyota would cut the Sequoia first if they had to. 

I guess Toyota sold enough of them in USDM guise for Canada and the Middle East in decent numbers, and they only change it once every 10+ years.

On the other end of their portfolio, they finally put an end to the Yaris, which was part of their bread-and-butter (as the Tercel/Echo) decades ago. But I guess it was just a Mazda 2 built in Mexico, so it will probably live on for a bit.

https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2021-us-vehicle-sales-figures-by-model/

It's really weird to see Mazda sell 60 Mazda 5s in one month when the model was discontinued five years ago. Must be a typo from MX-5 (Miata) sales.

I doubt it, volume cars tend to linger on the sales charts for years after they are discontinued.  It takes a couple years usually to clear remaining stock on particular lines. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 13, 2022, 08:42:45 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 13, 2022, 08:32:44 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 13, 2022, 06:06:05 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Speaking of.. it's amazing how the Land Cruiser was able to survive all these years in the US with poor sales. I thought Toyota would cut the Sequoia first if they had to. 

I guess Toyota sold enough of them in USDM guise for Canada and the Middle East in decent numbers, and they only change it once every 10+ years.

On the other end of their portfolio, they finally put an end to the Yaris, which was part of their bread-and-butter (as the Tercel/Echo) decades ago. But I guess it was just a Mazda 2 built in Mexico, so it will probably live on for a bit.

https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2021-us-vehicle-sales-figures-by-model/

It's really weird to see Mazda sell 60 Mazda 5s in one month when the model was discontinued five years ago. Must be a typo from MX-5 (Miata) sales.

I doubt it, volume cars tend to linger on the sales charts for years after they are discontinued.  It takes a couple years usually to clear remaining stock on particular lines. 

60 cars of one model only in a single month for something discontinued in five years ago is probably an error. If it was 1 vehicle per month, then it would make a little more sense, especially if it was a rare, undesirable, or very expensive vehicle.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 13, 2022, 10:38:51 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 13, 2022, 06:06:05 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 12, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Speaking of.. it's amazing how the Land Cruiser was able to survive all these years in the US with poor sales. I thought Toyota would cut the Sequoia first if they had to. 

I guess Toyota sold enough of them in USDM guise for Canada and the Middle East in decent numbers, and they only change it once every 10+ years.
Actually, the Land Cruiser hasn't been sold in Canada in some time. Just the Lexus LX version. I think that's also why they continued to sell the Land Cruiser here through the end of 200-series production, might as well if they're the same vehicle.

Quote
On the other end of their portfolio, they finally put an end to the Yaris, which was part of their bread-and-butter (as the Tercel/Echo) decades ago. But I guess it was just a Mazda 2 built in Mexico, so it will probably live on for a bit.
In the US, sure. But the Yaris does live on elsewhere, and even has a hot hatch version called the GR, which makes 250 HP out of a little turbo 3-cylinder.

Quote
https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2021-us-vehicle-sales-figures-by-model/

It's really weird to see Mazda sell 60 Mazda 5s in one month when the model was discontinued five years ago. Must be a typo from MX-5 (Miata) sales.
Either a typo or they found a batch on a lot somewhere and finally shipped them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 13, 2022, 11:44:42 AM
Quote from: Takumi on May 13, 2022, 10:38:51 AM
In the US, sure. But the Yaris does live on elsewhere, and even has a hot hatch version called the GR, which makes 250 HP out of a little turbo 3-cylinder.

Sigh, wouldn't mind it here. Toyota missed an opportunity to go head-to-head with the VW GTI for [checks watch] ...over 25 years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on May 13, 2022, 11:59:16 AM
If the product being advertised is so much better than the leading brand, why isn't *it* the leading brand?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 13, 2022, 11:59:16 AM
If the product being advertised is so much better than the leading brand, why isn't *it* the leading brand?

because the leading brand has been around longer, so more people know the name
because the leading brand has done more advertising, so more people know the name
because the leading brand has other products that are good, so people trust the name
because the leading brand has declined in quality but used to be better, so people trust the name
because new research has found that a previously held advantage of the leading brand is not actually an advantage
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 13, 2022, 12:11:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 13, 2022, 11:44:42 AM
Quote from: Takumi on May 13, 2022, 10:38:51 AM
In the US, sure. But the Yaris does live on elsewhere, and even has a hot hatch version called the GR, which makes 250 HP out of a little turbo 3-cylinder.

Sigh, wouldn't mind it here. Toyota missed an opportunity to go head-to-head with the VW GTI for [checks watch] ...over 25 years.

We are getting a GR Corolla hatchback (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39613321/2023-toyota-gr-corolla-chief-engineer-interview/) with the same drivetrain.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 02:25:00 PM
Using YouTube in incognito mode can yield some interesting ads.  For example, I was just encouraged to vote for Morgan McGarvey, who is apparently running for a House seat in Kentucky's 3rd District.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 05:14:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 13, 2022, 11:59:16 AM
If the product being advertised is so much better than the leading brand, why isn't *it* the leading brand?

because the leading brand has been around longer, so more people know the name
because the leading brand has done more advertising, so more people know the name
because the leading brand has other products that are good, so people trust the name
because the leading brand has declined in quality but used to be better, so people trust the name
because new research has found that a previously held advantage of the leading brand is not actually an advantage

because the company making the advertisement has no idea who the leading brand is (nobody knows my business's sale data except for me, for instance, so for all anyone knows I could be the leading brand)
because the company making the advertisement can't actually prove the claim, so by using the mushy term "leading brand" if someone tries to verify the claim they can just say "no that wasn't the brand we tested against"

Note that there's not any actual law or legal reason they have to use the phrase "the leading brand" as opposed to just saying "our toilet paper wipes your ass 63% better than Charmin" or whatever. That's considered fair use. The only problem is that then you've put a specific claim out there, and if someone (probably the specific company you named!) can prove that your toilet paper actually is only 46% better than Charmin, now you're liable for false advertising. Saying you're better than "the leading brand" isn't as readily falsifiable.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 13, 2022, 05:30:30 PM
Or "Our brand is better." without telling you what they're comparing it to.  They are usually implying a leading brand but are actually comparing it to the worst example they can think of.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 05:50:16 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 13, 2022, 05:30:30 PM
Or "Our brand is better." without telling you what they're comparing it to.  They are usually implying a leading brand but are actually comparing it to the worst example they can think of.

In some instances, that sort of vagueness can arise from having genuine improvements over multiple different competitors. I could easily rattle off "My brand is better than Brand A because of X, it's better than Brand B because of Y ..." and so on for all the major brands. But customers are going to zone out before you're done with that, especially if they don't currently use any of the brands you mentioned.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 06:00:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 05:14:09 PM
Note that there's not any actual law or legal reason they have to use the phrase "the leading brand" as opposed to just saying "our toilet paper wipes your ass 63% better than Charmin" or whatever. That's considered fair use. The only problem is that then you've put a specific claim out there, and if someone (probably the specific company you named!) can prove that your toilet paper actually is only 46% better than Charmin, now you're liable for false advertising. Saying you're better than "the leading brand" isn't as readily falsifiable.

It's also a risky move to imply in your commercial that Charmin is the benchmark when it comes to wiping your ass.  Especially if it costs less than your brand.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 07:40:02 PM
Yeah, not wanting to elevate a certain competitor is also a risk of naming the leading brand. Of course, that doesn't matter in cases where everyone knows who your main competitor is (like the famous Coke vs. Pepsi challenge, for instance).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on May 14, 2022, 10:07:11 AM
Hackers taking over my account.
Apparently I received this message a couple days ago from Google.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Mj0HPb.png)
After realizing that my AARoads account was compromised (thanks Max for realizing this!), I changed the password for my AARoads account.
The random thought is, why would somebody know my password if its A. The WiFi password for my school, and B. I have the most boring username of all time?
So, that's why I wasn't typing things correctly.
In addition, I am putting my name at the bottom of my texts to show this is coming from me.
Bryce
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 11:30:12 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 14, 2022, 10:07:11 AM
Hackers taking over my account.
Apparently I received this message a couple days ago from Google.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Mj0HPb.png)
After realizing that my AARoads account was compromised (thanks Max for realizing this!), I changed the password for my AARoads account.
The random thought is, why would somebody know my password if its A. The WiFi password for my school, and B. I have the most boring username of all time?
So, that's why I wasn't typing things correctly.
In addition, I am putting my name at the bottom of my texts to show this is coming from me.
Bryce

My nose starting bleeding after reading this.  Are you sure that you weren't talking to some alternate version or me? 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: snowc on May 14, 2022, 11:35:36 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 11:30:12 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 14, 2022, 10:07:11 AM
Hackers taking over my account.
Apparently I received this message a couple days ago from Google.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Mj0HPb.png)
After realizing that my AARoads account was compromised (thanks Max for realizing this!), I changed the password for my AARoads account.
The random thought is, why would somebody know my password if its A. The WiFi password for my school, and B. I have the most boring username of all time?
So, that's why I wasn't typing things correctly.
In addition, I am putting my name at the bottom of my texts to show this is coming from me.
Bryce

My nose starting bleeding after reading this.  Are you sure that you weren't talking to some alternate version or me? 
My account was hacked and somebody took over my account without my knowledge. Somebody was impersonating me because of the data breach.
No worries, I just changed the password on my AARoads account as my account was temporarily banned due to the impersonation.
I was scheduled to come back on the 14th of May (today), and realized my inbox was covered with spam posts that I didnt do. I contacted Scott to place a temp ban as my account had posts that didnt make sense. Also my IP address, the one thats right next to the mod report button, was severely different.
It was just a bad week trying to change all my passwords and reset my computer.
Bryce
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 05:09:17 PM
I never got any message from you, so far as I can tell–or did you send it to the Other Scott?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 05:54:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 05:09:17 PM
I never got any message from you, so far as I can tell–or did you send it to the Other Scott?

Probably your multiverse variant also.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 05:54:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 05:09:17 PM
I never got any message from you, so far as I can tell–or did you send it to the Other Scott?

Probably your multiverse variant also.

Where do you think Scotts 1 through 5113 reside?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 06:40:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 05:54:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 05:09:17 PM
I never got any message from you, so far as I can tell–or did you send it to the Other Scott?

Probably your multiverse variant also.

Where do you think Scotts 1 through 5113 reside?

Good question, I'm not even sure if this is Earth 616.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 14, 2022, 09:23:58 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 06:40:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 05:54:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 05:09:17 PM
I never got any message from you, so far as I can tell–or did you send it to the Other Scott?

Probably your multiverse variant also.

Where do you think Scotts 1 through 5113 reside?

Good question, I'm not even sure if this is Earth 616.

I think we're living in Experiment 626.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 09:32:57 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 14, 2022, 09:23:58 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 06:40:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 05:54:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2022, 05:09:17 PM
I never got any message from you, so far as I can tell–or did you send it to the Other Scott?

Probably your multiverse variant also.

Where do you think Scotts 1 through 5113 reside?

Good question, I'm not even sure if this is Earth 616.

I think we're living in Experiment 626.

Isn't Earth 626 the one with all the parallel universe rotations?  I don't think we have an issue with users swapping out with their alternate selfs too infrequently?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on May 14, 2022, 09:58:59 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 06:40:37 PM
Good question, I'm not even sure if this is Earth 616.
I see what you did there.

Is Alanland in universe 666? Or is that where ethanmanland is? Or does Alanland exist in every universe?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 10:14:20 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 14, 2022, 09:58:59 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 06:40:37 PM
Good question, I'm not even sure if this is Earth 616.
I see what you did there.

Is Alanland in universe 666? Or is that where ethanmanland is? Or does Alanland exist in every universe?

You're thinking of Earth 366. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 14, 2022, 10:21:54 PM
TrainWeb hasn't updated all their info on the Florida Amtrak stations yet. They still don't know Kissimmee Amtrak station has been a SunRail station since 2018.
http://www.trainweb.org/usarail/kissimmee.htm

I on the other hand added pictures of the SunRail features last fall of images I took in August 2021.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SunRail_Train_leaves_Kissimmee_Amtrak-SunRail_station.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kissimmee_SunRail_station;_North_from_Ped_Level_Crossing.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kissimmee_SunRail_station;_Lynx_Intermodal_Station-1.jpg

I wish I could persuade them to update their info. They already did so to some extent on stations further north.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SSOWorld on May 15, 2022, 06:13:51 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 10:14:20 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 14, 2022, 09:58:59 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2022, 06:40:37 PM
Good question, I'm not even sure if this is Earth 616.
I see what you did there.

Is Alanland in universe 666? Or is that where ethanmanland is? Or does Alanland exist in every universe?

You're thinking of Earth 366. 
No, Hypotenuse. Earth 494.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 15, 2022, 11:08:20 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 14, 2022, 10:07:11 AM
Hackers taking over my account.
Apparently I received this message a couple days ago from Google.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Mj0HPb.png)
After realizing that my AARoads account was compromised (thanks Max for realizing this!), I changed the password for my AARoads account.
The random thought is, why would somebody know my password if its A. The WiFi password for my school, and B. I have the most boring username of all time?
So, that's why I wasn't typing things correctly.
In addition, I am putting my name at the bottom of my texts to show this is coming from me.
Bryce
I replied to a post coming from "you" yesterday and I noticed it did not have your name attached to it.  After thinking it over, it now looks like a Tolbs post with your name as the author. https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28798.msg2737632#msg2737632
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 15, 2022, 11:12:37 AM
Quote from: Big John on May 15, 2022, 11:08:20 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 14, 2022, 10:07:11 AM
Hackers taking over my account.
Apparently I received this message a couple days ago from Google.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Mj0HPb.png)
After realizing that my AARoads account was compromised (thanks Max for realizing this!), I changed the password for my AARoads account.
The random thought is, why would somebody know my password if its A. The WiFi password for my school, and B. I have the most boring username of all time?
So, that's why I wasn't typing things correctly.
In addition, I am putting my name at the bottom of my texts to show this is coming from me.
Bryce
I replied to a post coming from "you" yesterday and I noticed it did not have your name attached to it.  After thinking it over, it now looks like a Tolbs post with your name as the author. https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28798.msg2737632#msg2737632

The conspiracy deepens...  Raleigh plus GSV images...  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on May 15, 2022, 01:44:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 15, 2022, 11:12:37 AM
Quote from: Big John on May 15, 2022, 11:08:20 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 14, 2022, 10:07:11 AM
Hackers taking over my account.
Apparently I received this message a couple days ago from Google.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Mj0HPb.png)
After realizing that my AARoads account was compromised (thanks Max for realizing this!), I changed the password for my AARoads account.
The random thought is, why would somebody know my password if its A. The WiFi password for my school, and B. I have the most boring username of all time?
So, that's why I wasn't typing things correctly.
In addition, I am putting my name at the bottom of my texts to show this is coming from me.
Bryce
I replied to a post coming from "you" yesterday and I noticed it did not have your name attached to it.  After thinking it over, it now looks like a Tolbs post with your name as the author. https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28798.msg2737632#msg2737632

The conspiracy deepens...  Raleigh plus GSV images...  :hmmm:

GSV images of otherwise nondescript bridges ...  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on May 15, 2022, 07:02:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 15, 2022, 11:12:37 AM
Quote from: Big John on May 15, 2022, 11:08:20 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 14, 2022, 10:07:11 AM
Hackers taking over my account.
Apparently I received this message a couple days ago from Google.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Mj0HPb.png)
After realizing that my AARoads account was compromised (thanks Max for realizing this!), I changed the password for my AARoads account.
The random thought is, why would somebody know my password if its A. The WiFi password for my school, and B. I have the most boring username of all time?
So, that's why I wasn't typing things correctly.
In addition, I am putting my name at the bottom of my texts to show this is coming from me.
Bryce
I replied to a post coming from "you" yesterday and I noticed it did not have your name attached to it.  After thinking it over, it now looks like a Tolbs post with your name as the author. https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28798.msg2737632#msg2737632

The conspiracy deepens...  Raleigh plus GSV images...  :hmmm:
https://youtu.be/XzCXV8pw8wo
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 15, 2022, 09:56:38 PM
I'm trying to find out when Chicago Transit Authority had this color scheme on their buses:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:19680727_06_WST_275_Ogden_Ave._@_Springfield_Ave._(5857747545).jpg

Or was this another bus company?


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 15, 2022, 10:15:34 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 15, 2022, 09:56:38 PM
I'm trying to find out when Chicago Transit Authority had this color scheme on their buses:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:19680727_06_WST_275_Ogden_Ave._@_Springfield_Ave._(5857747545).jpg

Or was this another bus company?

It wasn't 1968 like it says at the bottom of the page?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 10:20:20 PM
I thought Chicago Transit Authority were a band.

:bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2022, 12:51:01 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 15, 2022, 10:15:34 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 15, 2022, 09:56:38 PM
I'm trying to find out when Chicago Transit Authority had this color scheme on their buses:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:19680727_06_WST_275_Ogden_Ave._@_Springfield_Ave._(5857747545).jpg

Or was this another bus company?

It wasn't 1968 like it says at the bottom of the page?

Well, I believe they also had the "Green Limousines" back then.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 06:35:41 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 14, 2022, 09:58:59 PM
Or does Alanland exist in every universe?

Alanland exists in every universe but only one universe at a time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 06:38:06 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 06:35:41 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 14, 2022, 09:58:59 PM
Or does Alanland exist in every universe?

Alanland exists in every universe but only one universe at a time.

And always sometimes creates an incursion in the affected universe.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 06:40:20 PM
Un-related, but I don't know where else to put this.

(https://i.imgur.com/NypTXGV.png)

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tenor.com%2Fimages%2F8a374c114ac622df9a1ae7110ac2868a%2Ftenor.png&f=1&nofb=1)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 06:40:20 PM
Un-related, but I don't know where else to put this.

(https://i.imgur.com/NypTXGV.png)

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tenor.com%2Fimages%2F8a374c114ac622df9a1ae7110ac2868a%2Ftenor.png&f=1&nofb=1)

Just the "other Desert Cities"  of forum boards.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 16, 2022, 07:34:40 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 10:20:20 PM
I thought Chicago Transit Authority were a band.

:bigass:

Well, if the Trans-Siberian Express and Manhattan Transfer can exist...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 16, 2022, 07:37:19 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 06:40:20 PM
Un-related, but I don't know where else to put this.

(https://i.imgur.com/NypTXGV.png)

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tenor.com%2Fimages%2F8a374c114ac622df9a1ae7110ac2868a%2Ftenor.png&f=1&nofb=1)

Just the "other Desert Cities"  of forum boards.

There, I changed it. Is it better?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 07:55:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 16, 2022, 07:37:19 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 06:40:20 PM
Un-related, but I don't know where else to put this.

(https://i.imgur.com/NypTXGV.png)

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tenor.com%2Fimages%2F8a374c114ac622df9a1ae7110ac2868a%2Ftenor.png&f=1&nofb=1)

Just the "other Desert Cities"  of forum boards.

There, I changed it. Is it better?

Not CrAiG CoUnty enough.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 08:03:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 16, 2022, 07:37:19 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 16, 2022, 06:40:20 PM
Un-related, but I don't know where else to put this.

(https://i.imgur.com/NypTXGV.png)

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tenor.com%2Fimages%2F8a374c114ac622df9a1ae7110ac2868a%2Ftenor.png&f=1&nofb=1)

Just the "other Desert Cities"  of forum boards.

There, I changed it. Is it better?

I'm gonna delete my account.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on May 23, 2022, 01:18:28 AM
If there are HOT lanes, why aren't there also COLD lanes?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 23, 2022, 02:27:24 AM
Quote from: US 89 on May 23, 2022, 01:18:28 AM
If there are HOT lanes, why aren't there also COLD lanes?

There are, just come over to Québec City between November and April.  :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GenExpwy on May 23, 2022, 06:54:11 AM
The song "In The Year 2525"  (released April 1969) will soon (November 2024) be one-tenth of the way to the year 2525.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 24, 2022, 05:25:57 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 23, 2022, 01:18:28 AM
If there are HOT lanes, why aren't there also COLD lanes?

:clap:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 24, 2022, 05:41:40 PM
In the same line, are there DOVE signals?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on May 24, 2022, 06:40:51 PM
Are there times when "End State Maintenance" is good because the quality of the road improves?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 25, 2022, 08:14:22 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 24, 2022, 06:40:51 PM
Are there times when "End State Maintenance" is good because the quality of the road improves?
Perhaps Québec, though I've said previously that MTQ roads have gotten better.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 25, 2022, 08:16:08 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 24, 2022, 06:40:51 PM
Are there times when "End State Maintenance" is good because the quality of the road improves?

Yes, I have seen that.  Some local road overpasses over interstates or state routes in Virginia have signs "Begin State Maintenance" where the bridge begins and "End State Maintenance" where they end, and the overpass is in rough shape.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on May 25, 2022, 09:38:27 PM
Yahtzee's spelling may be a little annoying, but spelling it Y-A-Z-I would be worse.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 25, 2022, 09:47:08 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 24, 2022, 06:40:51 PM
Are there times when "End State Maintenance" is good because the quality of the road improves?
It happens in Michigan.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 26, 2022, 07:56:15 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on May 24, 2022, 06:40:51 PM
Are there times when "End State Maintenance" is good because the quality of the road improves?

I''ve seen it once or twice  here in Arkansas, but can't recall where at the moment.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 26, 2022, 11:33:55 PM
Who managed to get Google to add US-10 to the SS Badger ferry across Lake Michigan? I saw that for the first time tonight on Google Maps.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on May 31, 2022, 02:15:56 AM
I-35 would be the longest north-south interstate without the existence of Florida.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on May 31, 2022, 09:34:39 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 31, 2022, 02:15:56 AM
I-35 would be the longest north-south interstate without the existence of Florida.

That's a fascinating way to look at it.  Seriously, it's one of those odd quirks about the shape of the United States.  For the most part it has some pretty consistent geographical features, but the East Coast is abnormally longer than the the width of the rest of the country.  It's funny how it can be pretty symmetrical and yet not symmetrical at the same time. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 11:29:18 AM
OK, who was playing Mineplex Cake Wars last night?  I was watching my son play on the TV screen, and on two occasions his character was killed by someone named alangoat05.

Roadgeekteen, was that you?
   :-/
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 31, 2022, 06:45:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 11:29:18 AM
OK, who was playing Mineplex Cake Wars last night?  I was watching my son play on the TV screen, and on two occasions his character was killed by someone named alangoat05.

Roadgeekteen, was that you?
   :-/

That would be my kind of thing to do, but I only play on my creative singleplayer world.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 31, 2022, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 11:29:18 AM
OK, who was playing Mineplex Cake Wars last night?  I was watching my son play on the TV screen, and on two occasions his character was killed by someone named alangoat05.

That's the official account of the fifth Grand Unified Alan of Alanland, Alan Lower Wacker (https://quindaropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alan_Lower_Wacker).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on May 31, 2022, 07:13:42 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 31, 2022, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 11:29:18 AM
OK, who was playing Mineplex Cake Wars last night?  I was watching my son play on the TV screen, and on two occasions his character was killed by someone named alangoat05.

That's the official account of the fifth Grand Unified Alan of Alanland, Alan Lower Wacker (https://quindaropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alan_Lower_Wacker).

QuoteOther reforms passed during this period include those to beekeeping practice, requiring a license to import dragon figurines into the country, repealing stifling regulations surrounding the sale of sole inserts for shoes, and general maintenance.
I'm scared to know what "general maintenance" entails.

But the important question: did Lower Wacker believe Illinois is flat?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 31, 2022, 07:18:43 PM
The official position of the Alanland government has always been that Illinois is and is not flat.

Interestingly, this is the official position of the Illinois government too, so far as I know.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 07:36:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 31, 2022, 07:18:43 PM
The official position of the Alanland government has always been that Illinois is and is not flat.

Interestingly, this is the official position of the Illinois government too, so far as I know.

It also, upon some reflection, appears to be my position as well.
(Formerly, it was Seventh Posture.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 31, 2022, 08:27:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 11:29:18 AM
OK, who was playing Mineplex Cake Wars last night?  I was watching my son play on the TV screen, and on two occasions his character was killed by someone named alangoat05.

Roadgeekteen, was that you?
   :-/

People still play on Mineplex?

Fun fact: I used to be a moderator on Mineplex several years back. Does that qualify me to be an AARoads forum moderator?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on May 31, 2022, 08:30:51 PM
If you're standing on the North Pole (or the South Pole for that matter), what time is it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on May 31, 2022, 08:42:05 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 31, 2022, 08:30:51 PM
If you're standing on the North Pole (or the South Pole for that matter), what time is it?
Whatever you want it to be, as there is no time zone on the poles: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/639476/north-pole-facts
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on May 31, 2022, 08:48:55 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 31, 2022, 08:30:51 PM
If you're standing on the North Pole (or the South Pole for that matter), what time is it?

You could use whatever zone you want, but I personally would recomment UTC for that situation.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 31, 2022, 08:51:59 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 31, 2022, 08:48:55 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 31, 2022, 08:30:51 PM
If you're standing on the North Pole (or the South Pole for that matter), what time is it?
You could use whatever zone you want, but I personally would recomment UTC for that situation.

I would use DST personally.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 09:05:45 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on May 31, 2022, 08:30:51 PM
If you're standing on the North Pole (or the South Pole for that matter), what time is it?

Easy.  Just look at your watch.

Well, actually, that's probably a lot easier in the summer than it is in the winter, due to the number of layers you're probably wearing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on May 31, 2022, 09:25:51 PM
I've just recently noticed that Houston sports teams as of late are getting really good at dumping star players off to other teams as soon as they start to age out of their primes. Examples:

Dallas Keuchel:
Used to be the Astros' star pitcher, but as soon as he left Houston, his ERA and BAA jumped massively (excepting 2020). Now he's on assignment in the minors.

James Harden:
Was the NBA MVP in Houston and is still a great player, but his stats are down, plus he's hopping from team to team and seems to be out of form.

DeAndre Hopkins:
The trade was still a horrible deal, but at least both players involved are declining. He used to be the most reliable receiver in the NFL. Last year he was hurt and now he's suspended.

JJ Watt:
When he wasn't injured, he was a beast. Now he's also injured and less of a beast.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on May 31, 2022, 10:51:07 PM
Do people who STOP at Yield signs, YIELD at Stop signs?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on May 31, 2022, 11:35:35 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 31, 2022, 09:25:51 PM
James Harden:
Was the NBA MVP in Houston and is still a great player, but his stats are down, plus he's hopping from team to team and seems to be out of form.

I mean Harden was most effective because he was good at faking getting fouled. NBA finally changed that rule.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 01, 2022, 06:47:21 AM
There should be a restaurant called Jimmy Buffet – All You Can Eat Cheeseburger Paradise.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on June 01, 2022, 06:58:14 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 01, 2022, 06:47:21 AM
There should be a restaurant called Jimmy Buffet – All You Can Eat Cheeseburger Paradise.

Watch out for pop tops and missing salt shakers.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 01, 2022, 07:25:01 AM
Quote from: formulanone on June 01, 2022, 06:58:14 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 01, 2022, 06:47:21 AM
There should be a restaurant called Jimmy Buffet – All You Can Eat Cheeseburger Paradise.

Watch out for pop tops and missing salt shakers.

Jimmy Buffet owns, or used to own, a restaurant called Cheeseburger in Paradise. It wasn't a buffet, though, just a regular tropical-themed restaurant. I ate at the location in Kansas City a few times. It wasn't anything really special, and the one in Kansas City closed a few years back.

I don't remember having any trouble finding the salt shakers, though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 09:38:39 AM
Quote from: US71 on May 31, 2022, 10:51:07 PM
Do people who STOP at Yield signs, YIELD at Stop signs?

I think a lot of them just do the exact same thing at every intersection, no matter what kind of sign there is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on June 01, 2022, 12:43:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 09:38:39 AM
Quote from: US71 on May 31, 2022, 10:51:07 PM
Do people who STOP at Yield signs, YIELD at Stop signs?

I think a lot of them just do the exact same thing at every intersection, no matter what kind of sign there is.

"The exact same thing" would probably be yield, or slow way down unnecessarily in the case of a signalized intersection.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 01:14:53 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 01, 2022, 12:43:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 09:38:39 AM

Quote from: US71 on May 31, 2022, 10:51:07 PM
Do people who STOP at Yield signs, YIELD at Stop signs?

I think a lot of them just do the exact same thing at every intersection, no matter what kind of sign there is.

"The exact same thing" would probably be yield, or slow way down unnecessarily in the case of a signalized intersection.

I didn't mean signalized intersections.  At least, I hope they wouldn't slow way down for green lights...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 08:15:57 PM
I just asked Alexa this question . . . AND SHE TOLD ME THE ANSWER.

(https://i.imgur.com/PyebtZs.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 03, 2022, 08:30:12 PM
Last month, I took a day trip around North Central Florida, specifically the vicinity of Ocala National Forest One of my pictures that I took at the time was the Marion County Road 316 bridge over the Ocklawaha River. Unfortunately, want I discovered on the west end is somebody's poor little dead beagle. You'll have to zoom in to see this one.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/WB_Marion_CR_316_Bridge_over_the_Ocklawaha_River-05.jpg/800px-WB_Marion_CR_316_Bridge_over_the_Ocklawaha_River-05.jpg)

Sadly, I made a phone call to the proper authorities in Marion County about it, and they hung up on me.



So, somebody in the Fort McCoy area will never know the whereabouts of one of their pets.

:-(

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:18:31 PM
Is that a hill?  I thought Florida was literally as flat as a pancake?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2022, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:18:31 PM
Is that a hill?  I thought Florida was literally as flat as a pancake?

Super flatness on Pasco County Route 41 descending the Brooksville Ridge:

https://flic.kr/p/2m32Q1N
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on June 03, 2022, 10:24:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:18:31 PM
Is that a hill?  I thought Florida was literally as flat as a pancake?
Yep, Florida has hills...
https://goo.gl/maps/TsHahXpw5BxmGR5m8
https://goo.gl/maps/dhVePXox6tNZdNVa6
https://goo.gl/maps/CR1vyAanDwaEQbq19

I got the first location on Geoguessr once and was completely baffled as to what it might be.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:41:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2022, 10:21:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:18:31 PM
Is that a hill?  I thought Florida was literally as flat as a pancake?

Super flatness on Pasco County Route 41 descending the Brooksville Ridge:

https://flic.kr/p/2m32Q1N

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 03, 2022, 10:24:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:18:31 PM
Is that a hill?  I thought Florida was literally as flat as a pancake?

Yep, Florida has hills...
https://goo.gl/maps/TsHahXpw5BxmGR5m8
https://goo.gl/maps/dhVePXox6tNZdNVa6
https://goo.gl/maps/CR1vyAanDwaEQbq19

I got the first location on Geoguessr once and was completely baffled as to what it might be.

Huh.

Has |Crash_It| been made aware?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 04, 2022, 09:14:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:18:31 PM
Is that a hill?  I thought Florida was literally as flat as a pancake?
It's actually the foot of a high bridge, but Florida does have hills, and many have pointed out.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 05, 2022, 01:53:28 AM
Why don't music videos usually include the lyrics as subtitles?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on June 05, 2022, 04:18:06 PM
What time is it along I-64 near Ferdinand, Indiana?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 06, 2022, 07:00:59 AM
This question is for Scott5114, but anyone can answer.

Take a typical retail store or counter service restaurant (whether fast food or not). If change is rounded up to the nearest five cents on cash transactions, for each customer who pays cash, doesn't pay exact change, and has a total that isn't a multiple of 5¢, it saves about 2 seconds per customer at the expense of 1-4 cents per transaction. From a corporate perspective, is the tradeoff worth it? If not, is doing it when it's only one cent different (loss of 1¢ and not having to grab four pennies out the cash register) worth it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 06, 2022, 07:19:03 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 06, 2022, 07:00:59 AM
This question is for Scott5114, but anyone can answer.

Take a typical retail store or counter service restaurant (whether fast food or not). If change is rounded up to the nearest five cents on cash transactions, for each customer who pays cash, doesn't pay exact change, and has a total that isn't a multiple of 5¢, it saves about 2 seconds per customer at the expense of 1-4 cents per transaction. From a corporate perspective, is the tradeoff worth it? If not, is doing it when it's only one cent different (loss of 1¢ and not having to grab four pennies out the cash register) worth it?

If the typical transaction takes about 2 minutes in total and there's non-stop customers, that's 30 customers per hour. At 2 seconds savings, that's a max of 1 minute saved at a potentional loss of $1.20.

If the checkout line has occasional traffic but there's gaps, ultimately no time is lost, at a profit loss.

Credit card usage is so high now, that the majority of people are paying cash. If, say, 25% ate paying with cash in example 1, the savings is 15 seconds over that hour, with a loss of $0.28.

To sum it up, the time lost is nominal at no benefit to the business.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 06, 2022, 07:20:03 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 06, 2022, 07:00:59 AM
This question is for Scott5114, but anyone can answer.

Take a typical retail store or counter service restaurant (whether fast food or not). If change is rounded up to the nearest five cents on cash transactions, for each customer who pays cash, doesn't pay exact change, and has a total that isn't a multiple of 5¢, it saves about 2 seconds per customer at the expense of 1-4 cents per transaction. From a corporate perspective, is the tradeoff worth it? If not, is doing it when it's only one cent different (loss of 1¢ and not having to grab four pennies out the cash register) worth it?

I think that studies from countries that have eliminated their 1¢ coin (e.g. Canada) have shown that it ends up basically balancing. The essentially random nature of the one-cent column makes it so that it's impractical to intentionally game the rounding so that it favors the customer on all but one-item transactions. Sales taxes make doing so even more difficult.

If you're wondering about the impact from a labor cost perspective, that really depends a lot on the particulars of an individual business (what percentage of customers use cash, what the ratio of pennies coming in to going out is, any fees the bank may charge for rolled coins, how much wait time there is to restock when a cashier runs out of pennies, etc.)

Skill of the cashier plays a small role too. Toward the end of my cashier career I got to where I could pretty reliably reach in the drawer and grab 40-50 coins to make up a roll and be within one or two of the amount I wanted. So pulling four pennies out of the drawer at once without even looking was just muscle memory. Obviously, though, a 16-year-old fast-food cashier who doesn't use cash in their daily life will probably never reach that level of skill unless they just want to.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on June 06, 2022, 07:59:20 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on May 31, 2022, 09:34:39 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 31, 2022, 02:15:56 AM
I-35 would be the longest north-south interstate without the existence of Florida.

That's a fascinating way to look at it.  Seriously, it's one of those odd quirks about the shape of the United States.  For the most part it has some pretty consistent geographical features, but the East Coast is abnormally longer than the the width of the rest of the country.  It's funny how it can be pretty symmetrical and yet not symmetrical at the same time.
Also I find it interesting that because of the US's shape, I-10's eastern end would be equivalent to an x0 ending at I-77 in the Midwest, and I-5, 15, and 25's southern end would be equivalent to an x5 ending at I-20 in the east.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 06, 2022, 03:03:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 05, 2022, 01:53:28 AM
Why don't music videos usually include the lyrics as subtitles?

Personally, I dislike having the lyrics displayed, for the same reason that I dislike subtitles on TV shows or movies:  I find it very difficult to take my eyes off the subtitles.  To me, songs are best appreciated while listening, and reading detracts from that experience.  Likewise, the conversation in shows and movies.  And, much though I try, I just can't stop reading them when they're there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2022, 03:05:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 06, 2022, 03:03:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 05, 2022, 01:53:28 AM
Why don't music videos usually include the lyrics as subtitles?

Personally, I dislike having the lyrics displayed, for the same reason that I dislike subtitles on TV shows or movies:  I find it very difficult to take my eyes off the subtitles.  To me, songs are best appreciated while listening, and reading detracts from that experience.  Likewise, the conversation in shows and movies.  And, much though I try, I just can't stop reading them when they're there.

I'm fine with them given how hard it is to understand song lyrics and lines in movies sometimes. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on June 06, 2022, 04:00:19 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2022, 03:05:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 06, 2022, 03:03:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 05, 2022, 01:53:28 AM
Why don't music videos usually include the lyrics as subtitles?

Personally, I dislike having the lyrics displayed, for the same reason that I dislike subtitles on TV shows or movies:  I find it very difficult to take my eyes off the subtitles.  To me, songs are best appreciated while listening, and reading detracts from that experience.  Likewise, the conversation in shows and movies.  And, much though I try, I just can't stop reading them when they're there.

I'm fine with them given how hard it is to understand song lyrics and lines in movies sometimes.

I hate subtitles.  I find them distracting.  I hate that the young folks like them because "they can't hear what the people are saying over the sound of them chewing potato chips".  Such a 1st world problem.

I mainly detest this opinion because I am 100% in to a movie or 0% in.  I am not between.  So I don't understand the watching a movie while I write something and play on my phone and have a meal thing.  I find doing all that "multitasking" to be an insult to all the people who worked hard on the movie; you can't even give them two hours of your time to watch the movie they made for you?

The perfect solution, if you are watching a movie or music video, watch them subtitle free.  Then when it gets to a line in the movie or song that you can't understand, turn on the subtitles for a second to get the line, turn them off and move on.  Albums used to have lyrics in the liner notes to keep this from being an issue.  That's back when the lyrics actually meant something.

Words in music and movie are hard to understand now days because the "artists" want it hard to understand.  Several theories I have are slurred mumbled words take away the fact that the singer really can't sing or the lyrics are not very good.  Whispered dialog is there to detract the fact that the script isn't really that good.  Singers also sing lyrics that are hard to understand because they are "deeply moved" by what they are singing, so much so that they pronounce words wrong.  I see it as a fake moving experience on the part of the singer.  If they put their fake emotions into it, then you will buy the fake hype...and their latest album!!  They say it's just the style of the times, but I see it as a bunch of mediocre people have somehow gotten enough steam behind them to have an album or movie released and quite frankly, most of the stuff is really not that good, but the big budgets and artistic style are things in there to distract you from that.  I think of it along the lines of how all these action movies in the last 20 years have the action sequences in the dark.  I find them very hard to see and it's on purpose because if it were well lit, then they would have to actually, you know, choreograph the thing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2022, 04:01:35 PM
Why does my wife want a camper that costs almost double what I bought my last new car for?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 06, 2022, 04:06:10 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on June 06, 2022, 04:00:19 PM
The perfect solution, if you are watching a movie or music video, watch them subtitle free.

Not an option in some situations.

For example, at the gym, I can't very well remove the subtitles from the TV screens while I'm using the stationary bicycle.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2022, 04:21:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 06, 2022, 04:06:10 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on June 06, 2022, 04:00:19 PM
The perfect solution, if you are watching a movie or music video, watch them subtitle free.

Not an option in some situations.

For example, at the gym, I can't very well remove the subtitles from the TV screens while I'm using the stationary bicycle.

I prefer foreign movies when they are spoken in native language with subtitles.  I find it kind of distracting when there is an English voiceover dub.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on June 06, 2022, 04:28:11 PM
My random thought:  do the subtitle haters have any family members who are deaf?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 06, 2022, 04:37:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 06, 2022, 04:28:11 PM
My random thought:  do the subtitle haters have any family members who are deaf?

Obviously, there are people who need the subtitles.  It's just that I, as a hearing person, find them distracting.

In direct answer to your question:  no, I don't have any family members who are deaf.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 06, 2022, 04:46:02 PM
And then there are people like me who don't need them, but they help. I suspect I have ADHD, and part of that disorder is auditory processing issues. I can hear something perfectly fine, but my brain just won't interpret it and translate it to "text" for me. (Sometimes that's because it's decided I need to instead be interpreting some conversation two people are having nearby, or the sound of a bird singing outside, or whatever.) If I'm given an uncaptioned video, usually at least once I'll need to rewind to "hear something again" because my brain didn't actually tell me what I was hearing.

Such hassles are part of the reason I'd rather have text than video. Text is easier to "rewind" (and I find that I have far fewer instances of losing track of what I was reading than what I was hearing anyway).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on June 06, 2022, 09:17:37 PM
How scarce are automotive jumpers cable where the wires are about twice the length of the average car (so I can jump-start a car that is parked in a normal parking lot)?

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2022, 09:21:04 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 06, 2022, 09:17:37 PM
How scarce are automotive jumpers cable where the wires are about twice the length of the average car (so I can jump-start a car that is parked in a normal parking lot)?

Mike

I have long jumpers, but I special ordered them about 15 years ago.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on June 06, 2022, 10:49:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 06, 2022, 04:46:02 PM
And then there are people like me who don't need them, but they help. I suspect I have ADHD, and part of that disorder is auditory processing issues. I can hear something perfectly fine, but my brain just won't interpret it and translate it to "text" for me. [...]

Such hassles are part of the reason I'd rather have text than video. Text is easier to "rewind" (and I find that I have far fewer instances of losing track of what I was reading than what I was hearing anyway).

I get this sometimes, especially as I get older; some voices just seem to sound like an undifferentiated "blah mumble blah huh mumble mumble something something huh-huh" but I know they said something else. Especially if there's something also making distracting sounds. So we tend to turn on the subtitles, although I think we all prefer them on for most shows and movies.

If I don't need video, I usually prefer to read it. Some folks are better at describing complex things better than others, though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 07, 2022, 01:01:02 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 06, 2022, 04:28:11 PM
My random thought:  do the subtitle haters have any family members who are deaf?
The real question is do subtitle makers have any family members who are deaf. Sometimes I wonder if they do, because they get so many lines wrong.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 07, 2022, 01:02:04 AM
I refer to this message on another thread:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=19127.msg2743678#msg2743678
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on June 07, 2022, 07:15:10 AM
Quote from: formulanone on June 06, 2022, 10:49:04 PM

I get this sometimes, especially as I get older; some voices just seem to sound like an undifferentiated "blah mumble blah huh mumble mumble something something huh-huh"

That's called "a wife".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on June 07, 2022, 07:37:48 AM
My mother uses subtitles because she likes to watch British programming on PBS and she often has trouble understanding everything they say. That makes sense to me. What does not make sense to me is that she doesn't turn the subtitles off when she finishes watching PBS. If we go over there and I turn on a Sunday afternoon football game or something, the subtitles obscure a large part of the screen. I guess it's her prerogative since it's her TV, but not being able to see what's on the screen kind of defeats the purpose of watching TV in my view.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 07, 2022, 07:58:46 AM
Quote from: GaryV on June 07, 2022, 07:15:10 AM
Quote from: formulanone on June 06, 2022, 10:49:04 PM

I get this sometimes, especially as I get older; some voices just seem to sound like an undifferentiated "blah mumble blah huh mumble mumble something something huh-huh"

That's called "a wife".

I did ask if there was a need for a kitchenette or even having a new trailer, both were a "no."   That bought the price range largely below 14k. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 10:29:40 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 06, 2022, 09:17:37 PM
How scarce are automotive jumpers cable where the wires are about twice the length of the average car (so I can jump-start a car that is parked in a normal parking lot)?

This is half the reason I back in whenever it's reasonable to do so.  (Doesn't help if you're jumping someone else's car, but it sure helps if you're the one needing a jump.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on June 07, 2022, 10:49:26 AM
Quote from: GaryV on June 07, 2022, 07:15:10 AM
Quote from: formulanone on June 06, 2022, 10:49:04 PM

I get this sometimes, especially as I get older; some voices just seem to sound like an undifferentiated "blah mumble blah huh mumble mumble something something huh-huh"

That's called "a wife".

That's when she tells me I need a hearing aid.

Truth is that her voice doesn't really fall in that mystery zone of auditory pablum, unless she's three rooms away and wants something.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 07, 2022, 10:52:26 AM
Quote from: formulanone on June 07, 2022, 10:49:26 AM
Quote from: GaryV on June 07, 2022, 07:15:10 AM
Quote from: formulanone on June 06, 2022, 10:49:04 PM

I get this sometimes, especially as I get older; some voices just seem to sound like an undifferentiated "blah mumble blah huh mumble mumble something something huh-huh"

That's called "a wife".

That's when she tells me I need a hearing aid.

Truth is that her voice doesn't really fall in that mystery zone of auditory pablum, unless she's three rooms away and wants something.

I actually probably will as time goes on.  I have some hearing loss in my right ear from being around loud racing engines frequently in my late teens.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 10:53:00 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 07, 2022, 10:52:26 AM
I actually probably will as time goes on.  I have some hearing loss in my right ear from being around loud racing engines frequently in my late teens.

I think mine is from mowing the lawn as a kid with the Walkman turned up to full volume.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 09, 2022, 09:59:02 PM
Stay out of Saginaw, Michigan. Right now as I post this there are two cars riding around Saginaw shooting at random people with an automatic they shot up a party store on Dixie Highway and King Road in Bridgeport Township as well. This is after a mass shooting that happened in the city last weekend.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on June 09, 2022, 11:03:51 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2022, 09:59:02 PM
Stay out of Saginaw, Michigan. Right now as I post this there are two cars riding around Saginaw shooting at random people with an automatic they shot up a party store on Dixie Highway and King Road in Bridgeport Township as well. This is after a mass shooting that happened in the city last weekend.

By 'automatic', you mean that the perp was using a Thompson or Uzi?

:wow:

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 09, 2022, 11:14:16 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 09, 2022, 11:03:51 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2022, 09:59:02 PM
Stay out of Saginaw, Michigan. Right now as I post this there are two cars riding around Saginaw shooting at random people with an automatic they shot up a party store on Dixie Highway and King Road in Bridgeport Township as well. This is after a mass shooting that happened in the city last weekend.

By 'automatic', you mean that the perp was using a Thompson or Uzi?

:wow:

Mike

So basically a robbery? 

Also, total aside but an "automatic"  to me brings to mind an automatic/non-standard transmission.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on June 10, 2022, 02:15:01 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2022, 04:01:35 PM
Why does my wife want a camper that costs almost double what I bought my last new car for?

You could spend an awful lot of nights in hotels for the price of two cars.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 10, 2022, 08:08:06 AM
Quote from: kkt on June 10, 2022, 02:15:01 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2022, 04:01:35 PM
Why does my wife want a camper that costs almost double what I bought my last new car for?

You could spend an awful lot of nights in hotels for the price of two cars.

Right, it would take a crap ton of overnight Road trips to make that price point sensible.  Sadly I don't think even for me the days of 100 plus days on the road a year are coming back until retirement.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 09:53:32 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 09, 2022, 11:14:16 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on June 09, 2022, 11:03:51 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2022, 09:59:02 PM
Stay out of Saginaw, Michigan. Right now as I post this there are two cars riding around Saginaw shooting at random people with an automatic they shot up a party store on Dixie Highway and King Road in Bridgeport Township as well. This is after a mass shooting that happened in the city last weekend.

By 'automatic', you mean that the perp was using a Thompson or Uzi?

So basically a robbery? 

Also, total aside but an "automatic"  to me brings to mind an automatic/non-standard transmission.

1.  I can't find any information on the news right now about what type of gun was being used.  It's possible |Flint1979| has more info, or it's possible he just said "automatic" to sound dramatic.

2.  Not having to use the gearshift would free up a hand to make shooting easier, I suppose...  OK, that was morbid.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 10, 2022, 09:59:21 AM
Something that always struck me as odd about news reports about shootings is when they phrase things like "the shooter used a semi-automatic handgun."   Why not just say "the shooter used a handgun"  to simplify it?  When I hear something like that it makes me wonder if a news agency would make the effort to note if a shooter used a "single-action handgun."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 10:14:43 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 10, 2022, 09:59:21 AM
Something that always struck me as odd about news reports about shootings is when they phrase things like "the shooter used a semi-automatic handgun."   Why not just say "the shooter used a handgun"  to simplify it?  When I hear something like that it makes me wonder if a news agency would make the effort to note if a shooter used a "single-action handgun."

I mean, I guess they could have used a Colt revolver...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 10, 2022, 11:43:50 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 09:53:32 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 09, 2022, 11:14:16 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on June 09, 2022, 11:03:51 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 09, 2022, 09:59:02 PM
Stay out of Saginaw, Michigan. Right now as I post this there are two cars riding around Saginaw shooting at random people with an automatic they shot up a party store on Dixie Highway and King Road in Bridgeport Township as well. This is after a mass shooting that happened in the city last weekend.

By 'automatic', you mean that the perp was using a Thompson or Uzi?

So basically a robbery? 

Also, total aside but an "automatic"  to me brings to mind an automatic/non-standard transmission.

1.  I can't find any information on the news right now about what type of gun was being used.  It's possible |Flint1979| has more info, or it's possible he just said "automatic" to sound dramatic.

2.  Not having to use the gearshift would free up a hand to make shooting easier, I suppose...  OK, that was morbid.
I got my information from the scanner plus people posting in a Facebook group. It was a blue van or SUV and a cream colored car driving around shooting at random people. I mean an automatic rifle I don't know exactly what kind of automatic it was though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 10, 2022, 12:28:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 10:14:43 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 10, 2022, 09:59:21 AM
Something that always struck me as odd about news reports about shootings is when they phrase things like "the shooter used a semi-automatic handgun."   Why not just say "the shooter used a handgun"  to simplify it?  When I hear something like that it makes me wonder if a news agency would make the effort to note if a shooter used a "single-action handgun."

I mean, I guess they could have used a Colt revolver...

Those are still by far the most fun handgun I've taken to a range.  My brother in law has a couple in his gun safe in Florida.  They don't have a lick of accuracy to them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 10, 2022, 08:42:44 PM
It's Friday night. I haven't been in the city of Saginaw all day except for riding on the border along Weiss Street for a minute.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2022, 12:29:14 PM
I just learned that ten states have never ratified the 21st Amendment.

(https://i.imgur.com/MHRyUM1.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
An authentic Italian restaurant in the US (or French or German, but Italian restaurants are much more common) should have these:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 26, 2022, 04:30:32 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
Euros should be accepted.

What about lira?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2022, 07:05:59 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
An authentic Italian restaurant in the US (or French or German, but Italian restaurants are much more common) should have these...

Would you support an authentic American Restaurant in Italy using what would be used in America?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 26, 2022, 07:55:19 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2022, 07:05:59 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
An authentic Italian restaurant in the US (or French or German, but Italian restaurants are much more common) should have these...

Would you support an authentic American Restaurant in Italy using what would be used in America?

Isn't that just McDonald's?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2022, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2022, 07:55:19 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2022, 07:05:59 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
An authentic Italian restaurant in the US (or French or German, but Italian restaurants are much more common) should have these...

Would you support an authentic American Restaurant in Italy using what would be used in America?

Isn't that just McDonald's?

Just like Olive Garden is the only Italian restaurant in America.  :D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on June 26, 2022, 01:21:02 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
An authentic Italian restaurant in the US (or French or German, but Italian restaurants are much more common) should have these:

  • Credit card readers used in Europe (if you've been to Canada but not Europe, they're the same ones)
  • Emergency exit signs are the green running man.
  • The time printed on the receipt is in 24-hour time.
  • Euros should be accepted. At the current exchange rate, that's a 4% fee compared to paying with US dollars.
  • While most restaurants are a single floor, if it is multiple, the one at street level is floor 0.
  • Parmesan cheese and prosciutto must come from Parma. Champagne, if they have it, must come from Champagne.
  • Tax is already included in the price.
  • Does Italy round to the nearest 0.05 or 0.10? France unofficially rounds to 0.10, but it's not consistent even within the Eurozone, so I don't know.


Change Italian to Spanish, and except the sixth and last items it would pretty much be the same. For the sixth item, I would state that ham must be cut in slices from a dry-cured pig's hind leg on site (and of course be from Spain). Spain doesn't round yet, even though I chose not to carry any coins below €0.05.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.
Many restaurants do.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:35:06 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.
Many restaurants do.
Yeah quite honestly it's not hard to do.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on June 26, 2022, 10:50:24 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:35:06 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.
Many restaurants do.
Yeah quite honestly it's not hard to do.

They could start by cutting the salt they use on everything by 3/4.
They only do that to sell drinks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 27, 2022, 11:56:08 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.
Many restaurants do.

What exactly drives this obsessive hatred of Olive Garden? It's just bland chain food like Red Lobster or TGI Friday's. It's not really worth the relentlessly shaming people over, is it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on June 27, 2022, 12:10:58 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 27, 2022, 11:56:08 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.
Many restaurants do.
What exactly drives this obsessive hatred of Olive Garden? It's just bland chain food like Red Lobster or TGI Friday's. It's not really worth the relentlessly shaming people over, is it?

I've had some decent fish at Red Lobster.  But good Italian food is soooo good and not that hard to make that they're no reason for Olive Garden to massacre it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on June 27, 2022, 03:10:00 PM
Back to the subtitles thing: They should be displayed at plays and musicals as well. Often the sound mixing or speakers aren't properly set up, so it's hard to catch what was said/sung.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 27, 2022, 03:11:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:35:06 PM

Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.

Many restaurants do.

Yeah quite honestly it's not hard to do.

All of the Olive Garden locations in Illinois are far superior to any restaurant in any other state.  I know this because I went to Indiana once, and anyone who disagrees with this proven fact has obviously never been to Illinois.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 27, 2022, 03:18:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 27, 2022, 03:11:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:35:06 PM

Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.

Many restaurants do.

Yeah quite honestly it's not hard to do.

All of the Olive Garden locations in Illinois are far superior to any restaurant in any other state.  I know this because I went to Indiana once, and anyone who disagrees with this proven fact has obviously never been to Illinois.

The fettuccine in Illionis is the flattest pasta I've ever seen. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 27, 2022, 04:59:44 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 27, 2022, 03:18:16 PM
The fettuccine in Illionis is the flattest pasta I've ever seen. 

Flatuccine Carhornara?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 27, 2022, 05:13:11 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 27, 2022, 04:59:44 PM
Flatuccine Carhornara?

Is that the state dish of Indiana?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 27, 2022, 05:14:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 27, 2022, 03:11:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:35:06 PM

Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.

Many restaurants do.

Yeah quite honestly it's not hard to do.

All of the Olive Garden locations in Illinois are far superior to any restaurant in any other state.  I know this because I went to Indiana once, and anyone who disagrees with this proven fact has obviously never been to Illinois.
LMAO
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 27, 2022, 05:16:24 PM
Olive Garden was started by Darden just like Red Lobster. But Red Lobster was sold in 2014.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on June 27, 2022, 05:24:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 27, 2022, 05:13:11 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 27, 2022, 04:59:44 PM
Flatuccine Carhornara?

Is that the state dish of Indiana?
NYC?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 27, 2022, 07:55:43 PM
I ordered Illinois style pancakes and got the flattest pancakes ever.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on June 27, 2022, 08:40:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 27, 2022, 03:11:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:35:06 PM

Quote from: Rothman on June 26, 2022, 10:31:52 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on June 26, 2022, 10:26:36 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint blows Olive Garden away.

Many restaurants do.

Yeah quite honestly it's not hard to do.

All of the Olive Garden locations in Illinois are far superior to any restaurant in any other state.  I know this because I went to Indiana once, and anyone who disagrees with this proven fact has obviously never been to Illinois.

Even Chez Quis??
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on June 27, 2022, 10:28:03 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 27, 2022, 03:11:21 PM
All of the Olive Garden locations in Illinois are far superior to any restaurant in any other state.  I know this because I went to Indiana once, and anyone who disagrees with this proven fact has obviously never been to Illinois.

Is this in agreement with the teachings of Wallethub?

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 27, 2022, 04:59:44 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 27, 2022, 03:18:16 PM
The fettuccine in Illionis is the flattest pasta I've ever seen. 
Flatuccine Carhornara?

:clap:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 28, 2022, 10:58:10 AM
Umm, what's going on in the back of this red SUV at the northbound Johnston County Rest Area on I-95 in North Carolina?  :confused:
https://foursquare.com/v/johnston-county-rest-area-south-bound/4d9f8636090da093e4ced8a8?openPhotoId=4e3d7e88a809ba757c0a9a12 (https://foursquare.com/v/johnston-county-rest-area-south-bound/4d9f8636090da093e4ced8a8?openPhotoId=4e3d7e88a809ba757c0a9a12)
Because it looks like some jerkoff is smacking around his wife, daughter, or girlfriend.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on June 29, 2022, 02:53:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2022, 04:30:32 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
Euros should be accepted.

What about lira?

Those haven't been issued for 20 years now.

:-o

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 29, 2022, 03:02:09 PM
I just put a Chevy Malibu back out on M-52 northbound coming out of St. Charles about 20 minutes ago. After we hit the 55 mph speed limit I punched it and got up to 100 mph, a Chevy Malibu was trying to keep up with me and trying to pass me and I wouldn't let him. Oncoming traffic was coming and I slowed down and let him ride my ass. I was only doing 100 mph for about a half mile, I was doing 75 mph up to Swan Creek Road as there was no traffic in front of me until I got to the curve after Lakefield Road and that traffic was doing 70 so I just kept with them, the oncoming traffic though was nonstop so the Malibu was still behind me. I turned onto Swan Creek Road and about 2 miles or so down by the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail crossing my GPS alerted me that there was a speed trap ahead. So I slowed down and was doing the 55 mph speed limit and the Malibu comes up behind me and passes me doing about 75 or so mph, about a half mile later a Michigan state police trooper was sitting on the side of the road just chillin. The Malibu passed him and the cop went after him. I thought holy shit that car got pulled over. I hadn't had my Fusion up to 100 mph before so I broke the sound barrier on this car.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: frankenroad on June 29, 2022, 04:25:16 PM
Quote from: Bruce on June 27, 2022, 03:10:00 PM
Back to the subtitles thing: They should be displayed at plays and musicals as well. Often the sound mixing or speakers aren't properly set up, so it's hard to catch what was said/sung.

Agree 100% - I went to see Hamilton a couple years ago and could not understand most of what was being sung.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on June 29, 2022, 04:42:41 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 29, 2022, 02:53:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2022, 04:30:32 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 26, 2022, 04:21:18 AM
Euros should be accepted.

What about lira?

Those haven't been issued for 20 years now.

:-o

Mike
There is still Turkish Lira.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on June 30, 2022, 11:42:21 AM
The Flintstones never discussed the initiation rites of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes, did they?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on July 03, 2022, 01:26:15 PM
Is it possible for mourning doves to take flight without making noise?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 05, 2022, 08:54:55 PM
AARoads Premium

$14.99 per month, $39.99 for a 3-month package


AARoads Ultimate

$49.99 per month, $124.99 for a 3-month package

Everything in AARoads Premium, plus:

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 05, 2022, 09:37:14 PM
I wish my admin panel had the stuff on it that you seem to think it does. :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: lepidopteran on July 05, 2022, 10:37:19 PM
Quote from: formulanone on June 30, 2022, 11:42:21 AM
The Flintstones never discussed the initiation rites of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes, did they?
Yes they did.  It was on that episode where Wilma and Betty dressed up like men and donned their husbands' old hats to sneak into the Water Buffalo lodge.  But they wound up in the room where the new members were waiting, and ended up having being subject to hazing rituals.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 05, 2022, 11:52:17 PM
Is there anybody out there who's actively trying to revive button copy signs, just for decorations?

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2022, 12:00:32 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 05, 2022, 11:52:17 PM
Is there anybody out there who's actively trying to revive button copy signs, just for decorations?

Yes:

https://flic.kr/p/2kLTffT
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2022, 12:15:59 AM
Oh, so that's not an old one you bought at an auction from CalDOT?

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2022, 12:18:50 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2022, 12:15:59 AM
Oh, so that's not an old one you bought at an auction from CalDOT?

Someone cut the shield out of a BGS near San Juan Capistrano, I bought it off them.  Seemed like it was a shield in need of preservation on my garage wall.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 06, 2022, 02:23:35 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 05, 2022, 11:52:17 PM
Is there anybody out there who's actively trying to revive button copy signs, just for decorations?

Jake Bear used to make signs in the style of the old ground-level cateye signs (i.e. reflectors affixed to a backplate that then poked through holes drilled in the sign face), but as far as I know he never did true button copy, where each letter is demountable. In any case, he's moved away from reflective signs of any sort, since most of his replicas are of signs that were never reflective to begin with.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on July 08, 2022, 02:36:18 PM
A fire that destroyed a condo building west of Saginaw last night. Firefighters from several different departments battled the blaze for 7 hours. Driving westbound on M-46 I noticed a cloud of black smoke in the air. This condo is a complete loss.

https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2022/07/pictures-video-show-devastation-from-condo-fire-in-saginaw-area-that-displaced-dozens.html?fbclid=IwAR2xzPf0KpSjwX2z-vzFQ-gTnykWWNmDJ9_X2UBHZzZT10E1qZz5YV1NUIQ
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 09, 2022, 06:28:48 AM
Do towels over the windows of cars mean the same thing as a sock on a doorknob? I saw a whole bunch of them at the northbound I-75 Hillsborough County Rest Area yesterday.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on July 10, 2022, 08:21:33 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 09, 2022, 06:28:48 AM
Do towels over the windows of cars mean the same thing as a sock on a doorknob? I saw a whole bunch of them at the northbound I-75 Hillsborough County Rest Area yesterday.

Probably just trying to block out light from outside the car so they can get a nap.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on July 12, 2022, 08:26:19 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 05, 2022, 08:54:55 PM
(AARoads Premium)

Not gonna lie, the Ultimate plan is worth it for the ability to teleport alone.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 13, 2022, 04:10:43 AM
Could you have a hair metal band where everyone is bald?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on July 13, 2022, 05:03:40 AM
Quote from: lepidopteran on July 05, 2022, 10:37:19 PM
Quote from: formulanone on June 30, 2022, 11:42:21 AM
The Flintstones never discussed the initiation rites of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes, did they?
Yes they did.  It was on that episode where Wilma and Betty dressed up like men and donned their husbands' old hats to sneak into the Water Buffalo lodge.  But they wound up in the room where the new members were waiting, and ended up having being subject to hazing rituals.

So I didn't imagine it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 13, 2022, 07:37:55 AM
I think the Earth rotation thing shouldn't be an issue when teleporting due to gravity. Another thing would be teleporting anywhere else in the Universe.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 13, 2022, 08:14:23 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on July 13, 2022, 07:37:55 AM
I think the Earth rotation thing shouldn't be an issue when teleporting due to gravity. Another thing would be teleporting anywhere else in the Universe.

How come nobody in Science Fiction movies pertaining to time travel factors the differing position of Earth at different points in time?  The rotation of the Earth around the galactic core alone is enough to cause major problems even before you get into things like Universal Expansion.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on July 13, 2022, 08:48:37 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 13, 2022, 04:10:43 AM
Could you have a hair metal band where everyone is bald?
Sure. Wigs exist.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on July 13, 2022, 09:54:53 AM
Quote from: Takumi on July 13, 2022, 08:48:37 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 13, 2022, 04:10:43 AM
Could you have a hair metal band where everyone is bald?
Sure. Wigs exist.

Amadeus
Amadeus

Amadeus
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on July 14, 2022, 02:21:19 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 12, 2022, 08:26:19 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 05, 2022, 08:54:55 PM
(AARoads Premium)

Not gonna lie, the Ultimate plan is worth it for the ability to teleport alone.

:clap:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on July 14, 2022, 02:24:09 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 13, 2022, 08:14:23 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on July 13, 2022, 07:37:55 AM
I think the Earth rotation thing shouldn't be an issue when teleporting due to gravity. Another thing would be teleporting anywhere else in the Universe.

How come nobody in Science Fiction movies pertaining to time travel factors the differing position of Earth at different points in time?  The rotation of the Earth around the galactic core alone is enough to cause major problems even before you get into things like Universal Expansion.

Storytelling, not an interesting part of the story.  Just assume that some of the buttons on that big transporter console allow Chief O'Brien to compensate for direction of movement and rotation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 16, 2022, 02:44:41 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)

Because some people are sadists and insist certain toppings can't go on pizza (example: pineapple).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on July 16, 2022, 02:49:43 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)
Five Guys boasts that though they are no different than other burger places in that regard.  But their prices assume you are getting everything.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 16, 2022, 03:30:30 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 16, 2022, 02:44:41 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)

Because some people are sadists and insist certain toppings can't go on pizza (example: pineapple olives).

Fixed that for you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 16, 2022, 03:32:09 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 16, 2022, 03:30:30 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 16, 2022, 02:44:41 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)

Because some people are sadists and insist certain toppings can't go on pizza (example: pineapple olives).

Fixed that for you.

I'm the heathen type who has had both pineapple and olives on their pizza.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 16, 2022, 04:44:15 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)

Because, unlike pizzas, hamburger toppings are cheap as hell. Lettuce, tomato slices, and a dab of mustard or mayo really only costs a few cents. It's easier to just price that into the burger than to itemize that on the receipt. Whereas pepperoni or sausage is more expensive.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on July 16, 2022, 10:32:26 PM
Quote from: Big John on July 16, 2022, 02:49:43 PM
Five Guys boasts that though they are no different than other burger places in that regard.  But their prices assume you are getting everything.

I order it "All the way, No Shrooms".

It's pretty good with A1 Sauce but I usually forget it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 16, 2022, 10:44:33 PM
Quote from: Big John on July 16, 2022, 02:49:43 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)
Five Guys boasts that though they are no different than other burger places in that regard.  But their prices assume you are getting everything.

Same with the extra fries.  They could charge $4.00 for large fries, but instead charge $5.50 for medium fries and give you "extra" fries at the bottom of the bag, and the fan kingdom goes wild with their bonus treat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 17, 2022, 03:10:26 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 16, 2022, 10:44:33 PM
Quote from: Big John on July 16, 2022, 02:49:43 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 16, 2022, 02:36:00 PM
Why do pizza parlors charge extra for each extra ingredient added to your pizza, but hamburger joints allow as many toppings* as you want for no charge?

(* excluding "premium" toppings like cheese, bacon, and the like)
Five Guys boasts that though they are no different than other burger places in that regard.  But their prices assume you are getting everything.

Same with the extra fries.  They could charge $4.00 for large fries, but instead charge $5.50 for medium fries and give you "extra" fries at the bottom of the bag, and the fan kingdom goes wild with their bonus treat.

When I was a slave to the clown back in 2005, I *always* gave out old(er) fries free. You'd get whatever you ordered fresh, and a bunch of bonus fries free. It beat wasting them, and we still recorded them properly. Mcdonald's throws away a truly alarming amount of potatoes, so I'd just as soon someone eat them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PM
Star Wars uses lightsabers intensively but kind of takes them for granted*.

Why not use armor that's built from 200 lightsabers, like a porcupine? Perhaps it would be too expensive.

Can a saber be longer, like 10 meters? The light seems to be tightly attenuated at the "tip", but regular light intensity instead decreases (inverse square). Would a longer saber mean shorter time between charges? It would be an advantage in battle.

How long does it take to recharge?

How much does the "light" part of it weigh? A real sword has plenty of mass and inertia, which affects how it moves. The beams can't pass through each other, which implies some sort of mass (heavy photons etc.) or energy field

Can a saber be infrared or UV? If your opponent can't see where it is, that's an advantage to you. (However, with a UV saber, all the stormtrooper uniforms would glow.)

If you leave a lightsaber on and stick it in the sand, will it stay up?

Does the Space British Museum have a big gallery of lightsabers from all over the galaxy?

* I haven't watch a lot of SW stuff, including all the Clone Wars and other cartoons, so I may be missing something.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on July 18, 2022, 01:37:49 PM
Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMStar Wars uses lightsabers intensively but kind of takes them for granted*.

Many of the specific points you bring up have occurred to me.  I won't pretend my answers are canon . . .

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMWhy not use armor that's built from 200 lightsabers, like a porcupine? Perhaps it would be too expensive.

With any type of armor, there is inevitably a tradeoff between close protection and mobility.  Spikes made out of the same combination of matter and energy as a lightsaber blade (see below) will not defend against stabbing attacks.  From a storytelling point of view, lightsabers are fundamentally an elite weapon and, as such, must be reserved for duels among knight analogues rather than mass attacks involving "people who can't shoot what they're aiming at."  It is also crucial that Jedis, whose homespun outfits denote their status as underdogs/hidden warriors, demonstrate skill by leaping balletically out of the way of killing cuts and thrusts instead of depending on armor to block them.

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMCan a saber be longer, like 10 meters? The light seems to be tightly attenuated at the "tip", but regular light intensity instead decreases (inverse square). Would a longer saber mean shorter time between charges? It would be an advantage in battle.

Saber length can vary somewhat (I think blade length is shorter for the double-bladed sabers used by antagonists in the later films).  A very long blade would be advantageous in the open but crippling in close quarters.  Presumably the tradeoff is calculated in advance since there do not appear to be lightsabers with blades of adjustable length.

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMHow long does it take to recharge?

They are refuelled (with hydrogen for fusion) rather than recharged, and the time required is purely nominal.  (The Star Wars universe has compact fusion reactors.)

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMHow much does the "light" part of it weigh? A real sword has plenty of mass and inertia, which affects how it moves. The beams can't pass through each other, which implies some sort of mass (heavy photons etc.) or energy field

I suspect they are quite light, which tends to imply an energy field.  I further suspect that the visible light represents only a small fraction of the energy involved and functions more as an indicator of allegiance (blue/green = light side of the Force; red = dark side), similar to the flags flown by ships engaged in a naval battle.

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMCan a saber be infrared or UV? If your opponent can't see where it is, that's an advantage to you. (However, with a UV saber, all the stormtrooper uniforms would glow.)

A properly trained fighter (in either the Sith or Jedi disciplines) should be able to sense the position of an opponent's blade in real time even if it does not use visible light.  The people who lose out, therefore, are film audiences.  (I don't think it has ever been established that stormtrooper armor fluoresces in UV.)

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMIf you leave a lightsaber on and stick it in the sand, will it stay up?

The external envelope can be fabricated to give it that capability.  In some contexts this can be useful; in others it can be fatal.  (Related question, which I don't think the films have ever addressed:  what happens when the blade of a lightsaber has longer than glancing contact with solid matter?  Does it always transfer enough heat to melt metal, or is this controlled in some way by the user?)

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMDoes the Space British Museum have a big gallery of lightsabers from all over the galaxy?

Sort of.  When the Jedi Temple was still a going concern, tourists to Coruscant could arrange for a guided tour of the Hall of Luminous Weapons.  But this was by appointment only, applied for through your senator.

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PM* I haven't watch a lot of SW stuff, including all the Clone Wars and other cartoons, so I may be missing something.

I'm largely limited to the nine main series movies and a couple of the anthology films.  As I don't subscribe to any streaming services, I probably won't see The Mandalorian unless and until there is a release on physical media.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on July 18, 2022, 03:56:03 PM
As a Star Wars nerd, I feel that I can help answer some of these questions...
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 18, 2022, 01:37:49 PM
Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMStar Wars uses lightsabers intensively but kind of takes them for granted*.
Many of the specific points you bring up have occurred to me.  I won't pretend my answers are canon . . .

Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMCan a saber be longer, like 10 meters? The light seems to be tightly attenuated at the "tip", but regular light intensity instead decreases (inverse square). Would a longer saber mean shorter time between charges? It would be an advantage in battle.

Saber length can vary somewhat (I think blade length is shorter for the double-bladed sabers used by antagonists in the later films).  A very long blade would be advantageous in the open but crippling in close quarters.  Presumably the tradeoff is calculated in advance since there do not appear to be lightsabers with blades of adjustable length.

I believe that most lightsabers have the capability of adjustable lengths in Star Wars canon, but there are limits to how big or small you can adjust your saber, and the reason we don't notice it much at all, I suspect, is that lightsaber wielders usually pick a length and stick with it. There are also a large variety of sizes in lightsabers. They range from dagger-size all the way up to what are known as "light-clubs" (which are bigger and made for bigger creatures to wield). I'm not aware of any energy or charging disadvantages.

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 18, 2022, 01:37:49 PM
Quote from: kurumi on July 18, 2022, 12:03:20 PMHow much does the "light" part of it weigh? A real sword has plenty of mass and inertia, which affects how it moves. The beams can't pass through each other, which implies some sort of mass (heavy photons etc.) or energy field

I suspect they are quite light, which tends to imply an energy field.  I further suspect that the visible light represents only a small fraction of the energy involved and functions more as an indicator of allegiance (blue/green = light side of the Force; red = dark side), similar to the flags flown by ships engaged in a naval battle.

Lightsabers definitely have some sort of weight. In some of the shows, characters new to fighting with lightsabers tend to have struggles wielding them for the first time, as they can be heavy, particularly the Darksaber (which is a rabbit hole in its own right. How does black glow?). Apparently the weight can at least be mostly mitigated by feeling the Force through your saber.

And there is actually an interesting explanation as to why lightsabers have their different colors. Kyber crystals (which give lightsabers their power) are the same color as the blade. Natural kyber crystals are usually "good" colors (green, blue, purple, yellow). Red kyber crystals (what the bad guys use), however, are synthetic, and produce their red color by "bleeding" them with the Force. If healed, they turn white.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on July 18, 2022, 07:02:47 PM
I'm not a gigantic star wars fan.  But I thought the light sabers channeled the psychic strength of the wielder.  If there's no one wielding the light saber, it does nothing.  So making a ship's armor out of light sabers wouldn't work.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 18, 2022, 07:19:19 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 18, 2022, 07:02:47 PM
I'm not a gigantic star wars fan.  But I thought the light sabers channeled the psychic strength of the wielder.  If there's no one wielding the light saber, it does nothing.  So making a ship's armor out of light sabers wouldn't work.

There are a few rare examples of non-Jedi (generally briefly) using lightsabers (Han Solo in Empire Strikes Back, General Grievous in III, and Finn in VII)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 18, 2022, 07:31:56 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 18, 2022, 07:19:19 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 18, 2022, 07:02:47 PM
I'm not a gigantic star wars fan.  But I thought the light sabers channeled the psychic strength of the wielder.  If there's no one wielding the light saber, it does nothing.  So making a ship's armor out of light sabers wouldn't work.

There are a few rare examples of non-Jedi (generally briefly) using lightsabers (Han Solo in Empire Strikes Back, General Grievous in III, and Finn in VII)

Din Djarin and Moff Gideon in the Mandolorian with the Dark Saber come to mind.  There is a whole thing where Din Djarin is pretty much explicitly told in by the Armorer in The Book of Boba Fett that his ability to use the Dark Saber comes down to how clear his mind is.  As far as has been illustrated so far, Din Djarin isn't a Force user.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:34:27 PM
Why is red cabbage purple?
Technically doesn't anyone that owns property own all the way up to the edge of the universe in a wedge that progressively gets a bit wider?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on July 21, 2022, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:34:27 PMWhy is red cabbage purple?

Anthocyanins--the same things that give red onions their purplish color.  (Why the term red is applied to vegetables with this pigmentation is an interesting etymological question; however, the Wikipedia article on red onions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_onion) notes that an Italian variety, cipolla rossa di Tropea--"red onion of Tropea"--has a protected designation of origin.)

Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:34:27 PMTechnically doesn't anyone that owns property own all the way up to the edge of the universe in a wedge that progressively gets a bit wider?

The old rule under English common law was "to the skies" (up to the universe was not contemplated in medieval times).  This has not survived the aviation age without modification:  for example, pilots do not have to pay you to overfly your property, and you are liable for damages if you shoot down a drone hovering over your house.  Michael Heller and James Salzman's Mine! (dealing with the legal bases for various types of ownership right) actually dedicates a chapter to this issue.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 21, 2022, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:34:27 PMWhy is red cabbage purple?

Anthocyanins--the same things that give red onions their purplish color.  (Why the term red is applied to vegetables with this pigmentation is an interesting etymological question; however, the Wikipedia article on red onions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_onion) notes that an Italian variety, cipolla rossa di Tropea--"red onion of Tropea"--has a protected designation of origin.)

I call this the dumbing down of color; we have a whole color wheel yet society uses about 6-8 colors to describe everything.

"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 21, 2022, 06:44:00 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 21, 2022, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:34:27 PMWhy is red cabbage purple?

Anthocyanins--the same things that give red onions their purplish color.  (Why the term red is applied to vegetables with this pigmentation is an interesting etymological question; however, the Wikipedia article on red onions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_onion) notes that an Italian variety, cipolla rossa di Tropea--"red onion of Tropea"--has a protected designation of origin.)

I call this the dumbing down of color; we have a whole color wheel yet society uses about 6-8 colors to describe everything.

"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.

Black and White TV is actually shades of grey
Grey haired old people are said to have blue hair
red rocks are more of an orange
tree bark is thought to be brown when it is actually more grey
I am not going to touch skin color...moving on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:06:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.

And the color of dogs' fur will be listed as "red" on their paperwork, when really it's brown.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 22, 2022, 09:21:12 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:06:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.

And the color of dogs' fur will be listed as "red" on their paperwork, when really it's brown.
Except my dog is registered as "chocolate".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 22, 2022, 09:24:38 AM
A dedicated politics thread that's 1v1 Crash_It (D) vs. HighwayStar (R). (Neither user is banned right now.) Other people can't join the debate, since it's 1v1; they can post, but only in a way that a moderator would in a live debate.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 22, 2022, 09:50:23 AM
Quote from: 1 on July 22, 2022, 09:24:38 AM
A dedicated politics thread that's 1v1 Crash_It (D) vs. HighwayStar (R). (Neither user is banned right now.) Other people can't join the debate, since it's 1v1; they can post, but only in a way that a moderator would in a live debate.

That got proposed a couple times in the Illinois Is Flat 2.0 thread before Cra_sHit started talking about macking on 19 year Wisconsin girls and got it locked.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on July 22, 2022, 09:53:47 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:06:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.

And the color of dogs' fur will be listed as "red" on their paperwork, when really it's brown.

Or "blue"  for dark grey.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on July 22, 2022, 10:47:13 AM
Sooo.. I travelled to Baltimore and the amount of "Lee Highway" and "US 11" exits esp. from I-81 were depressing. And I also ended up on US 1 & 40 without knowing until I paid very close attention.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on July 22, 2022, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 21, 2022, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:34:27 PMWhy is red cabbage purple?

Anthocyanins--the same things that give red onions their purplish color.  (Why the term red is applied to vegetables with this pigmentation is an interesting etymological question; however, the Wikipedia article on red onions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_onion) notes that an Italian variety, cipolla rossa di Tropea--"red onion of Tropea"--has a protected designation of origin.)

I call this the dumbing down of color; we have a whole color wheel yet society uses about 6-8 colors to describe everything.

"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.

I can't find a good cite, but I believe orange was viewed as a type of red when the term was coined. Historically (and even now) different languages have different sets of "primary colors" than the should-be-obvious 6 colors plus brown, gray, pink, white, black we have in English.

In Japanese, 青 is mainly blue but still blue/green in many ways, even to the point of a green traffic light being 青. Russian has different words for light blue and dark blue. In Homer's "Wine-dark Sea", was the sea really like a glass of pinot noir? Or did the sea-color and wine-color just map to the same color slot back in the day?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on July 22, 2022, 02:40:16 PM
Quote from: kurumi on July 22, 2022, 12:09:35 PMIn Homer's "Wine-dark Sea", was the sea really like a glass of pinot noir? Or did the sea-color and wine-color just map to the same color slot back in the day?

A recent piece in the New Yorker (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/01/14/greek-to-me) suggests it is a metaphor for the sea having the same dark depths as a glass of red wine.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on July 22, 2022, 07:24:41 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 22, 2022, 10:47:13 AM
Sooo.. I travelled to Baltimore and the amount of "US 11" exits esp. from I-81 were depressing.
That is very prevalent in New York. I looked in Google Maps and found no less than 20 different exits that either lead directly onto US 11, or exit out very, very close to it on an intersecting road. I intentionally under-estimated my count in case any tried to give me a real issue about it. But yeah, that's a lot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 22, 2022, 08:36:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 22, 2022, 09:24:38 AM
A dedicated politics thread that's 1v1 Crash_It (D) vs. HighwayStar (R). (Neither user is banned right now.) Other people can't join the debate, since it's 1v1; they can post, but only in a way that a moderator would in a live debate.

Would this mean I'd have to open up my archive of Grand Alan photos so that everyone can post in the way I would in a live debate?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 22, 2022, 09:21:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 22, 2022, 08:36:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 22, 2022, 09:24:38 AM
A dedicated politics thread that's 1v1 Crash_It (D) vs. HighwayStar (R). (Neither user is banned right now.) Other people can't join the debate, since it's 1v1; they can post, but only in a way that a moderator would in a live debate.

Would this mean I'd have to open up my archive of Grand Alan photos so that everyone can post in the way I would in a live debate?

Yes, in fact there is be a Quindaropedia equivalent for the lore of Illinois is flat (Flatpedia?).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 23, 2022, 03:42:50 AM
Quote from: Takumi on July 22, 2022, 09:53:47 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:06:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.

And the color of dogs' fur will be listed as "red" on their paperwork, when really it's brown.

Or "blue"  for dark grey.
Or "warm" for 96 degrees. Oklahoma and Arizona excepted.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 23, 2022, 11:09:00 AM
After this week, 96 would feel downright nice. :D (Even up in Kansas City, where I've spent the last week, it's still been hotter than that.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 23, 2022, 01:14:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2022, 11:09:00 AM
After this week, 96 would feel downright nice. :D (Even up in Kansas City, where I've spent the last week, it's still been hotter than that.)

Hot af here in colorado, too. Normally, when I'm working I can shut my a/c off shortly after sunset. Last night, I went to go home, and was just going to run the vent. No dice. Give me freon, or give me death.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 23, 2022, 09:17:18 PM
Warning: this is fictional.

Quote from: New Yolk Times
Chick-fil-A has seen a sudden 8% increase in customers from people who have previously boycotted the restaurant due to their anti-LGBT beliefs. Why? A user on Instagram posted a viral video about how to abuse Chick-fil-A's rewards program and coupons in a way that they actually lose money from a given customer's service. Some doctors, however, are discouraging going all in on Chick-fil-A for health reasons, as it's still fast food.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 23, 2022, 10:42:00 PM
Whenever I feel compelled to eat at Chick-Fil-A, I always take an excessive number of mayonnaise packets to try to sort of cancel it out.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 24, 2022, 01:35:38 AM
Quote from: kurumi on July 22, 2022, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 06:16:03 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 21, 2022, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:34:27 PMWhy is red cabbage purple?

Anthocyanins--the same things that give red onions their purplish color.  (Why the term red is applied to vegetables with this pigmentation is an interesting etymological question; however, the Wikipedia article on red onions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_onion) notes that an Italian variety, cipolla rossa di Tropea--"red onion of Tropea"--has a protected designation of origin.)

I call this the dumbing down of color; we have a whole color wheel yet society uses about 6-8 colors to describe everything.

"Red hair" is mostly orange, for example.

I can't find a good cite, but I believe orange was viewed as a type of red when the term was coined. Historically (and even now) different languages have different sets of "primary colors" than the should-be-obvious 6 colors plus brown, gray, pink, white, black we have in English.

In Japanese, 青 is mainly blue but still blue/green in many ways, even to the point of a green traffic light being 青. Russian has different words for light blue and dark blue. In Homer's "Wine-dark Sea", was the sea really like a glass of pinot noir? Or did the sea-color and wine-color just map to the same color slot back in the day?

You can tell that orange is a latecomer too the English color-word repertoire by its very name, which originally, of course, referred to the fruit. So, there's something of a gap there that just got filled later, without previously existing words changing. Also, and this is more of a personal observation on my part, the "distance" between red, orange, and yellow on a RGB color chart is pretty small, smaller than between cyan and blue, which in everyday language are both hues of the sane color, so it makes sense to me why orange as a color is fairly new.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on July 25, 2022, 09:32:20 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 22, 2022, 10:47:13 AM
Sooo.. I travelled to Baltimore and the amount of "Lee Highway" and "US 11" exits esp. from I-81 were depressing.

At some point, I-81 and US 11 should really get a room.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on July 25, 2022, 11:29:19 AM
I just realized that in the logo of the Disney Channel show "Big City Greens", Big City is written in all-caps Clearview.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 25, 2022, 01:15:58 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 25, 2022, 11:29:19 AM
I just realized that in the logo of the Disney Channel show "Big City Greens", Big City is written in all-caps Clearview.

That's not Clearview. It's some other typeface in the humanist sans-serif family (they all look similar enough that I can't tell what it is precisely from only seven characters).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on July 25, 2022, 01:57:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 25, 2022, 01:15:58 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 25, 2022, 11:29:19 AM
I just realized that in the logo of the Disney Channel show "Big City Greens", Big City is written in all-caps Clearview.

That's not Clearview. It's some other typeface in the humanist sans-serif family (they all look similar enough that I can't tell what it is precisely from only seven characters).
It does look very similar to Clearview...but I guess it's not. Thanks for helping me out!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on July 25, 2022, 06:14:05 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 25, 2022, 09:32:20 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on July 22, 2022, 10:47:13 AM
Sooo.. I travelled to Baltimore and the amount of "Lee Highway" and "US 11" exits esp. from I-81 were depressing.

At some point, I-81 and US 11 should really get a room.

Speaking of roads getting a room, there's a lot of exits for NB 130 on TCH 2 near Edmunston, New Brunswick, which is understandable since 130 is old 2.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on July 26, 2022, 11:08:21 AM
The phrase "Please listen carefully as our options have recently changed". Uh, riiiggghhhttt.... I've been calling the same number on a regular basis, and the options have not changed in the past six years. What is your definition of "recent"? What is wrong with stating "Our options changed on May 3rd, please listen closely"? The same thing with stating "some of your favorite menu items may have a new number".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on July 26, 2022, 11:41:56 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 26, 2022, 11:08:21 AM
The phrase "Please listen carefully as our options have recently changed"

It just leaves us cynical, and it seems like this:

Lies:
* our menu items have recently changed
* your call is very important to us

Truth:
* to hell with you for calling us, especially to hell with you for trying to get through to a live person, and we'd prefer you just give up and hang up
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 26, 2022, 11:43:06 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 26, 2022, 11:08:21 AM
The phrase "Please listen carefully as our options have recently changed". Uh, riiiggghhhttt.... I've been calling the same number on a regular basis, and the options have not changed in the past six years. What is your definition of "recent"? What is wrong with stating "Our options changed on May 3rd, please listen closely"? The same thing with stating "some of your favorite menu items may have a new number".

Yes, it happens with every automated calling service.  I think it's their way to make everyone use the automated version, because "if we tell them to listen closely, they will hear their option because in the old days they 'didn't listen closely and got frustrated and just went looking for an operator.'"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 26, 2022, 12:01:32 PM
I've had the exact opposite happen with one business (a country club with a restaurant open to the public) – the numbers were switched around, but the options in the menu hadn't updated, so I called the wrong extension first. Fortunately, the person there told me which extension to call.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on July 26, 2022, 01:51:39 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 26, 2022, 11:43:06 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 26, 2022, 11:08:21 AM
The phrase "Please listen carefully as our options have recently changed". Uh, riiiggghhhttt.... I've been calling the same number on a regular basis, and the options have not changed in the past six years. What is your definition of "recent"? What is wrong with stating "Our options changed on May 3rd, please listen closely"? The same thing with stating "some of your favorite menu items may have a new number".

Yes, it happens with every automated calling service.  I think it's their way to make everyone use the automated version, because "if we tell them to listen closely, they will hear their option because in the old days they 'didn't listen closely and got frustrated and just went looking for an operator.'"

How dare they not care about how we distribute our tasks to our grunts!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 31, 2022, 09:26:07 PM
I've been on this forum since 2013, and I've figured out lots of things that you wouldn't expect (how to get the system to think your post is under 25000 characters or your signature is under 300 when including heavy markup, determining who is banned and who isn't, etc.), but I didn't realize until two weeks ago that posts are rate-limited; you can't post twice within 15 seconds. Almost 9 years without knowing.

(I had two windows open and tried to hit post on both just a few seconds apart. I didn't spend less than 15 seconds typing a post.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 01, 2022, 09:34:21 AM
I think I figured out several years ago (within a year or two of joining) that you can't make two posts in under 15 seconds. Can't remember how it came up, probably a similar situation with two posts open in separate windows.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 01, 2022, 09:59:25 AM
I've gotten the 15 message a bunch of times on my phone when I'm not sure if a message has posted.  Basically I backtrack to the previous page, go forward and hit post.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 02, 2022, 06:05:15 PM
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: RoadsByArco on August 02, 2022, 08:08:56 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 31, 2022, 08:27:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 11:29:18 AM
OK, who was playing Mineplex Cake Wars last night?  I was watching my son play on the TV screen, and on two occasions his character was killed by someone named alangoat05.

Roadgeekteen, was that you?
   :-/

People still play on Mineplex?

Fun fact: I used to be a moderator on Mineplex several years back. Does that qualify me to be an AARoads forum moderator?
what was your username on MC?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on August 04, 2022, 01:23:30 AM
https://framesynthesis.com/drivingsimulator/maps/

It's a little clumsy, but silly fun to drive on Google Maps.

(There's no Street View yet, go ask the developer.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on August 05, 2022, 01:01:08 PM
^ That reminds me of U-Drive-It mode in SimCity 4 Rush Hour.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 05, 2022, 04:13:07 PM
If you spell Saginaw backwards it spells Wanigas which is the name of a Credit Union in Saginaw.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 07, 2022, 02:32:37 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 02, 2022, 06:05:15 PM

  • Nothing makes you wish for winter more than summer, and nothing makes you wish for summer more than winter. (This is not true of spring and fall, however.)

I don't know about that. Living in Texas tends to really shrink the part of you that likes summer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 07, 2022, 02:40:01 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 05, 2022, 04:13:07 PM
If you spell Saginaw backwards it spells Wanigas which is the name of a Credit Union in Saginaw.

Dotsero, spelled backwards, is Orestod, a railroad control point at the other end of the line. My understanding was Dotsero was named for 'dot-zero', where the Dotsero Cutoff began.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on August 07, 2022, 06:14:36 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 07, 2022, 02:32:37 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 02, 2022, 06:05:15 PM

  • Nothing makes you wish for winter more than summer, and nothing makes you wish for summer more than winter. (This is not true of spring and fall, however.)

I don't know about that. Living in Texas tends to really shrink the part of you that likes summer.
Then again, living in Texas tends to really grow the part of you that likes winter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 07, 2022, 08:34:52 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on August 07, 2022, 06:14:36 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 07, 2022, 02:32:37 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 02, 2022, 06:05:15 PM

  • Nothing makes you wish for winter more than summer, and nothing makes you wish for summer more than winter. (This is not true of spring and fall, however.)

I don't know about that. Living in Texas tends to really shrink the part of you that likes summer.
Then again, living in Texas tends to really grow the part of you that likes winter.

It probably gets less true the closer you get to the equator or the poles, but it's true for mid-latitude areas that have roughly 3 months of each season.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 09:18:54 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 07, 2022, 08:34:52 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on August 07, 2022, 06:14:36 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 07, 2022, 02:32:37 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 02, 2022, 06:05:15 PM

  • Nothing makes you wish for winter more than summer, and nothing makes you wish for summer more than winter. (This is not true of spring and fall, however.)

I don't know about that. Living in Texas tends to really shrink the part of you that likes summer.
Then again, living in Texas tends to really grow the part of you that likes winter.

It probably gets less true the closer you get to the equator or the poles, but it's true for mid-latitude areas that have roughly 3 months of each season.

Born and raised in Texas and I have never missed summer nor wanted summer to show up.  I also get angry when we have unseasonable 90 degree January days.  I worked outside for years and that's what did it to me.  I don't understand people that want to eat outside, open their windows to their house or why shopping malls are dying in favor of open air malls.  It's hot and I like to get away from the heat when I can. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 08, 2022, 09:38:49 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 09:18:54 AM
I don't understand people that want to ... open their windows to their house ...

Because late at night, it's cooler outside than it is inside. Opening the windows cools down the house.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 08, 2022, 11:45:51 AM
Quote from: 1 on August 08, 2022, 09:38:49 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 09:18:54 AM
I don't understand people that want to ... open their windows to their house ...

Because late at night, it's cooler outside than it is inside. Opening the windows cools down the house.

Assuming he's only talking about people nearby, that very well might not be the case in Texas. I had plenty of nights in Kansas City where it was still 85° at 10:00 at night.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 11:47:00 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 08, 2022, 11:45:51 AM
Quote from: 1 on August 08, 2022, 09:38:49 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 09:18:54 AM
I don't understand people that want to ... open their windows to their house ...

Because late at night, it's cooler outside than it is inside. Opening the windows cools down the house.

Assuming he's only talking about people nearby, that very well might not be the case in Texas. I had plenty of nights in Kansas City where it was still 85° at 10:00 at night.

Correct.  It's not unusual for it to be over 100 degrees after 10:00 PM. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 08, 2022, 11:48:34 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 11:47:00 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 08, 2022, 11:45:51 AM
Quote from: 1 on August 08, 2022, 09:38:49 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 09:18:54 AM
I don't understand people that want to ... open their windows to their house ...

Because late at night, it's cooler outside than it is inside. Opening the windows cools down the house.

Assuming he's only talking about people nearby, that very well might not be the case in Texas. I had plenty of nights in Kansas City where it was still 85° at 10:00 at night.

Correct.  It's not unusual for it to be over 100 degrees after 10:00 PM.

Also why I love living in Colorado. It can be in the mid 90's during the day but it always drops below 70 at night.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 11:54:17 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 08, 2022, 11:48:34 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 11:47:00 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 08, 2022, 11:45:51 AM
Quote from: 1 on August 08, 2022, 09:38:49 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 08, 2022, 09:18:54 AM
I don't understand people that want to ... open their windows to their house ...

Because late at night, it's cooler outside than it is inside. Opening the windows cools down the house.

Assuming he's only talking about people nearby, that very well might not be the case in Texas. I had plenty of nights in Kansas City where it was still 85° at 10:00 at night.

Correct.  It's not unusual for it to be over 100 degrees after 10:00 PM.

Also why I love living in Colorado. It can be in the mid 90's during the day but it always drops below 70 at night.

Most of the time when people say "I can't wait for summer" in February or March around here, they are the same people crying because it "soooooo hot" in July and August.  That's my beef with it.  If you "can't wait for summer", then when its 109 in August and you are out there loving every minute of it, I have no issue with you.  I don't understand it, but I say part on!  It's the people who claim they love the summer and the outdoors, then complain all summer long that drive me crazy.  I complain about the heat every summer, but I also enjoy our cooler months and say I am no hurry for summer to come back because I hate it. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 08, 2022, 12:03:13 PM
See, the difference here is that people saying they can't wait for summer in February/March are justified in doing so because of the constant snowfall, gray weather, and leftover brown snowpiles. So I think it's understandable to complain about both summer and winter, while also enjoying both summer and winter, but I can see how that's not the case in a place like Texas where one is much more extreme than the other.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 08, 2022, 04:52:06 PM
Don't know about Texas, but here in Oklahoma, winter is still miserable even without snowfall or gray weather. We have plenty of days of clear-blue skies, temps in the 30s—40s, and 30 MPH north winds. Those are more unpleasant than snowy days to me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 08, 2022, 05:28:07 PM
I haven't really encountered anyone who likes winter in Fresno or the Central Valley.  Sure, it's over 100F much of the summer but can easily dip into the low 30s overnight during the winter.  The trouble is the colder it gets the more likely the Tule Fog will be thick.  Going for a run over a drive to work in a super thick fog can be just as dangerous as a snow storm.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on August 08, 2022, 06:10:19 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 08, 2022, 09:38:49 AMBecause late at night, it's cooler outside than it is inside. Opening the windows cools down the house.

As others have noted, in the southern reaches of climate zone Cfa it is not uncommon for there to be summer days where the 24-hour low never goes down enough even to reach the A/C setpoint (78° F is the standard recommendation for best balance between comfort and efficiency).  Even here in Wichita, which is about 200 miles away from the current Cfa/Dfa/BSk tripoint, there have been days in the past few weeks that our A/C has cycled on at 4 AM.

Furthermore, on days when the outdoors is slightly cooler than the indoors, opening the windows can leave you worse off by bringing humidity inside the house.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 08, 2022, 04:52:06 PMDon't know about Texas, but here in Oklahoma, winter is still miserable even without snowfall or gray weather. We have plenty of days of clear-blue skies, temps in the 30s—40s, and 30 MPH north winds. Those are more unpleasant than snowy days to me.

I like winter much better than summer, but I do find myself skipping walks more often in the former, simply because after a certain point, it's just not worth dealing with the wind, even with long johns and a parka with hood.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 08, 2022, 10:05:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 08, 2022, 04:52:06 PM
Don't know about Texas, but here in Oklahoma, winter is still miserable even without snowfall or gray weather. We have plenty of days of clear-blue skies, temps in the 30s—40s, and 30 MPH north winds. Those are more unpleasant than snowy days to me.

Clear blue skies sounds like great winter weather to me regardless of temps or wind. Sure, snow is nice at first as long as it's not prohibitive, but going weeks - sometimes even months - without seeing the sun is what makes people around here wish for summer. At the same time, the sun coming out and sparkling on the fresh snow after a big snowstorm is part of what makes enduring the weeks/months of dreary gray weather a bit more manageable. Sunshine is one of those things that you don't really notice until you don't have it.. and in the Great Lakes region, the lack of it definitely gets to you by February/March.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 08, 2022, 10:13:39 PM
Some northerners would be happy if they received their entire annual snowfall in December, and never got so much as another dusting after January 1. That kind of sums up how people often feel about winter here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on August 09, 2022, 12:34:14 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 08, 2022, 10:13:39 PM
Some northerners would be happy if they received their entire annual snowfall in December, and never got so much as another dusting after January 1. That kind of sums up how people often feel about winter here.

QuoteThe winter is forbidden till December
And exits March the second on the dot.
By order, summer lingers through September
In Camelot.

from the musical Camelot
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 09, 2022, 12:53:55 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 08, 2022, 06:10:19 PM
(78° F is the standard recommendation for best balance between comfort and efficiency).

Holy moly is that warm. That's warm enough that if it were the outdoor temperature, I would consider turning on the air conditioning.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 09, 2022, 01:28:31 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 08, 2022, 10:05:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 08, 2022, 04:52:06 PM
Don't know about Texas, but here in Oklahoma, winter is still miserable even without snowfall or gray weather. We have plenty of days of clear-blue skies, temps in the 30s—40s, and 30 MPH north winds. Those are more unpleasant than snowy days to me.

Clear blue skies sounds like great winter weather to me regardless of temps or wind.

I don't think you understand how bad the wind chill can get here. 30°F with 30 MPH is the equivalent of 15°F in calm conditions. However, unlike in calm conditions, the wind is actively penetrating your clothing, so unless you have entirely impermeable clothing on, you will feel the chill in parts of your body you'd never thought about feeling the wind on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 09, 2022, 06:30:51 AM
Here, 30 mph wind during clear weather is almost unheard of. Even sustained 25 mph winds can cause power outages here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 09, 2022, 07:56:24 AM
30-40 MPH winds were common in the Sonoran Desert during the winter.  It got really unpleasant running in stuff like that when it was 35-40F during a cold winter morning in Phoenix.   Fortunately the semi-nice thing about the Tule Fog where I live now is that it takes stagnant winds to exist during the winter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 09, 2022, 08:03:00 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2022, 01:28:31 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 08, 2022, 10:05:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 08, 2022, 04:52:06 PM
Don't know about Texas, but here in Oklahoma, winter is still miserable even without snowfall or gray weather. We have plenty of days of clear-blue skies, temps in the 30s—40s, and 30 MPH north winds. Those are more unpleasant than snowy days to me.

Clear blue skies sounds like great winter weather to me regardless of temps or wind.

I don't think you understand how bad the wind chill can get here. 30°F with 30 MPH is the equivalent of 15°F in calm conditions. However, unlike in calm conditions, the wind is actively penetrating your clothing, so unless you have entirely impermeable clothing on, you will feel the chill in parts of your body you'd never thought about feeling the wind on.

I do, since I'm familiar with ND winters and it's even worse there since temps are colder. However, you're probably going to be inside regardless, in which case I'd still much rather have the sun shining.

So if it's "spend a few hours outside in this weather", sure, I'd rather 30 degrees and snowing than 30 degrees with heavy winds. But if it's "spend 3 months in this climate", quite the opposite.


Quote from: 1 on August 09, 2022, 06:30:51 AM
Here, 30 mph wind during clear weather is almost unheard of. Even sustained 25 mph winds can cause power outages here.

Same here, although we do usually get a few such days in spring/fall. But of course the Plains are a whole different beast when it comes to wind since it's so flat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on August 09, 2022, 08:03:38 AM
Yeah, wind is one of those things that nobody ever talks about but is hugely different in different parts of the US. When I moved to Georgia, people notice and complain about wind speeds that nobody would even bat an eye at in Utah.

Even the NWS wind advisory criteria is different. In Atlanta, they'll generally issue advisories if sustained winds are over 15-20 mph or gusts are over 30. That same alert in SLC requires 30mph sustained winds or 45mph gusts.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 09, 2022, 08:44:06 AM
Just a question: My current radio, if I set it to 104.9 FM, will play 104.5 instead if I physically stand in a certain location. This makes me think that I get both, and 104.9 is a stronger signal unless I'm blocking the 104.9 signal, in which case it plays the only one it can receive. Why is it, then, that being 0.2 off for any radio that's set digitally gets static instead of the one 0.2 away?

My radio is likely at least 15 years old, if that matters.

Unrelated to that: Boston Market's logo looks like the Transport for London logo.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 09, 2022, 09:41:01 AM
Speaking of Boston Chicken/Market, the Boston Carver always struck me as a great name for a serial killer:

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 09, 2022, 12:57:28 PM
Quote from: US 89 on August 09, 2022, 08:03:38 AM
Yeah, wind is one of those things that nobody ever talks about but is hugely different in different parts of the US. When I moved to Georgia, people notice and complain about wind speeds that nobody would even bat an eye at in Utah.

Even the NWS wind advisory criteria is different. In Atlanta, they'll generally issue advisories if sustained winds are over 15-20 mph or gusts are over 30. That same alert in SLC requires 30mph sustained winds or 45mph gusts.

Sorta unrelated...The folks that write the Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks are in the Seattle area, and it shows whenever they talk about the weather. There is one spell, Warding Wind (2), which creates a "strong wind", defined as 20 MPH (which I would consider particularly average, not strong). This magical 20 MPH wind is somehow strong enough to give everyone in the vicinity the Deafened status effect, and make the area difficult terrain (which costs twice as much movement to pass through).

So, under the D&D model, every Oklahoma resident is implied to have some sort of super-hearing and would be capable of moving at double speed at all times, were they not slowed by the wind.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 09, 2022, 01:03:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2022, 12:57:28 PM
and make the area difficult terrain (which costs twice as much movement to pass through).

Does it depend on whether you have a headwind or tailwind?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 10, 2022, 02:37:05 AM
Quote from: 1 on August 09, 2022, 01:03:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2022, 12:57:28 PM
and make the area difficult terrain (which costs twice as much movement to pass through).

Does it depend on whether you have a headwind or tailwind?

No, fortunately, the rules are not quite so fiddly in D&D 5e (although there are other systems that absolutely get that fiddly if you like that sort of thing).

In 5e, how it works is that a character has a movement speed listed on their character sheet. By default, this is a function of the species your character is, though other perks can modify it. Humans, and most human-size-and-shaped things (like elves and orcs) have a movement speed of 30 feet per turn (gnomes and hobbits halflings only get 25 feet because they're smaller).

It is customary to run a battle (the only time when turn order matters) using a map marked out with a grid of squares 5 feet to the side. If a square is deemed "difficult terrain" (such as by this wind spell, other spells such as Entangle (1), or even something mundane and pre-existing like containing dense plant growth or a pile of rubble), then traversing that square costs 10 feet of movement instead of 5. Thus, a human that could normally traverse 6 squares on one turn can only traverse 3 if all of those squares are difficult terrain.

Generally, difficult terrain applies to everyone, friend or foe alike. A clever player can thus use spells that create difficult terrain to force enemies to position themselves where the party is likely to get bonuses for things like flanking and sneak attacks. It can also be used to put a barrier between the enemy and those with ranged attack capabilities (i.e. archers and spellcasters).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on August 10, 2022, 05:38:40 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 08, 2022, 10:05:24 PM
going weeks - sometimes even months - without seeing the sun is what makes people around here wish for summer.

A winter in Seattle is enough to drive people truly insane.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on August 10, 2022, 05:40:15 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2022, 12:57:28 PM
Sorta unrelated...The folks that write the Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks are in the Seattle area, and it shows whenever they talk about the weather. There is one spell, Warding Wind (2), which creates a "strong wind", defined as 20 MPH (which I would consider particularly average, not strong). This magical 20 MPH wind is somehow strong enough to give everyone in the vicinity the Deafened status effect, and make the area difficult terrain (which costs twice as much movement to pass through).

So, under the D&D model, every Oklahoma resident is implied to have some sort of super-hearing and would be capable of moving at double speed at all times, were they not slowed by the wind.

Sounds a bit strange, since our windstorms (a normal fixture of late fall) are normally above 50 mph and can get into the 70s occasionally.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 10, 2022, 07:24:51 PM
Quote from: Bruce on August 10, 2022, 05:40:15 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2022, 12:57:28 PM
Sorta unrelated...The folks that write the Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks are in the Seattle area, and it shows whenever they talk about the weather. There is one spell, Warding Wind (2), which creates a "strong wind", defined as 20 MPH (which I would consider particularly average, not strong). This magical 20 MPH wind is somehow strong enough to give everyone in the vicinity the Deafened status effect, and make the area difficult terrain (which costs twice as much movement to pass through).

So, under the D&D model, every Oklahoma resident is implied to have some sort of super-hearing and would be capable of moving at double speed at all times, were they not slowed by the wind.

Sounds a bit strange, since our windstorms (a normal fixture of late fall) are normally above 50 mph and can get into the 70s occasionally.

Then I have no idea how to reconcile it. It can't be that it's a holdover from before Wizards of the Coast bought it, because it was originally developed in Wisconsin (and I'm fairly sure Wisconsin gets strong winds at least occasionally too).

Given that the wind speed is thoroughly irrelevant to any of the in-game effects of the spell, my only guess is it's there to give the GM justification for telling a player no should they try to use the spell to damage a building or something (which would be far too powerful for a level-2 spell), and they hoped nobody would notice the apparent mismatch in wind speed and effects.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 13, 2022, 07:01:26 AM
Indeed has a page for Dunder Mifflin, complete with five reviews:

https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Dunder-Mifflin
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on August 15, 2022, 01:22:34 AM
71"  was the smallest used x1 number for an interstate highway in the contiguous 48 until sometime in the past decade, and "83"  was the smallest used x3 before the 1980s.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 15, 2022, 01:29:18 AM
That made me curious, so:
10 11 02 43 04 05 16 17 08 19

43 is still an outlier.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 15, 2022, 08:52:59 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on August 15, 2022, 01:22:34 AM
71"  was the smallest used x1 number for an interstate highway in the contiguous 48 until sometime in the past decade, and "83"  was the smallest used x3 before the 1980s.

What about I-41?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on August 15, 2022, 09:44:06 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 15, 2022, 08:52:59 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on August 15, 2022, 01:22:34 AM
71"  was the smallest used x1 number for an interstate highway in the contiguous 48 until sometime in the past decade, and "83"  was the smallest used x3 before the 1980s.

What about I-41?
I-41 (along with I-11) didn't exist until sometime in the 2010s.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 15, 2022, 11:00:58 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on August 15, 2022, 09:44:06 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 15, 2022, 08:52:59 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on August 15, 2022, 01:22:34 AM
71"  was the smallest used x1 number for an interstate highway in the contiguous 48 until sometime in the past decade, and "83"  was the smallest used x3 before the 1980s.

What about I-41?
I-41 (along with I-11) didn't exist until sometime in the 2010s.

Wow, I must confess I had no idea I-41 was designated so recently.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on August 15, 2022, 12:29:56 PM
America, when compared to the rest of the world, seems to be doing remarkably well in saving endangered species from extinction, despite what National Geographic tends to imply. Lots of species (bald eagle, buffalo, California condor, Florida panther) here have been brought back form the brink of extinction, but meanwhile, Africa, Asia, and Australia seem to be having issues protecting endangered species.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on August 20, 2022, 08:08:16 PM
Does iHop know what they're doing with their PanCoins special? Keep in mind that the average profit margin in the restaurant industry is 4%.

Every $5 spent receives a PanCoin. Unlike most rewards systems, PanCoins are valuable; low double digits is still a decent amount. They call them crypto-pancakes in their description.

Since I joined early, I received 10 to begin, then 5 after my first purchase.

Here's what they can be spent on:

Everything on this list in the 12+ range costs about the same in dollars, so I don't understand the disparity.

Unrelated to this rewards system, there's a $6 and $8 meal menu if you go between 3 PM and 9 PM. It used to be $5, then $6, then $8 on the menu but $6 in reality, and now it's mostly $8. There's also a $4 snack section (was $3 when the meals were $5).

July had a promotion that the first four times you go, you receive an additional 10 PanCoins for each visit. The fine print said the bonus would be activated at the end of the month.

At the beginning of July, I had 14 PanCoins, despite transaction history saying I should have 15.
Here is my transaction history since the beginning of July:
July 8: I was recovering from sickness, so I only got three pancakes using 3 PanCoins. Free meal. PanCoins: 11 (-3). Did not count as a visit since it was free.
July 16: $8 omelette (comes with pancakes, so it's quite a lot of food). Spent: $8. PanCoins: 12 (+1), plus 10 waiting.
July 23: $8 omelette. Spent: $8. PanCoins: 13 (+19), plus 20 waiting. Why 19? I'm pretty sure they gave me the wrong receipt to scan. 19 PanCoins would be a receipt that was between $95 and $100.
July 30: $8 omelette. Spent: $8. PanCoins: 32 (+1), plus 30 waiting.
August 11: I finally get my 30 bonus PanCoins, even though they were supposed to come at the end of July. In fact for a few days, I was worried I would never get them, but my thought was that it was first purchase after the end of July (which it wasn't; it was just 10 days late). PanCoins: 62
August 13: Redeem three pancakes using 3 PanCoins and get something from the $4 menu. Spent: $4. PanCoins: 59 (-3). I don't receive any because my meal was under $5.
August 15: I'm not by myself. I get a burger using 12 PanCoins. Free meal for me. PanCoins: 51 (-12 from the burger, +4 from the receipt from what other people ordered).
I somehow get a bonus PanCoin with no explanation, although it is recorded in the transaction history unlike the inexplicable decreases. PanCoins: 52 (+1)
Today, August 20: I get a burger using the same code I used 5 days ago, and it works. Free meal. No change in PanCoins.

As I'm typing this, my total goes down from 52 to 50 with no explanation.

How many things wrong can you find with this?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on August 29, 2022, 01:16:34 PM
Every "x5" 2di has been used.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are only four "x3" 2dis. (43, 73, 83, 93) And one of those is one of North Carolina's crazy ideas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on August 29, 2022, 01:48:51 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on August 29, 2022, 01:16:34 PM
Every "x5" 2di has been used.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are only four "x3" 2dis. (43, 73, 83, 93) And one of those is one of North Carolina's crazy ideas.
I'm more surprised that only three x1 2di has been used before 2015: 71, 81, 91. Though all 3 of them are regionally important (71 and 81 as SW-NE diagonals, 91 as a long intra-New England route). I would've imagined that x1 would play the same role as x9, as those two are right in between x5 numbers: secondary N-S routes to x1s, but besides the ones that exist before 2015, nope. And it seems like x7 are playing that role better, with 57 (w/ Little Rock extension), 77 and 87.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 14, 2022, 05:45:52 PM
Do southerners use the term "things went north" as a term for something that turned badly instead of "things went south from there"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 05:49:11 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 14, 2022, 05:45:52 PM
Do southerners use the term "things went north" as a term for something that turned badly instead of "things went south from there"?

Only if "down" and "south" don't correspond there as they do elsewhere.  Which I doubt.  Maps, compasses, line graphs, etc, etc...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on September 14, 2022, 06:14:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 05:49:11 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 14, 2022, 05:45:52 PM
Do southerners use the term "things went north" as a term for something that turned badly instead of "things went south from there"?

Only if "down" and "south" don't correspond there as they do elsewhere.  Which I doubt.  Maps, compasses, line graphs, etc, etc...

It would be more likely in the southern hemisphere, but even then... seems doubtful.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on September 14, 2022, 06:37:59 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 14, 2022, 05:45:52 PM
Do southerners use the term "things went north" as a term for something that turned badly instead of "things went south from there"?

Can't say I've heard it, except when talking about (snow)birds.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 06:48:45 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 14, 2022, 06:14:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 05:49:11 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 14, 2022, 05:45:52 PM
Do southerners use the term "things went north" as a term for something that turned badly instead of "things went south from there"?

Only if "down" and "south" don't correspond there as they do elsewhere.  Which I doubt.  Maps, compasses, line graphs, etc, etc...

It would be more likely in the southern hemisphere, but even then... seems doubtful.

I mean, there do exist maps that have north at the bottom and south at the top... for sale in Australia... but really just far a gag, a novelty, a good laugh.

By the way, some of these responses are good for a chuckle:
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-Australians-use-an-upside-down-world-map
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 06:42:26 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 06:48:45 PM
I mean, there do exist maps that have north at the bottom and south at the top... for sale in Australia... but really just far a gag, a novelty, a good laugh.

AAA used to print upside-down maps of Florida. The idea was so a southbound driver could have the map oriented so that left/right turns would match left/right turns on the map, but they would still be able to read the labels.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 15, 2022, 07:58:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 06:42:26 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 06:48:45 PM
I mean, there do exist maps that have north at the bottom and south at the top... for sale in Australia... but really just far a gag, a novelty, a good laugh.

AAA used to print upside-down maps of Florida. The idea was so a southbound driver could have the map oriented so that left/right turns would match left/right turns on the map, but they would still be able to read the labels.
How long ago? Because I have some AAA maps going back about 13 years.

MY 3200th POST, AND i DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE UNTIL AFTERWARDS!!  :wow:

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 09:35:44 AM
(https://www.geographicus.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/L/NYFLUpsideDown-generaldrafting-1955.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 06:35:47 PM
I think that was the exact map I was thinking of. I only saw the Florida portion of it, though (a cropped portion of it was included in a 1960s driving book that I have). For some reason I thought it was AAA, not Esso.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 16, 2022, 07:54:23 PM
Now that there's a Crypto.com Arena, here are some more really bad names, whether they're a company that really shouldn't be putting their name on a stadium, a bad pun, or actively malicious:

5 Hour Energy Cricket Field
Alexa Stadium
The Biggest Loser Arena
Castillo de Arena
Darm Stadium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darmstadtium)
Home Stadium
javascript:alert("Stadium")
Kars4Kids Stadium
Arena Movediza
OnlyFans Arena
Tinder Stadium
We Buy Ugly Houses Arena
'; DROP TABLE arena;--
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 16, 2022, 11:50:11 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 16, 2022, 07:54:23 PM
javascript:alert("Stadium")
'; DROP TABLE arena;--

malloc: corrupt arena
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 17, 2022, 12:05:45 AM
Quote from: 1 on September 16, 2022, 07:54:23 PM
OnlyFans Arena
Tinder Stadium
Do couples seeking new sex partners meet in those two?

Either way, you're right. Those are some sucky stadium names.


On another topic, my keyboard just broke, and I'm just starting with an old one my uncle gave away years ago.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on September 17, 2022, 04:31:57 AM
Quote from: 1 on September 16, 2022, 07:54:23 PM
Now that there's a Crypto.com Arena, here are some more really bad names, whether they're a company that really shouldn't be putting their name on a stadium, a bad pun, or actively malicious:

Alexa Stadium
Darm Stadium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darmstadtium)

In that vein:
Roomba Stadium (Perfect for the Raiders stadium, as it looks like one)
Bowel City Arena (Darmstadt, namesake of element 110, literally translates to "Bowel City")

Now I mention a German city, I wonder why they named one village Gross, rude town (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gro%C3%9Frudestedt).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on September 17, 2022, 04:43:33 AM
The worst name for an arena is... "Power Balance Pavilion" in Sacramento. After the naming rights for Arco expired in 2011, Power Balance purchased the naming rights. Power Balance is the original brand of hologram bracelets claimed by its manufacturers and vendors to use "holographic technology" to "resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body" to increase athletic performance. Controversy promptly ensued, and Power Balance declared bankruptcy. One year later, the arena was named "Sleep Train Arena".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on September 17, 2022, 08:29:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 09:35:44 AM
Img snipped
Was trying to trace US 1's route on that map, didn't know it disappears several times, like between  Philadelphia and DC, and Augusta, GA and Waycross, GA.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on September 17, 2022, 10:40:07 AM
Pink Taco Stadium was rejected for Glendale AZ.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 17, 2022, 11:06:27 AM
I'm still waiting for the Kotex Bowl.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 20, 2022, 09:26:12 AM
Does anyone else remember when construction barricades were yellow and black?
http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_87598-Dodge-Coronet-1966.html
And permanent barricades were white and black?
https://www.walthers.com/road-barricades-assembled-older-style-black-white

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 09:09:38 AM
There are three levels of maturity that we should all strive for.  I'm not sure exactly which one is the highest.

1.  You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I should do that right now, because I'm not actually going to remember later."

2.  You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I should write that down, because I'm not actually going to remember it later."

3.  You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I'd better stop putting meat on this taco, because any more will be too much."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on September 21, 2022, 09:32:37 AM
Folding tacos is an art that I have definitely not mastered.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 09:57:50 AM
Quote from: webny99 on September 21, 2022, 09:32:37 AM
Folding tacos is an art that I have definitely not mastered.

My technique is this:
- Lay the meat out in a line down the middle, leaving a little room at the bottom.
- Fold the bottom up, with a bit of the tortilla coming up over the meat.
- Fold one side over the line of meat.
- Fold the other side over that;  now it kind of looks like you wrapped your food in a baby blanket.
- When you pick it up, pinch the very bottom end between your pinky and ring fingers, to keep stuff from coming out.
- To take a bite, turn your head, not the taco.

Those last two points are important.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 10:00:23 AM
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is really fun to say.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 10:03:19 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 10:00:23 AM
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is really fun to say.

I just tried.  I decided it's pronounced Lonn-fair-p-wool-grocery-gootch.

Is that close?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 21, 2022, 11:03:58 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 06:48:45 PM
I mean, there do exist maps that have north at the bottom and south at the top... for sale in Australia... but really just far a gag, a novelty, a good laugh.

Dave Hunter does this in his annual Along Interstate 75 guidebook.  He includes two sets of strip maps, one northbound and one southbound, with the direction of travel at the top.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on September 21, 2022, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 09:09:38 AM
There are three levels of maturity that we should all strive for.  I'm not sure exactly which one is the highest.

1.  You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I should do that right now, because I'm not actually going to remember later."

2.  You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I should write that down, because I'm not actually going to remember it later."

3.  You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I'd better stop putting meat on this taco, because any more will be too much."


I've mastered 2 out of 3 of these - only hint I'll give is that I love food  :-P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 21, 2022, 11:16:10 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 09:09:38 AM

2.  You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I should write that down, because I'm not actually going to remember it later."

2.b. You've learned to listen to that voice in your mind that says, "I should really remember where I put this note after I write down the thing that I should remember."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 01:27:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 10:03:19 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 10:00:23 AM
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is really fun to say.

I just tried.  I decided it's pronounced Lonn-fair-p-wool-grocery-gootch.

Is that close?
Not even close. Good try. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp_aIHXzPoM
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on September 21, 2022, 03:39:43 PM
Imagine the conspiracy theories if Earth Wind and Fire had chosen a date 10 days earlier. "Do you remember..." paired with "Never forget".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 21, 2022, 08:40:57 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 01:27:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 10:03:19 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 10:00:23 AM
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is really fun to say.

I just tried.  I decided it's pronounced Lonn-fair-p-wool-grocery-gootch.

Is that close?
Not even close. Good try. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp_aIHXzPoM

Here's a video of a Channel 4 weatherman nailing it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHxO0UdpoxM
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on September 21, 2022, 08:52:56 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 21, 2022, 03:39:43 PM
Imagine the conspiracy theories if Earth Wind and Fire had chosen a date 10 days earlier. "Do you remember..." paired with "Never forget".

See the thing is, Earth Wind and Fire knew, which is precisely why they didn't choose September 11th. /s
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on September 22, 2022, 09:25:31 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 21, 2022, 03:39:43 PM
Imagine the conspiracy theories if Earth Wind and Fire had chosen a date 10 days earlier. "Do you remember..." paired with "Never forget".

I always figured they intentionally chose a date right around the autumnal equinox.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 23, 2022, 09:45:00 AM
It doesn't get cold in the UK... it gets could instead.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 26, 2022, 11:47:05 PM
I have some dirt in my driveway that has washed down from my neighbor which could be useful if Hernando County wants to provide more dirt for sandbags in response to Hurricane Ian, or any future hurricanes if they come this year.

Speaking of which, I'll be evacuating at a friend of the family tomorrow, but I don't know how long I'll be out. I'd like to say that I'll be able to get home on Thursday night to watch the Season 6 premiere of "Young Sheldon," but I'm not holding out too much hope for that.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 27, 2022, 10:30:10 AM
@Bruce, jakeroot (yes, I know pings don't work here), or anyone else:

In my area, the male:female ratio for bicycles is an abysmal 7:1 or so based on personal experience. (There are articles on the internet explaining why this is.) However, it's quite balanced for scooters, 1.5:1 at worst. For those of you living in areas where bicycles are common and scooters are at least occasional, does your experience match mine?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 10:33:27 AM
Quote from: 1 on September 27, 2022, 10:30:10 AM
@Bruce, jakeroot (yes, I know pings don't work here), or anyone else:

In my area, the male:female ratio for bicycles is an abysmal 7:1 or so based on personal experience. (There are articles on the internet explaining why this is.) However, it's quite balanced for scooters, 1.5:1 at worst. For those of you living in areas where bicycles are common and scooters are at least occasional, does your experience match mine?

In Colorado, I would say bicycle male:female ratio is about 3:1. Assuming for scooters you mean the "rent-a-razor"s and not things like Vespas, I'd say it skews a bit female, maybe 1.5:1.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:36:00 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

I probably wouldn't do it at all–after all, we already have a "fast travel" option in the form of airplanes, and I don't even use that. I'd rather drive.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 27, 2022, 06:41:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:36:00 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

I probably wouldn't do it at all–after all, we already have a "fast travel" option in the form of airplanes, and I don't even use that. I'd rather drive.

I probably would several times.  My observation regarding end of life elderliness is that it might worth sacrificing even if it means early death.  Nobody in my immediate family seems to have been able to stay fully competent/self reliant beyond their mid-70s.  I've reflected upon the scenario enough that I think that rather just be dead because my travel days are basically likely done.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:57:17 PM
Interesting take:  perhaps knocking those months off the end of your life could be a feature, not a bug.  I actually think I might agree with you on that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:35:01 PM
But we don't know.  Maybe I'm fated to die in an accident in 2 years, and giving up 6 months might have been a pretty fine 6 months.  My grandmother lived to 89, living on her own for the last 5 years, and fully capable.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 07:57:35 PM
Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:35:01 PM
But we don't know.  Maybe I'm fated to die in an accident in 2 years, and giving up 6 months might have been a pretty fine 6 months.  My grandmother lived to 89, living on her own for the last 5 years, and fully capable.

I was thinking along these lines too. Who's to say when that month will be, and what your life would be like at that point? It's impossible to answer without knowing when life ends.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 27, 2022, 08:22:39 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 07:57:35 PM
Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:35:01 PM
But we don't know.  Maybe I'm fated to die in an accident in 2 years, and giving up 6 months might have been a pretty fine 6 months.  My grandmother lived to 89, living on her own for the last 5 years, and fully capable.

I was thinking along these lines too. Who's to say when that month will be, and what your life would be like at that point? It's impossible to answer without knowing when life ends.

The amount of cardio and strength training I do is a direct reflection of what scares me about what I saw my parents and grandparents become from my age onwards.  The jury remains out if it will actually mean a difference for me.  Regardless of the age, if I'm not longer capable of taking care of myself or being able to do the things I want to do than I think it might be better just to be dead.  I see no point in existing for the sake existing if I already know it won't make me happy.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 09:10:34 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PMIf you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

My answer would be "No" unless no-brainer constraints apply (e.g., perfect certainty that the month reduction in lifespan will be limited to time lived in debility).

Edit:

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 27, 2022, 08:22:39 PMThe amount of cardio and strength training I do is a direct reflection of what scares me about what I saw my parents and grandparents become from my age onwards.  The jury remains out if it will actually mean a difference for me.  Regardless of the age, if I'm not longer capable of taking care of myself or being able to do the things I want to do than I think it might be better just to be dead.  I see no point in existing for the sake existing if I already know it won't make me happy.

Using one's own family members to predict one's own lifespan can be fraught with problems.  Take this example from my family history, featuring two sisters who married two brothers, so the three children from each marriage were double first cousins of the offspring from the other marriage:

*  Generation 1 (the parents of each couple):  ages at death of 86 (pneumonia), 48 (cancer), 75 (congestive heart failure), 98 (gangrene of left leg and foot)

*  Generation 2 (Kansas side, mine):  ages at death of 62 (pulmonary embolism), 92 (self-starving in nursing home after five years with fractured hip)

*  Generation 2 (Texas side):  ages at death of 58 (heart attack), 72 (diabetes and heart attack)

*  Generation 3 (Kansas side):  ages at death of 81 (sudden cardiac death), 92 (sudden cardiac death), and 69 (stroke)

*  Generation 3 (Texas side):  ages at death of 51, 46, and 44 (all heart attacks)

For the third generation, that's a startling difference in average age of death between the Kansas and Texas sides--80 versus 47--despite their all having had the same grandparents (average age of death of 77).  The difference for the second generation--77 versus 65--is also pretty large.

In terms of senescence, the distaff line that ends with my grandmother gives an idea of how quality of life can change with advances in medicine:

*  About 1821-1920, died aged 98 of "senile decay," was not living independently at the end

*  1852-1951, died aged 98 after spending eight years with a fractured hip, was boarded with a nursing care provider from probably 1947 onward

*  1890-1982, died aged 92, spent five years with a fractured hip and was in a nursing home (the classic 1970's horror complete with old-age stink) for nearly all of that time (my grandmother suspected the two fractures resulted from bone embrittlement due to lack of Vitamin E)

*  1919-2011, died aged 92, was living independently in her own home; had just driven to the grocery store and gotten out of her parked car when she collapsed
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 27, 2022, 09:37:14 PM
These are all interesting responses. Personally, I would use this ability, but probably no more than 25 times. It comes down to a "years in your life" vs. "life in your years" thing. I'd much rather see many of the places in the world I've always wanted to go than have an extra year or two in my deathbed. Even if I'm destined to leave the world before the whole getting-old and end-of-life-care thing, it still makes the time I've lost that much more worth it IMO. It's certainly made more complex by not knowing when you'll pass, but it's not like it increases your risk of death anyway.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:36:00 PM
I probably wouldn't do it at all–after all, we already have a "fast travel" option in the form of airplanes, and I don't even use that. I'd rather drive.

Think about the constraints of that though, like time, money, effort, preselected destinations, etc. Planes have their limitations, and if air travel was really as easy and efficient as hopping on a plane and hopping off, I'm sure a lot more people would use it. Teleporting removes virtually all of those and would make the world that much more accessible.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 12:14:41 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 27, 2022, 09:37:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:36:00 PM
I probably wouldn't do it at all–after all, we already have a "fast travel" option in the form of airplanes, and I don't even use that. I'd rather drive.

Think about the constraints of that though, like time, money, effort, preselected destinations, etc. Planes have their limitations, and if air travel was really as easy and efficient as hopping on a plane and hopping off, I'm sure a lot more people would use it. Teleporting removes virtually all of those and would make the world that much more accessible.

While a good chunk of my aversion to flying is the hassles of being there at a pre-defined time (I worked for a second-pinching employer for 10 years, and it's traumatized me to the point that if anyone expects me to be at a place at a certain time anymore I'm just as soon to not show up at all) and deal with security theater, I still wouldn't fly even without those problems.

My main reason for not flying is that it is really hard to look at road signs while doing so, and counties passed over in a plane don't count.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:51:02 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

Probably at least once. I'd go into the somewhat distant future and found out how I died. If I could fix it, then I could teleport there again. If it was just cancer or something and I was suffering for x amount of months, I'd probably do it x amount of times then.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:14:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:51:02 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

Probably at least once. I'd go into the somewhat distant future and found out how I died. If I could fix it, then I could teleport there again. If it was just cancer or something and I was suffering for x amount of months, I'd probably do it x amount of times then.

My definition of teleporting is purely location-based and doesn't include time travel. Does it mean something different in your book?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:18:54 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:14:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:51:02 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

Probably at least once. I'd go into the somewhat distant future and found out how I died. If I could fix it, then I could teleport there again. If it was just cancer or something and I was suffering for x amount of months, I'd probably do it x amount of times then.

My definition of teleporting is purely location-based and doesn't include time travel. Does it mean something different in your book?

Nope. Sure doesn't. I just misread the "at any time" as "to any time".  :sombrero:

Nevermind. I retract my answer. I like flying and I like getting to places that take a lot of effort to get to (i.e. when I climb mountains). The journey is as much fun as the destination and often more so.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:23:11 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:18:54 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:14:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:51:02 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

Probably at least once. I'd go into the somewhat distant future and found out how I died. If I could fix it, then I could teleport there again. If it was just cancer or something and I was suffering for x amount of months, I'd probably do it x amount of times then.

My definition of teleporting is purely location-based and doesn't include time travel. Does it mean something different in your book?
I like flying...The journey is as much fun as the destination and often more so.

Spirit Airlines customers would like a say!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:24:18 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:23:11 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:18:54 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:14:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:51:02 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

Probably at least once. I'd go into the somewhat distant future and found out how I died. If I could fix it, then I could teleport there again. If it was just cancer or something and I was suffering for x amount of months, I'd probably do it x amount of times then.

My definition of teleporting is purely location-based and doesn't include time travel. Does it mean something different in your book?
I like flying...The journey is as much fun as the destination and often more so.

Spirit Airlines customers would like a say!

I have taken 526 flights in my life on 60 different airlines. Not a single one of them is on Spirit for a reason.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 03:48:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:24:18 PM
I have taken 526 flights in my life on 60 different airlines. Not a single one of them is on Spirit for a reason.

Interesting that you kept track.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 03:54:42 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 03:48:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:24:18 PM
I have taken 526 flights in my life on 60 different airlines. Not a single one of them is on Spirit for a reason.

Interesting that you kept track.

See the link in my signature.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 04:01:20 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 03:54:42 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 03:48:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:24:18 PM
I have taken 526 flights in my life on 60 different airlines. Not a single one of them is on Spirit for a reason.

Interesting that you kept track.

See the link in my signature.

Wow. But you're 40, what about the flights before this website existed? Wrote those down on paper?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 04:13:49 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 04:01:20 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 03:54:42 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 03:48:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 12:24:18 PM
I have taken 526 flights in my life on 60 different airlines. Not a single one of them is on Spirit for a reason.

Interesting that you kept track.

See the link in my signature.

Wow. But you're 40, what about the flights before this website existed? Wrote those down on paper?

Most of the flights are after I was 25, and the website existed then. For ones before, I just have a really good memory and know every flight I took (which weren't that many) before then. I ballparked the dates for the early ones, but I only took maybe 15 flights before I was 18, and only two before I was in high school. So, it wasn't too hard to remember the airlines I flew and the connecting airports I passed through.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 02:28:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:35:01 PM
But we don't know.  Maybe I'm fated to die in an accident in 2 years, and giving up 6 months might have been a pretty fine 6 months.  My grandmother lived to 89, living on her own for the last 5 years, and fully capable.

If it were true that I only had two years left to live, then I think it would be pretty awesome to have taken an anywhere-in-the-world teleport vacation before kicking the ol' bucket–especially if the alternative were two years of just normal everyday life.  So your argument leaves me unswayed.

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 07:57:35 PM
I was thinking along these lines too. Who's to say when that month will be, and what your life would be like at that point? It's impossible to answer without knowing when life ends.

I think it would be a fairly safe bet to exchange the unknown theoretical possibility of the last few months of your life being awesome, for the near-certainty that your teleport experience will be enjoyable and worthwhile.




Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:14:51 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:51:02 AM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

Probably at least once. I'd go into the somewhat distant future and found out how I died. If I could fix it, then I could teleport there again. If it was just cancer or something and I was suffering for x amount of months, I'd probably do it x amount of times then.

My definition of teleporting is purely location-based and doesn't include time travel. Does it mean something different in your book?

You parsed it as {teleport} {anywhere in the world at any time}, but he meant it as {teleport anywhere in the world} {at any time}.  Simple as that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 29, 2022, 02:46:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 02:28:08 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 12:14:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:51:02 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on September 26, 2022, 11:56:54 PM
If you could teleport anywhere in the world at any time, but each time you do so, you lose a month off the end of your life, would you? If so, how many times?

Probably at least once. I'd go into the somewhat distant future and found out how I died. If I could fix it, then I could teleport there again. If it was just cancer or something and I was suffering for x amount of months, I'd probably do it x amount of times then.

My definition of teleporting is purely location-based and doesn't include time travel. Does it mean something different in your book?

You parsed it as {teleport} {anywhere in the world at any time}, but he meant it as {teleport anywhere in the world} {at any time}.  Simple as that.

I think the use of "at" any time, instead of "to" any time is sufficient. But fair.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: paulthemapguy on September 30, 2022, 08:05:29 PM
Random thoughts that I've thrown up on social media in the past month. All are original unless otherwise noted.

If you orient your taco so it's shaped like a bell, all the ingredients fall out. Then you can put whatever you want in there! And Taco Bell was born.

You ever wonder if the social media accounts referring to human body parts as "cake" or 🍒🍑🍆are actually alligators sizing you up for a meal?

What if they made Chex Mix with Indian spices?

Some days are extra crispy, some days are freezer-burnt, soggy, tough, and unchewable.

Now that Hot Girl Summer is over, it's time for the Fall of Man!* (not original)

A D&D Campaign where your character's base dexterity is determined by your other friends' ratings of your handwriting.

I aspire to still be the only one of my peers at age 55 with an imagination.

Be sure to use the words "filth" and "swine" more regularly in your daily speech.

All you can do is inspire the people who think they can, and get hated by the people who think they can't.

Group farting begins as soon as you hit 4000ft in elevation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 01, 2022, 01:35:36 AM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on September 30, 2022, 08:05:29 PM
Random thoughts that I've thrown up on social media in the past month. All are original unless otherwise noted.

If you orient your taco so it's shaped like a bell, all the ingredients fall out. Then you can put whatever you want in there! And Taco Bell was born.

You ever wonder if the social media accounts referring to human body parts as "cake" or 🍒🍑🍆are actually alligators sizing you up for a meal?

What if they made Chex Mix with Indian spices?

Can't really speak on the rest, but I think the Chex mix would be just .... awesome. If you don't like Indian spices, yeah, you're boned.

Quote from: paulthemapguy on September 30, 2022, 08:05:29 PM

Some days are extra crispy, some days are freezer-burnt, soggy, tough, and unchewable.

Now that Hot Girl Summer is over, it's time for the Fall of Man!* (not original)

A D&D Campaign where your character's base dexterity is determined by your other friends' ratings of your handwriting.

I aspire to still be the only one of my peers at age 55 with an imagination.

Be sure to use the words "filth" and "swine" more regularly in your daily speech.

All you can do is inspire the people who think they can, and get hated by the people who think they can't.

Group farting begins as soon as you hit 4000ft in elevation.

I can confirm this, says guy that lives at 5500.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 01, 2022, 12:44:13 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on September 30, 2022, 08:05:29 PM
What if they made Chex Mix with Indian spices?

You could mix it with mukhwas, to freshen your breath at the same time!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 01, 2022, 01:31:27 PM
Everyone in Michigan don't call Sam. Just tired of hearing from that ambulance chaser.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: index on October 03, 2022, 04:30:32 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 17, 2022, 12:05:45 AM
Quote from: 1 on September 16, 2022, 07:54:23 PM
OnlyFans Arena
Tinder Stadium
Do couples seeking new sex partners meet in those two?

Wouldn't an OnlyFans stadium just be a strip club full of lonely porn addicts who spend absurd amounts of money for 15 seconds just to see some short view of whatever it is they like?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 03, 2022, 05:07:49 PM
Quote from: index on October 03, 2022, 04:30:32 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 17, 2022, 12:05:45 AM
Quote from: 1 on September 16, 2022, 07:54:23 PM
OnlyFans Arena
Tinder Stadium
Do couples seeking new sex partners meet in those two?

Wouldn't an OnlyFans stadium just be a strip club full of lonely porn addicts who spend absurd amounts of money for 15 seconds just to see some short view of whatever it is they like?

Would you prefer it be YouPorn Stadium instead?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on October 03, 2022, 05:32:29 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 01, 2022, 01:31:27 PM
Everyone in Michigan don't call Sam. Just tired of hearing from that ambulance chaser.

You better call Saul instead.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 09, 2022, 09:20:00 AM
Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:35:01 PM
But we don't know.  Maybe I'm fated to die in an accident in 2 years, and giving up 6 months might have been a pretty fine 6 months.  My grandmother lived to 89, living on her own for the last 5 years, and fully capable.
My mother just turned 89 yesterday. She's not the spring chicken she once was, but she's still fairly capable herself. She still relies on me for some things, especially when she can't find a step stool.

I almost considered mentioning this on the New York page, and I briefly mentioned it on one of the Google Maps complaint boards, but who here has ridden the rail trails of the former New York and Putnam Railroad Main Line, besides one user that I already know has done it?

Is the Putnam Trail as fun as it looks to ride?



Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on October 09, 2022, 02:29:57 PM
Opera music is people singing when they should be talking.  Rap music is people talking when they should be singing.
A zoo is a pretty safe place to fart.
Which is worse - being an assclown or being an asshat?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 16, 2022, 07:05:24 AM
Early yesterday I loaded up an edited photo I took along I-95 in Northern Duval County, Florida back in March 2017. I had to use a nearby interchange sequence sign to be sure it was where I said it was and not in Nassau County. There are also some billboards nearby.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Smokin%27_Your_Butt%3B_BBQ_Trailer%3B_SB_I-95_in_Duval_County.jpg/640px-Smokin%27_Your_Butt%3B_BBQ_Trailer%3B_SB_I-95_in_Duval_County.jpg)

Well, I went onto Google Street View to be sure, and lo and behold I found the location. And on the more recent GSV the billboards are down, and a housing development is behind that fence. So, I don't know if the discussion has been brought up before, but every time some highway beautification committee passes some legislation to ban billboards, it leads to more development.



Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 23, 2022, 07:40:36 PM
I just witnessed a shooting. No one was hit by the gun fire. I pulled into the Flying J at M-81 and I-75 and all of the sudden you heard bam bam bam and I could see someone shooting. I tried to stay away and drove to the other side of the building, then within 2 minutes Buena Vista police showed up followed by Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Sheriff's Department. Pretty scary looking site when I left. I went in the Wendy's and ate while this wa's going on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on October 23, 2022, 07:43:59 PM
Damn.  Be careful out there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on October 23, 2022, 08:00:43 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on October 09, 2022, 09:20:00 AM
My mother just turned 89 yesterday. She's not the spring chicken she once was, but she's still fairly capable herself. She still relies on me for some things, especially when she can't find a step stool.

My mother is 81, and right now, she is using me as a "punching bag" because I won't allow her to drive anymore. I am very concerned about spacial orientation, especially when she gets the two major cross streets near my home mixed up and thinking that US-75 runs east-west.

From Cheezburger (Memes):

People Share the Things They Think The Older Generation Did Right
QuoteBoomers have never been shy in blaming young people for all the many ills of the world, and Millennials and Gen Z clap back with a fervor. There's no denying that many of the problems faced by those under a certain age were kickstarted by their parents, and it's easy to get into the feedback loop of mutual resentment.

At the same time, the older generation are who we have learned from, and who (in theory) have some wisdom to share with us by virtue of having lived longer. Not everything done by those who came before us was a travesty, as a thread started by @0luwatt0bi has made clear. Asking people what things they thought the older generation had done better than us, Twitter users came up with a range of answers that are almost enough to make you want to go back to the so-called good old days. Those postwar benefits were really something.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2ox)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 24, 2022, 08:43:15 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on October 23, 2022, 08:00:43 PM
My mother is 81, and right now, she is using me as a "punching bag" because I won't allow her to drive anymore.
When my wife's grandfather was deemed incapable of driving by the family, his son told him that the car needed to be repaired but the garage didn't have the parts. After a few weeks or so it didn't matter any more, as her grandfather was used to not driving.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 24, 2022, 09:43:02 AM
I think Saginaw County Michigan has some of the coolest looking old school sheriff cars around.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221024/87918263033bdf19a01a557b04a34d0d.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on October 25, 2022, 10:47:28 AM
I don't know whether I've posted anything like this before (this thread returns nothing, but it could be in a different thread), but ideas for Chance and Community Chest cards:


Rulings:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 25, 2022, 09:59:49 PM
Some of those would upset what little game balance Monopoly already has and/or lead to an extraordinarily long game (in general, the more money in the economy, the longer the game goes). They do, however, carry the very real risk of making Monopoly more fun.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 26, 2022, 10:58:54 PM
I'm pleased to report that the Bureau of Reclamation folks that run Hoover Dam make the same dam jokes that we made in the old "Dam joke" thread here. If I were a dam tour guide, that would probably be the best dam part of the job.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 27, 2022, 09:51:51 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 26, 2022, 10:58:54 PM
I'm pleased to report that the Bureau of Reclamation folks that run Hoover Dam make the same dam jokes that we made in the old "Dam joke" thread here. If I were a dam tour guide, that would probably be the best dam part of the job.
Good! Now, tell me where I can get me some dam bait.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US71 on October 27, 2022, 10:04:14 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 27, 2022, 09:51:51 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 26, 2022, 10:58:54 PM
I'm pleased to report that the Bureau of Reclamation folks that run Hoover Dam make the same dam jokes that we made in the old "Dam joke" thread here. If I were a dam tour guide, that would probably be the best dam part of the job.
Good! Now, tell me where I can get me some dam bait.

at the dam store?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 28, 2022, 12:09:21 AM
If our family name were "Withakay", it would be tempting to name our son Eric.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 28, 2022, 10:22:23 AM
If they drop off your body at the wrong cemetery, do they rehearse it to take it to the correct spot?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 10:44:34 AM
Quote from: GaryV on October 28, 2022, 10:22:23 AM
If they drop off your body at the wrong cemetery, do they rehearse it to take it to the correct spot?

Yes, that's what a rehearsal is.

In all seriousness, the two words have the same etymology.  The root for both comes from the Old French herce, which was a harrow or large rake.  A hearse, in the funerary sense, first referred to a chandelier hung over the body of the deceased, because its frame and arms resembled a harrow.  Then, eventually, it came to refer to any framework structure erected in a similar context, such as cart built to carry the deceased to his grave.  Likewise, to rehearse something is to metaphorically go over it again and again, which is what someone does in a literal sense with a harrow:  both keep turning the material over and over until it's ready.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on October 28, 2022, 08:51:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 10:44:34 AM
Quote from: GaryV on October 28, 2022, 10:22:23 AM
If they drop off your body at the wrong cemetery, do they rehearse it to take it to the correct spot?

Yes, that's what a rehearsal is.

In all seriousness, the two words have the same etymology.  The root for both comes from the Old French herce, which was a harrow or large rake.  A hearse, in the funerary sense, first referred to a chandelier hung over the body of the deceased, because its frame and arms resembled a harrow.  Then, eventually, it came to refer to any framework structure erected in a similar context, such as cart built to carry the deceased to his grave.  Likewise, to rehearse something is to metaphorically go over it again and again, which is what someone does in a literal sense with a harrow:  both keep turning the material over and over until it's ready.

Interesting, thank you!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 30, 2022, 01:17:23 PM
I just submitted my Travel Mapping updates for my trip to Las Vegas. GitHub automatically assigned my changes pull request number 7777. Appropriate, considering the destination!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 12:26:09 PM
Pro tip for using Windows:  Don't click "end task" on Windows Explorer.  I mistakenly did that instead of restarting it, and then it took some ingenuity to figure out how to relaunch it without restarting my computer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:31:39 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 12:26:09 PM
Pro tip for using Windows:  Don't click "end task" on Windows Explorer.  I mistakenly did that instead of restarting it, and then it took some ingenuity to figure out how to relaunch it without restarting my computer.

I've pranked people doing that before. That and also this website. (https://www.fakeupdate.net/win10ue/)

It's easy to fix Windows Explorer actually if you know how: just press Win+R, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 12:36:01 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:31:39 PM
It's easy to fix Windows Explorer actually if you know how: just press Win+R, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.

No, it isn't that easy.  After I ended-task Windows Explorer, I could no longer use the Win+ hotkeys.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 01, 2022, 01:00:43 PM
File -> Run new task

Unrelated, working in an office the day after Halloween is awesome due to all the leftover candy.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 01:05:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 01, 2022, 01:00:43 PM
File -> Run new task

"File" ... where?




For what it's worth, the way I got it to re-launch was to...

1.  Alt-Tab to open an e-mail draft I had going in Outlook
2.  File menu → Save As
3.  Right-click on a folder → Open in new window
4.  Navigate to C:\Windows\
5.  Double-click on explorer
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 01:06:51 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 01:05:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 01, 2022, 01:00:43 PM
File -> Run new task

"File" ... where?




For what it's worth, the way I got it to re-launch was to...

1.  Alt-Tab to open an e-mail draft I had going in Outlook
2.  File menu → Save As
3.  Right-click on a folder → Open in new window
4.  Navigate to C:\Windows\
5.  Double-click on explorer

File in Task Manager. Ctrl+Alt+Del. I thought Win+R still worked, but maybe not. Ctrl+Alt+Del definitely still works.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 01:08:08 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 01:06:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 01:05:13 PM

Quote from: vdeane on November 01, 2022, 01:00:43 PM
File -> Run new task

"File" ... where?




For what it's worth, the way I got it to re-launch was to...

1.  Alt-Tab to open an e-mail draft I had going in Outlook
2.  File menu → Save As
3.  Right-click on a folder → Open in new window
4.  Navigate to C:\Windows\
5.  Double-click on explorer

File in Task Manager. Ctrl+Alt+Del. I thought Win+R still worked, but maybe not. Ctrl+Alt+Del definitely still works.

Ah, yes, thank you!  I never realized I could do that from the Task Manager.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on November 01, 2022, 02:08:28 PM
It's actually Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch Task Manager directly in recent versions of Windows--the three-finger salute now takes you to a blue screen with options to lock, switch user, change password, sign out, and launch Task Manager.  And I thought Explorer (meaning the Windows shell, not the file chooser) restarted itself automatically when it crashes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 02:13:00 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 01, 2022, 02:08:28 PM
It's actually Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch Task Manager directly in recent versions of Windows--the three-finger salute now takes you to a blue screen with options to lock, switch user, change password, sign out, and launch Task Manager.

No practical difference, as I was able to choose Task Manager from the options.  But thanks, I'll try to remember the Ctrl+Shift+Esc as the new three-finger salute.

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 01, 2022, 02:08:28 PM
And I thought Explorer (meaning the Windows shell, not the file chooser) restarted itself automatically when it crashes.

I think it does when it crashes, but apparently not when you manually tell it to stop running..?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 01, 2022, 03:14:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 02:13:00 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 01, 2022, 02:08:28 PM
It's actually Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch Task Manager directly in recent versions of Windows--the three-finger salute now takes you to a blue screen with options to lock, switch user, change password, sign out, and launch Task Manager.

No practical difference, as I was able to choose Task Manager from the options.  But thanks, I'll try to remember the Ctrl+Shift+Esc as the new three-finger salute.

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 01, 2022, 02:08:28 PM
And I thought Explorer (meaning the Windows shell, not the file chooser) restarted itself automatically when it crashes.

I think it does when it crashes, but apparently not when you manually tell it to stop running..?

I've had to manually run explorer.exe a few times when something just isn't running right.

I remember that was a good way to neutralize Windows 95/98 to the point where you'd have to reach to for the power switch to restart Windows.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 03:58:17 PM
I have to restart it every few months, when little popups (I forget what they're called, when you mouse over something and a tiny box pops up) start reusing to go away until I mouse over them a second time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 01, 2022, 03:58:45 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 03:58:17 PM
(I forget what they're called, when you mouse over something and a tiny box pops up)

tooltips
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 04:43:23 PM
For those who jump all over people who use the word "dethaw" instead of "thaw", claiming that the de- prefix makes it mean the opposite of what the person intends...

I'm curious to know how you would define the following words:
  defraud
  delimit
  denote

:hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 01, 2022, 05:37:31 PM
"Fraud"  to me is an attempted act, "defrauding"  would be successfully pulling off said act. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 06:19:27 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 01, 2022, 05:37:31 PM
"Fraud"  to me is an attempted act, "defrauding"  would be successfully pulling off said act. 

Well, at least you don't think it means to have all your swindled money given back to you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 03, 2022, 11:45:41 PM
Every now and then I start to wonder if being in the south for the past 23 years has provided me with ample opportunity to buy spicier snacks and sauces that I wouldn't be able to get in the New York Tri-State area, unless I ordered them from a catalog, or bought them at a spice shop. The suburbs of Tampa-St. Pete aren't that close to Louisiana hot sauce territory, but you can certainly find Cheetos XXXtra Flaming Hot Cheese crunches, and hotter than average Tobasco sauce and Frank's Hot Sauce flavors. The aunt and uncle I stay with in Bayside when I drive up north couldn't believe that Frito-Lay made anything hotter that Flaming Hot Cheetos.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 04, 2022, 11:06:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 04:43:23 PM
For those who jump all over people who use the word "dethaw" instead of "thaw", claiming that the de- prefix makes it mean the opposite of what the person intends...

I'm curious to know how you would define the following words:
  defraud
  delimit
  denote

:hmmm:

I don't think I've heard anyone actually say or seen the word "dethaw"...it just sounds redundant. (Or is that de-en-un-ex-non-pro-sub-supra-redundant?)

Denote seems to have an external connotation versus internal connotation; you do not "denote something" for yourself. Delimit seems to also have the same connotation, though they seem to have more specific meaning.

Verbing weirds language.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on November 04, 2022, 12:19:05 PM
^Dethaw is straight up not a word. That's why it's incorrect, because it doesn't exist.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 01:18:31 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on November 04, 2022, 12:19:05 PM
Dethaw is straight up not a word. That's why it's incorrect, because it doesn't exist.

'Unthaw' is, however, and has been in use as a synonym of 'thaw' since the late 16th Century.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 06, 2022, 07:49:15 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 01:18:31 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on November 04, 2022, 12:19:05 PM
Dethaw is straight up not a word. That's why it's incorrect, because it doesn't exist.

'Unthaw' is, however, and has been in use as a synonym of 'thaw' since the late 16th Century.

As a synonym? Did you mean antonym?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on November 06, 2022, 09:01:29 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 06, 2022, 07:49:15 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 01:18:31 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on November 04, 2022, 12:19:05 PM
Dethaw is straight up not a word. That's why it's incorrect, because it doesn't exist.

'Unthaw' is, however, and has been in use as a synonym of 'thaw' since the late 16th Century.

As a synonym? Did you mean antonym?

No he didn’t. Look it up:

Quote from: Webster’s Online DictionaryVerb 1. dethaw - become or cause to become soft or liquid; "The sun melted the ice"; "the ice thawed"; "the ice cream melted"; "The heat melted the wax"; "The giant iceberg dissolved over the years during the global warming phase"; "dethaw the meat"
Synonyms: thaw, unfreeze, unthaw, melt, dissolve

A little bit of searching suggests it is probably a bit of nonstandard English that arose as a cross between “defrost” and “thaw”.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 06, 2022, 12:26:42 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darksimpsons.com%2Fimages%2Fquotes%2Finflammable-means-flammable.jpg&hash=2656c23051736928ff94a18330d7245df0c5b2cd)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on November 06, 2022, 01:15:32 PM
George Carlin's line: "Flammable, inflammable, non-flammable: why are there 3? Either something flams or it doesn't."

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on November 06, 2022, 01:56:35 PM
A caution about dictionaries:  lexicographers are descriptivists to a greater or lesser degree, and there are now dictionaries that define freeway as an access-controlled highway on which toll is not charged (implying that turnpikes with full control of access are not freeways).  I had Webster's thrown at me the last time I tried to explain the etymology of freeway on a Facebook roads group.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 07, 2022, 08:52:11 AM
Quote from: US 89 on November 06, 2022, 09:01:29 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 06, 2022, 07:49:15 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 01:18:31 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on November 04, 2022, 12:19:05 PM
Dethaw is straight up not a word. That's why it's incorrect, because it doesn't exist.

'Unthaw' is, however, and has been in use as a synonym of 'thaw' since the late 16th Century.

As a synonym? Did you mean antonym?

No he didn't. Look it up:

Quote from: Webster's Online DictionaryVerb 1. dethaw - become or cause to become soft or liquid; "The sun melted the ice"; "the ice thawed"; "the ice cream melted"; "The heat melted the wax"; "The giant iceberg dissolved over the years during the global warming phase"; "dethaw the meat"
Synonyms: thaw, unfreeze, unthaw, melt, dissolve

A little bit of searching suggests it is probably a bit of nonstandard English that arose as a cross between "defrost"  and "thaw" .

Now that just makes no sense. If unthaw means the same thing as thaw, does unvaccinated mean the same thing as vaccinated? Of course not.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 07, 2022, 09:20:22 AM
Dethaw is the ir-regardless of these times.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 07, 2022, 11:21:32 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 06, 2022, 07:49:15 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 01:18:31 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on November 04, 2022, 12:19:05 PM
Dethaw is straight up not a word. That's why it's incorrect, because it doesn't exist.

'Unthaw' is, however, and has been in use as a synonym of 'thaw' since the late 16th Century, and it has persisted as a little-used variant ever since.

As a synonym? Did you mean antonym?

No I didn't.  The first known use of "unthaw" to mean "thaw" is from 1598.

Quote from: Oxford English Dictionary
The redundant use of un- is rare, but occurs in OE. unlíesan, and ME. unloose, which has succeeded in maintaining itself. Later instances are unbare, unsolve, unstrip (16-17th cent.), and the modern dialect forms unempt(y), unrid, unthaw (also locally uneave). Another redundant or extended use (= "˜peel off') exists in unpeel v.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on November 07, 2022, 11:26:36 AM
(Cough cough)  Flammable versus inflammable.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 07, 2022, 11:36:28 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 07, 2022, 11:26:36 AM
(Cough cough)  Flammable versus inflammable.

(Cough cough)  inflammation versus ... ?
(Cough cough)  inflamed versus ... ?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 07, 2022, 11:49:42 AM
To clarify...

The prefix in the word 'inflammable' doesn't mean 'opposite of', but rather 'into'.  Somebody is inflamed if he figuratively has a fire put inside him by words or actions that rouse him to passion.  Something is similarly inflammable if it can literally catch fire.  Yes, the figurative meaning came first, then the literal meaning came later.

In contrast, the prefix in the word 'unthaw' indeed means 'opposite of'.  Just as a tomato can be deseeded, (to have its seeds removed), it was once just as normal to say a potato had been unpeeled (to have its peel removed) as to say it had been peeled.  The prefix un- in that context is redundant.  Likewise, in the word 'unthaw', the prefix is redundant.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 12, 2022, 12:36:16 PM
So, it looks like 7-Eleven has taken over Sunoco gas stations in New York too.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KhtpeCtBsR0



Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on November 12, 2022, 01:05:40 PM
Well it's the new fad as in the nineties it was Citgo.  Although talk to an angry man I know personally, and he still probably thinks that Citgo still sells their gas at 7 Eleven.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 12, 2022, 07:57:27 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 12, 2022, 01:05:40 PM
Well it's the new fad as in the nineties it was Citgo.  Although talk to an angry man I know personally, and he still probably thinks that Citgo still sells their gas at 7 Eleven.
I've seen them selling Sunoco gas, and I've seen them selling Mobil gas, besides Citgo, of course.

Speaking of Sunoco, for as long as I can remember, they were the only stations that sold more than three grades of gas. But when I started reading books about gas stations, I found that other companies did this kind of thing as well (Marathon, Amoco, Phillips 66, and a few others I can't think of right now.). So. which companies do/did that, and who decides which stations do this? 




Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: elsmere241 on November 12, 2022, 08:17:45 PM
Texaco used to have a bunch, with Fire Chief being regular, Sky Chief being the highest grade, and there were a couple in-between.  Unleaded was simply "Lead-Free Texaco".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 13, 2022, 03:46:47 PM
I've seen 7-11 selling Sunoco gas. Around here they are Mobil's but there is one 7-11 that is it's own brand, there are some in the Detroit area like that too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on November 18, 2022, 12:27:37 PM
In the US, we have PG-13, R, and NC-17 movie ratings, based on the idea that a movie's content could be harmful or inappropriate for viewer that have not reached that age. Similar for substances (tobacco, alcohol) and activities (renting a car, being president).

Suppose that sort of caution didn't top out at 18 or 21 for movies? If a story contained philosophical truths or ideas that could not be properly processed until you reached middle age.

Lakewood Manor - rated NC-40 for existential ideation

South of the Tropic - rated NC-55 for ennui

Incelebratory - rated PG-25; a lot of 4chan'ers will take the ironic humor unironically
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 12:44:31 PM
And too many pop culture references make for a maximum recommended viewing age.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Halian on November 28, 2022, 06:15:07 AM
There used to be a Citgo/7-11 nearby that sold five grades of gas (87, 88, 89, 91, 93)! I still kinda miss that, lol.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 07:15:05 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
No, no. You need to think AARoads related. I'll give you a hint: someone who loves Illinois and hates Wisconsin.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on November 29, 2022, 07:34:24 AM
Not the Diesel Troll?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2022, 07:58:59 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 07:15:05 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
No, no. You need to think AARoads related. I'll give you a hint: someone who loves Illinois and hates Wisconsin.

Wallethubism must be crushed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on November 29, 2022, 08:22:08 AM
I didn't see anything about flatness of the terrain on the criteria. That certainly counted against other IL cities.

Seems like a reporter found a new fun site to cite - twice in the last 2 weeks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 08:47:14 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2022, 07:58:59 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 07:15:05 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
No, no. You need to think AARoads related. I'll give you a hint: someone who loves Illinois and hates Wisconsin.

Wallethubism must be crushed.

I don't know. If WGN is citing them, they must be legit.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 29, 2022, 08:56:37 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

I like this paragraph...

Quote
They suggest singles think beyond restaurants and bars for dates – and instead – go bowling, explore a park, or meet at a pub for a trivia night
.

So, escape those bars and do something different. Try a pub instead, which is, um, a bar.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2022, 09:27:53 AM
^^^

What does it say about trolling bars one state over for Wisconsinites?

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 08:47:14 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2022, 07:58:59 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 07:15:05 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
No, no. You need to think AARoads related. I'll give you a hint: someone who loves Illinois and hates Wisconsin.

Wallethubism must be crushed.

I don't know. If WGN is citing them, they must be legit.

WGN is run by non-flat Illinois cultists.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on November 29, 2022, 09:58:22 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 07:15:05 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
No, no. You need to think AARoads related. I'll give you a hint: someone who loves Virginia and hates Pittsburgh.

Angelo71
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2022, 10:05:30 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on November 29, 2022, 09:58:22 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 07:15:05 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
No, no. You need to think AARoads related. I'll give you a hint: someone who loves Virginia and hates Pittsburgh.

Angelo71

Of course, Chicago is full of gross vegans.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:55:50 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
I believe Victoria's secret is that she's made up by a dude.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 29, 2022, 01:17:27 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:55:50 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
I believe Victoria's secret is that she's made up by a dude.

or that she IS a dude.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 29, 2022, 02:20:30 PM
You know the Sharpie meme from a few years ago where Sharpies can rewrite reality? Well, it's true. I was in Market Basket today. The clearance section had a whole bunch of things, one of which was a package of 48 forks marked X instead of having a price because many of the forks were missing; I estimated that 1/3 were there. This item normally goes for $2.29 normally and $1.69 when it's on the clearance rack due to a damaged box. (Market Basket clearance procedure is simply to put sharpie on the barcode so it won't scan and then to write the price on the box, unlike Stop & Shop where there are yellow stickers that have to be created.) I picked up the box hoping to ask if I could buy it for 50¢ at the register, figuring it would be accepted because from the store's viewpoint, the store receiving 50¢ is better than receiving nothing. Immediately before getting into the checkout line, I saw the assistant manager, with a badge that said 27 years, so I asked him. He simply got out his sharpie and put the number 50 on it. It worked, although I had to tell the cashier that most of the forks missing because something over 75% off is normally suspicious.

The box had 22 of the 48 forks in it, more than I thought.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2022, 02:46:41 PM
During the last election here there was some campaign ad saying such and such candidate's policies were making Oklahoma an awful place to live, and they cited Wallethub as a source for that. (I didn't post it here, for obvious reasons.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 29, 2022, 02:48:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2022, 02:46:41 PM
During the last election here there was some campaign ad saying such and such candidate's policies were making Oklahoma an awful place to live, and they cited Wallethub as a source for that. (I didn't post it here, for obvious reasons.)

Incumbent or not? (If it wasn't the incumbent, it would be a straight-up lie, as someone who hasn't been elected wouldn't have had their policies enacted.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2022, 03:02:58 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 29, 2022, 02:48:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2022, 02:46:41 PM
During the last election here there was some campaign ad saying such and such candidate's policies were making Oklahoma an awful place to live, and they cited Wallethub as a source for that. (I didn't post it here, for obvious reasons.)

Incumbent or not? (If it wasn't the incumbent, it would be a straight-up lie, as someone who hasn't been elected wouldn't have had their policies enacted.)

I don't remember the exact details (I tend to not get my political opinions from campaign ads) but I believe it was a PAC-funded ad against the incumbent.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 03:18:53 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2022, 09:27:53 AM
^^^

What does it say about trolling bars one state over for Wisconsinites?
...
WGN is run by non-flat Illinois cultists.

The almighty Wallethub cited Madison as the second-best city in the country for singles, only beaten by Seattle.

Maybe Crash_It secretly works at WGN...?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2022, 03:27:38 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 03:18:53 PM
The almighty Wallethub cited Madison as the second-best city in the country for singles, only beaten by Seattle.

Well, I mean, what else is there do to during a long Madison winter? :P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 09:00:51 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 29, 2022, 01:17:27 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:55:50 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
I believe Victoria's secret is that she's made up by a dude.

or that she IS a dude.

Specifically, an old man who lives in Ohio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCw3y89VXgA
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on November 29, 2022, 09:13:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 09:00:51 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 29, 2022, 01:17:27 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:55:50 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2022, 07:00:43 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 29, 2022, 06:38:15 AM
So here I am looking at the local news, and I see this article here: https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/two-illinois-cities-among-2022s-best-for-singles/

Since I'm currently a lonesome loser and I love taking Internet bait, I decide to click on it. Now take a guess who's study they used on this article?

Entenmann's Bakery, due to the relationship with BIMBO?

sorry, couldn't resist

That will be Victoria's Secret.
I believe Victoria's secret is that she's made up by a dude.

or that she IS a dude.

Specifically, and old man who lives in Ohio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCw3y89VXgA
He also likes making money off of girls like me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2022, 10:47:04 PM
I heard that song on the radio on the way back from Thanksgiving and it caused me to look up the provenance of Victoria's Secret. The song, interestingly enough, has it right–the old man in Ohio is probably 85-year-old Les Wexner, of Columbus, who bought the chain in 1982 from founders Roy and Gaye Raymond. Roy Raymond's original vision of the store was as a place for men to purchase lingerie for their partners, after he had negative experiences with employees when attempting to buy lingerie for his wife at a traditional department store. Wexner reorganized the store into the familiar female-targeted chain that it is today.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on November 30, 2022, 02:40:39 AM
She'll competing with Citgo.
https://goo.gl/maps/FUa7Eh8bcjtd4534A
I see this shell station copied the infamous Kenmore Square Citgo sign nearby as it's on the same river, though, upstream from the iconic sign.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 30, 2022, 05:07:25 PM
It is sort of a shame that the heyday of Alanland was a good few years before surreal AI art became a thing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on November 30, 2022, 05:11:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2022, 05:07:25 PM
It is sort of a shame that the heyday of Alanland was a good few years before surreal AI art became a thing.
Ah yes, a beautiful depiction of the Caterpillar War:

(https://imgur.com/16fXEHH.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 02:57:33 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2022, 05:07:25 PM
It is sort of a shame that the heyday of Alanland was a good few years before surreal AI art became a thing.

Don't forget the official portrait of Alan Ivan Torrington–which, among art enthusiasts, is colloquially called "the surreal AI" (to distinguish it from the other, more famous, ASCII art portrait).

(https://i.imgur.com/nrEPQwp.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on December 03, 2022, 08:14:09 AM
Discord just switched their font recently to something that's basically Clearview. Ugly, curled lowercase Ls, etc. They call it "GG Sans" after the url discord.gg; do they really want to be compared to Comic Sans?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Halian on December 03, 2022, 03:00:53 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 03, 2022, 08:14:09 AMDiscord just switched their font recently to something that's basically Clearview. Ugly, curled lowercase Ls, etc. They call it "GG Sans" after the url discord.gg; do they really want to be compared to Comic Sans?
I don't mind it. Also, remember that "Sans"  in both cases refers to the fonts' sans-serif nature.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on December 03, 2022, 03:44:29 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 03, 2022, 08:14:09 AM
Discord just switched their font recently to something that's basically Clearview. Ugly, curled lowercase Ls, etc. They call it "GG Sans" after the url discord.gg; do they really want to be compared to Comic Sans?

My reaction to it upon seeing it the first time:

Quote
I'll be honest. It looks like British Transport got pushed down the stairs in a Tube station.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on December 07, 2022, 12:32:54 AM
Greenfield Circle in Brandon, MS is a really long circle..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on December 08, 2022, 09:34:06 PM
Being a roadgeek does help in some stereotypical relationship situations.

Spouse or significant other: Honey, what are you thinking about right now?

Muggle: uh, um, er... how much I enjoy being around you?

Roadgeek: Route 67
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 08, 2022, 09:45:35 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 08, 2022, 09:34:06 PM
Being a roadgeek does help in some stereotypical relationship situations.

Spouse or significant other: Honey, what are you thinking about right now?

Muggle: uh, um, er... how much I enjoy being around you?

Roadgeek: Route 67

I don't know if it actually hurt either.  One of the qualities my wife said she liked about me was that I wasn't just some meat head.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on December 08, 2022, 11:57:23 PM
My fiancée thinks it's fascinating that I enjoy road stuff, but she's also a bit of a nerd herself.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 09, 2022, 10:41:08 AM
I think it's better to have an interesting hobby or two, provided it's not too weird. Then you actually stand out as an individual as opposed to a copy-paste person who just likes getting hammered at parties.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:06:37 AM
This particular geekery, led me into another form of geekery that I didn't know I was interested in: tower spotting. The radio equipment itself is fascinating, and the views from these places are just bananas. There's two farms near me I can drive to.

unrelated: I feel like if you're going to name something 'signal mountain', there should be .. well, signals emanating from it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Dirt Roads on December 11, 2022, 03:24:28 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:06:37 AM
unrelated: I feel like if you're going to name something 'signal mountain', there should be .. well, signals emanating from it.

There are three radio structures on Signal Mountain near the town of Signal Mountain, plus microwave facilities on the water tower owned by the City of Chattanooga.  There is another one on Signal Mountain further north near Walden, plus microwave facilities on the water tanks owned by the Walden Ridge Utility Department.  From what I can tell, the four radio structures are indeed towers.  And some of these radio structures are owned by third-parties, which usually means they are shared by multiple transmitter sites.

All of this reminds me that the microwave towers of old are quickly disappearing.  One of these facilities the town of Signal Mountain is owned by AT&T, and is likely a remnant of its microwave telephone network.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 06:34:36 PM
Quote from: Dirt Roads on December 11, 2022, 03:24:28 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:06:37 AM
unrelated: I feel like if you're going to name something 'signal mountain', there should be .. well, signals emanating from it.

There are three radio structures on Signal Mountain near the town of Signal Mountain, plus microwave facilities on the water tower owned by the City of Chattanooga.  There is another one on Signal Mountain further north near Walden, plus microwave facilities on the water tanks owned by the Walden Ridge Utility Department.  From what I can tell, the four radio structures are indeed towers.  And some of these radio structures are owned by third-parties, which usually means they are shared by multiple transmitter sites.

All of this reminds me that the microwave towers of old are quickly disappearing.  One of these facilities the town of Signal Mountain is owned by AT&T, and is likely a remnant of its microwave telephone network.
There's a whole sort of subset of this hobby, that speaks to spotting/finding/id-ing old ATT Long Lines sites. I'll whip out Google Earth and see what I can see. The one I drive to (buckhorn mountain) used to be one, and apparently manned, back in the day.

If this makes me weird, so be it, but there's something oddly relaxing about being on a beautiful hilltop sort of amongst the signals. Bazillabytes of data flying a little bit over your head, and just, seeing what you can see. My neighbor and I bring all his telescopes and binoculars, and we map out what we can see. Best I've done was something I confirmed was about 45 miles out. If you sight along the same direction that the dishes point, you can, on a clear day, often see the other thing it's pointing at.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 12:40:05 AM
Wake County, NC (Raleigh) vs. Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) may be my all time favorite population graph. Not just because they're close, but because they're growing equally fast (very fast by my poor standards) and it's been a dead heat for over a decade. And the stakes are high, too, as the title of Most Populous County in North Carolina™ is on the line.

(https://imgur.com/GQpd768.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on December 17, 2022, 02:30:41 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 12:40:05 AM
And the stakes are high, too, as the title of Most Populous County in North Carolina™ is on the line.

The winner gets six new interstates
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 17, 2022, 03:21:58 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 17, 2022, 02:30:41 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 12:40:05 AM
And the stakes are high, too, as the title of Most Populous County in North Carolina™ is on the line.

The winner gets six new interstates

All of them have the same number as other, more popular Interstates.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 09:56:56 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 17, 2022, 03:21:58 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 17, 2022, 02:30:41 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 12:40:05 AM
And the stakes are high, too, as the title of Most Populous County in North Carolina™ is on the line.

The winner gets six new interstates

All of them have the same number as other, more popular Interstates.

The loser, of course, only gets five new interstates.  ;-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2022, 10:44:53 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 09:56:56 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 17, 2022, 03:21:58 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 17, 2022, 02:30:41 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 12:40:05 AM
And the stakes are high, too, as the title of Most Populous County in North Carolina™ is on the line.

The winner gets six new interstates

All of them have the same number as other, more popular Interstates.

The loser, of course, only gets five new interstates.  ;-)

The loser needs to raze all their Interstates and convert them to multi-use stage routes.  Primitive coupled with a healthy dose of unhappiness for all.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on December 18, 2022, 10:49:40 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 17, 2022, 12:40:05 AMWake County, NC (Raleigh) vs. Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) may be my all time favorite population graph. Not just because they're close, but because they're growing equally fast (very fast by my poor standards)

For purposes of statistical comparison, I prefer to use Metropolitan Statistical Areas instead of county population because it includes the suburbs as well. Thus, Wake County, NC (Raleigh) becomes Raleigh, NC MSA (#41) and Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) becomes Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC MSA (#22). This also allows me to throw in some areas of interest for me also, such as Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX MSA (#4), Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX MSA (#5), San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA MSA (#13), Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA MSA (#26), and Austin - Round Rock - Georgetown, TX MSA (#28).

So, looking at the current populations estimates:

If we go back to 2010...

2000...

and 1990...

Based upon an extremely limited and subjective dataset based upon my own personal vested interest, I was surprised to see the Raleigh, NC MSA outgrowing the growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX MSA. Both were outpaced by the growth in the Austin - Round Rock - Georgetown, TX MSA.

If you want to dig through the data yourself, go to https://www.citypopulation.de/en/usa/metro/ . In fact, when I import the data and perform some Excel magic, plus filter out for MSAs below 100k people in 1990, these are the top three growth areas:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on December 20, 2022, 05:55:06 PM
Buc-ee's is really missing a huge opportunity to put huge amounts of EV charging stations in their parking lots. EV travelers should have plenty of time and money to burn while they wait for their vehicles to charge.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 06:01:50 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on December 20, 2022, 05:55:06 PM
Buc-ee's is really missing a huge opportunity to put huge amounts of EV charging stations in their parking lots. EV travelers should have plenty of time and money to burn while they wait for their vehicles to charge.

The lack of catering to freight vehicles is equally strange to me. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on December 20, 2022, 06:07:01 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 06:01:50 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on December 20, 2022, 05:55:06 PM
Buc-ee's is really missing a huge opportunity to put huge amounts of EV charging stations in their parking lots. EV travelers should have plenty of time and money to burn while they wait for their vehicles to charge.

The lack of catering to freight vehicles is equally strange to me.
You might be surprised to learn that one Buc-ee's actually accepts trucks and has primitive truck services.
Port Lavaca, TX (https://goo.gl/maps/LrkHRP8rBjtCAnRb8)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:42:14 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on December 20, 2022, 05:55:06 PM
Buc-ee's is really missing a huge opportunity to put huge amounts of EV charging stations in their parking lots. EV travelers should have plenty of time and money to burn while they wait for their vehicles to charge.

I'm thinking that as EVs become more common, convenience stores are going to end up more in the Buc-ee's/Sheetz/Wawa mold than they are currently.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 02:31:02 AM
In the "I can't believe it's not Alanland" department:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_Hat_Riot
Quote
The Straw Hat Riot of 1922 was a riot that occurred in New York City at the end of the summer as a result of unwritten rules in men's fashions at the time, and a tradition of taunting people who had failed to stop wearing straw hats after autumn began. Originating as a series of minor riots, it spread due to men wearing straw hats past the unofficial date that was deemed socially acceptable, September 15. It lasted eight days, leading to many arrests and some injuries.

[...]

[September 15] was arbitrary; earlier it had been September 1, but it eventually shifted to mid-month. It was socially acceptable for stockbrokers to destroy each other's hats, due to the fact that they were "companions" , but it was not acceptable for total strangers. If any man was seen wearing a straw hat, he was, at minimum, subjecting himself to ridicule, and it was a tradition for youths to knock straw hats off wearers' heads and stomp on them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 07:53:35 AM
1920s times were weird.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on December 22, 2022, 01:43:59 AM
Truth is stranger than Alanland, but it is because Alanland is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't.

(with apologies to Mark Twain)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 22, 2022, 10:03:42 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 02:31:02 AM
In the "I can't believe it's not Alanland" department...

That's the name of the gift shop at Alanland Interregional Airport.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: skluth on December 22, 2022, 10:54:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 02:31:02 AM
In the "I can't believe it's not Alanland" department:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_Hat_Riot
Quote
The Straw Hat Riot of 1922 was a riot that occurred in New York City at the end of the summer as a result of unwritten rules in men's fashions at the time, and a tradition of taunting people who had failed to stop wearing straw hats after autumn began. Originating as a series of minor riots, it spread due to men wearing straw hats past the unofficial date that was deemed socially acceptable, September 15. It lasted eight days, leading to many arrests and some injuries.

[...]

[September 15] was arbitrary; earlier it had been September 1, but it eventually shifted to mid-month. It was socially acceptable for stockbrokers to destroy each other's hats, due to the fact that they were "companions" , but it was not acceptable for total strangers. If any man was seen wearing a straw hat, he was, at minimum, subjecting himself to ridicule, and it was a tradition for youths to knock straw hats off wearers' heads and stomp on them.

This is the terror that happens to people when you deny them alcohol. (Prohibition was in full force in 1922.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 22, 2022, 03:44:39 PM
Is there any regulatory agency for determining the Coldest Beer in [Placename]?

And is there a legal mechanism for Not-As-Cold Beer, or Beer That's Actually Frozen?

I want to be sure I'm not getting ripped off nor frostbitten.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 23, 2022, 10:36:30 AM
Michigan being a true Winter Wonderland.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221223/5aa4ef68604698b7e5dc1318d2026e86.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on December 23, 2022, 12:44:07 PM
Imagine being born in Connecticut in late spring and aware of things from the beginning (IRL I don't remember any of it.)

First few weeks: Wow, CT weather is really nice! I'm lucky to live here!

Summer: humid, but still nice, especially in the evenings. (Helps that I don't have to go to work...)

Fall: Wow. Cool nights, warm days, and spectacular scenery. Nice job, CT!

First snow: Beautiful, it's like a storybook! Snow-covered tree branches, everything's so quiet and magical.

Two days later: OK, I'm good with winter, we can do spring now.

Wait what?

Five more months?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 23, 2022, 06:12:54 PM
I knew there must be some massive winter storm in Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky today. The traffic levels always turn orange on Google maps all over when there is one, just a sea of orange. That means there's no volume but everyone is going 30 mph by choice on the highways because of the snow/ice/low visibility. Happens everytime. When it's normal traffic, it's a mix of green yellow orange red, with dark red concentrated in the high traffic areas. When it's orange, and only orange, for hundreds of miles continuously, it is a weather problem.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 24, 2022, 01:38:39 AM
Gonna sue whoever composed Jingle Bell Rock for making a song that's anything but rock.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: bm7 on December 24, 2022, 02:15:49 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 24, 2022, 01:38:39 AM
Gonna sue whoever composed Jingle Bell Rock for making a song that's anything but rock.
I once heard a hip hop cover of "I Love Rock 'n Roll". If they love it so much, why don't they make that genre of music?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 24, 2022, 11:29:18 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 23, 2022, 06:12:54 PM
I knew there must be some massive winter storm in Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky today. The traffic levels always turn orange on Google maps all over when there is one, just a sea of orange. That means there's no volume but everyone is going 30 mph by choice on the highways because of the snow/ice/low visibility. Happens everytime. When it's normal traffic, it's a mix of green yellow orange red, with dark red concentrated in the high traffic areas. When it's orange, and only orange, for hundreds of miles continuously, it is a weather problem.
It's normal. It happens every year.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 24, 2022, 02:23:40 PM
Quote from: bm7 on December 24, 2022, 02:15:49 AM
I once heard a hip hop cover of ...

DO NOT.  I repeat:  DO NOT, ever, tell Alexa to play hip-hop Christmas music.  *shudder*
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 11:14:27 PM
CHRISTMAS can be rearranged to spell MS CRASH IT.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 24, 2022, 11:16:08 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 11:14:27 PM
CHRISTMAS can be rearranged to spell MS CRASH IT.

There is a layup joke that goes along with this post. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 24, 2022, 11:21:15 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 11:14:27 PM
CHRISTMAS can be rearranged to spell MS CRASH IT.
Did you drink too much eggnog, Scott?  :-P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 11:51:22 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 24, 2022, 11:21:15 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 11:14:27 PM
CHRISTMAS can be rearranged to spell MS CRASH IT.
Did you drink too much eggnog, Scott?  :-P

(https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000140289597-j4u74x-t500x500.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 25, 2022, 01:15:04 AM
This is the first time in the short history of this thread that someone has posted on Christmas Day (in CST at least).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 03:16:41 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 25, 2022, 01:15:04 AM
This is the first time in the short history of this thread that someone has posted on Christmas Day (in CST at least).
For that matter, your post is the first in EST.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on December 25, 2022, 02:12:35 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 25, 2022, 01:15:04 AM
This is the first time in the short history of this thread that someone has posted on Christmas Day (in CST at least).

In CET the four previous posts to yours are on Christmas Day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on December 25, 2022, 03:39:41 PM
Merry Christmas to all and enjoy the midwinter holiday of your choice!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on December 25, 2022, 05:14:12 PM
To all those in law enforcement: Police Navidad
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 25, 2022, 11:34:09 PM
Has anybody been having trouble with Historic Aerials tonight? A Long Island Motor Parkway enthusiasts' site had another contest where users take guesses about specific sites, and the latest one turned out to be Southern State Parkway during the widening of the parkway in the early-1950's.
https://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/blog/article/mystery_friday_foto_51_a_construction_aerial#
This image is of a former parkway interchange sized entrance and exit for a New York State Police station, but because of the loss of contact with Historic Aerials, I can't find anything showing when these ramps existed:
https://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/images/blog/TBPicture2.jpg


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:42:47 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 25, 2022, 11:34:09 PM
Has anybody been having trouble with Historic Aerials tonight?
Yep, I and a few other people have been unable to access HA.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 08:21:35 AM
A Michigan legend (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221227/c718ab68e50a7dbde197c9c0f6ae68b5.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: skluth on December 27, 2022, 10:44:18 AM
Quote from: kurumi on December 25, 2022, 05:14:12 PM
To all those in law enforcement: Police Navidad

Was that the third or fourth Police album? I always get them mixed up after Zenyatta Mondatta.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 11:46:26 AM
The next time I see a Sam Bernstein commercial I am going to throw something at my TV.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 11:47:22 AM
Well that didn't take long, on my way to buy a new TV.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on December 27, 2022, 12:15:48 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 11:46:26 AM
The next time I see a Sam Bernstein commercial I am going to throw something at my TV.

Reminds me of a former Mays commercial in NY. 😂

Anyway, what is up with all the MMM locks lately?
Most threads locked are threads the troll hijacks and not one he started. Even the one created to keep his ideas in one place got closed for new posts which to me seems that it opens the door for the 23 year old know it all to hijack more threads to be closed later on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 12:18:31 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 27, 2022, 12:15:48 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 11:46:26 AM
The next time I see a Sam Bernstein commercial I am going to throw something at my TV.

Reminds me of a former Mays commercial in NY. 😂

Anyway, what is up with all the MMM locks lately?
Most threads locked are threads the troll hijacks and not one he started. Even the one created to keep his ideas in one place got closed for new posts which to me seems that it opens the door for the 23 year old know it all to hijack more threads to be closed later on.
Yeah I don't get what the deal is with that guy. He seems to delete posts now after posting a ton the first few weeks he was here. I don't get what anyone gets out of being an internet troll.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on December 27, 2022, 12:24:54 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 12:18:31 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 27, 2022, 12:15:48 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 27, 2022, 11:46:26 AM
The next time I see a Sam Bernstein commercial I am going to throw something at my TV.

Reminds me of a former Mays commercial in NY. 😂

Anyway, what is up with all the MMM locks lately?
Most threads locked are threads the troll hijacks and not one he started. Even the one created to keep his ideas in one place got closed for new posts which to me seems that it opens the door for the 23 year old know it all to hijack more threads to be closed later on.
Yeah I don't get what the deal is with that guy. He seems to delete posts now after posting a ton the first few weeks he was here. I don't get what anyone gets out of being an internet troll.

Trolls will not admit their trolls like crooks will not admit their crooks. :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 27, 2022, 12:24:54 PM
their trolls

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3feb5d_3aa9e157f0fd42159f5bccc3e1d51094~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_640,h_478,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/3feb5d_3aa9e157f0fd42159f5bccc3e1d51094~mv2.jpg)

Quote from: roadman65 on December 27, 2022, 12:24:54 PM
their crooks

(https://ctntp.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/shepherds-crooks.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 27, 2022, 08:56:34 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:42:47 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 25, 2022, 11:34:09 PM
Has anybody been having trouble with Historic Aerials tonight?
Yep, I and a few other people have been unable to access HA.
Okay, I got it. Unfortunately, the oldest aerial map from 1966, and no topographic maps are showing the loop ramp to and from the police station.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on December 27, 2022, 09:59:20 PM
Here's a geeky Christmas hymn meme (improperly used, though; "Bart" in the middle panel is supposed to be reluctant to do it):

(https://i.imgur.com/GJxI80k.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 30, 2022, 12:54:49 PM
My PC is screwing me up again. I took a butt-load of pics from my Folkston, Georgia road trip yesterday, which also included a brief detour into Waycross and Nahunta. Unfortunately, when I started to upload the pictures to an SD card, and then load them on a new file, it stated taking forever to load. I tried to pause it, but it took forever to pause. Then I tried to cancel it, and it's still taking forever to cancel. Now I'm trying to upload one batch of photos while the previous one is still cancelling.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: paulthemapguy on December 30, 2022, 12:56:45 PM
nice page
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on December 31, 2022, 09:22:16 PM
My 81 year old mother has been having some health issues, so the doctor has said that she is not allowed to drive... period. While purchasing a new car has improved in the past year, we made the decision to transfer the title and registration from her name to my name and remove her from my auto policy. So, now I'm the "owner" of two cars, although I will continue to drive my car when I'm solo, and drive her car when I'm chauffeuring her around or maintenance needs.

This past week, I visited the county tax office to do the title transfer, but her personalized plates are non-transferable. I'm electing to go with the generic non-personalized plates at this time, so the number they issued me starts with SFV. Oh dear... now I'm coming up with acronyms such as:

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 31, 2022, 09:49:05 PM
I saw a dead body laying in the street after getting hit by a car last night, creepy site for sure.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:19:30 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 31, 2022, 09:49:05 PM
I saw a dead body laying in the street after getting hit by a car last night, creepy site for sure.

Ambiguous grammar aside (I'm assuming you aren't the one who was hit by a car last night), I must ask:  was it already a crime scene with police on site, or was it just a dead body and some awkward gawkers?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:20:14 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 31, 2022, 09:22:16 PM
I'm electing to go with the generic non-personalized plates at this time, so the number they issued me starts with SFV. Oh dear... now I'm coming up with acronyms such as:


  • A friend suggested "Sasquatch Finding Vehicle"

Sasquatch Flattening Vehicle
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 03, 2023, 09:51:17 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:20:14 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 31, 2022, 09:22:16 PM
I'm electing to go with the generic non-personalized plates at this time, so the number they issued me starts with SFV. Oh dear... now I'm coming up with acronyms such as:


  • A friend suggested "Sasquatch Finding Vehicle"

Sasquatch Flattening Vehicle

Special Fluid Valve
Stunning Fluke Victory
Special Flavor Vacuum
Scuderia Ferrari Victim
Sudden False Vacation
Stegosaurus Faction Van

I do things like this when I'm stuck behind the same vehicle for a while, my buddies and I also did this a bunch when we were first driving. Can't really do this in Alabama but you can try to guess what obscure county they're from.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 03, 2023, 10:08:30 AM
quietly awaits 'names for SUV's' thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on January 03, 2023, 10:12:59 AM
I once was assigned a "Satan plate": letter combination of DVL.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2023, 11:02:58 AM
If there is a kenarmy does that mean there is a kenspaceforce?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 03, 2023, 12:48:23 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:19:30 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 31, 2022, 09:49:05 PM
I saw a dead body laying in the street after getting hit by a car last night, creepy site for sure.

Ambiguous grammar aside (I'm assuming you aren't the one who was hit by a car last night), I must ask:  was it already a crime scene with police on site, or was it just a dead body and some awkward gawkers?
It wasn't a crime scene with police on site when I originally saw it. I saw the body before the cops got there. Heard someone run in and say someone just got hit, I said a pedestrian? And the guy said yeah. So three of us ran outside and there were people trying to help him, he was dead he wasn't moving, no pulse no nothing. 911 had already been called and within two minutes there were Saginaw city, Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Sheriff's there, when they realized that the guy was dead the parmedics showed up. It was an ugly scene for about three hours.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 04, 2023, 03:41:04 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 03, 2023, 12:48:23 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:19:30 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 31, 2022, 09:49:05 PM
I saw a dead body laying in the street after getting hit by a car last night, creepy site for sure.

Ambiguous grammar aside (I'm assuming you aren't the one who was hit by a car last night), I must ask:  was it already a crime scene with police on site, or was it just a dead body and some awkward gawkers?
It wasn't a crime scene with police on site when I originally saw it. I saw the body before the cops got there. Heard someone run in and say someone just got hit, I said a pedestrian? And the guy said yeah. So three of us ran outside and there were people trying to help him, he was dead he wasn't moving, no pulse no nothing. 911 had already been called and within two minutes there were Saginaw city, Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Sheriff's there, when they realized that the guy was dead the parmedics showed up. It was an ugly scene for about three hours.

Did the driver stop, or was it a hit and run?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 04, 2023, 06:36:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 04, 2023, 03:41:04 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 03, 2023, 12:48:23 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:19:30 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 31, 2022, 09:49:05 PM
I saw a dead body laying in the street after getting hit by a car last night, creepy site for sure.

Ambiguous grammar aside (I'm assuming you aren't the one who was hit by a car last night), I must ask:  was it already a crime scene with police on site, or was it just a dead body and some awkward gawkers?
It wasn't a crime scene with police on site when I originally saw it. I saw the body before the cops got there. Heard someone run in and say someone just got hit, I said a pedestrian? And the guy said yeah. So three of us ran outside and there were people trying to help him, he was dead he wasn't moving, no pulse no nothing. 911 had already been called and within two minutes there were Saginaw city, Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Sheriff's there, when they realized that the guy was dead the parmedics showed up. It was an ugly scene for about three hours.

Did the driver stop, or was it a hit and run?
He stopped and cooperated with the police.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on January 04, 2023, 04:41:12 PM
I used to think Roadgeekteen was way out there with Mars, but after observing MMM lately, he's way beyond that. In fact MMM has made it out of the solar system.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 04, 2023, 05:20:35 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 05:12:08 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 04, 2023, 04:41:12 PM
I used to think Roadgeekteen was way out there with Mars, but after observing MMM lately, he's way beyond that. In fact MMM has made it out of the solar system.

And it's a good thing that any aliens will be able to first meet such a worthy representative of our planet. Both our races will not be let down at first contact.

Are you banking on humanity making contact with the Owl People or Alpha Centauri B?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 05:48:28 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 05:12:08 PM
And it's a good thing that any aliens will be able to first meet such a worthy representative of our planet. Both our races will not be let down at first contact.

Especially if they're hungry.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 05:21:57 PM
Most likely the Zeta Retoculum star system. Although those aliens better make sure their stars fit the cosmic grid.

Hey, I actually recognized the humor that time!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on January 04, 2023, 06:07:58 PM
I honestly think this guy is giving us a ride in his spaceship.  He is really toying with us as he rebuts humor about him in an alien way.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on January 04, 2023, 08:38:29 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 04, 2023, 04:41:12 PM
I used to think Roadgeekteen was way out there with Mars, but after observing MMM lately, he's way beyond that. In fact MMM has made it out of the solar system.
More like out of the universe and stuck in a dead one where all other matter has long since decayed away, with no nearby objects save for an ultramassive black hole a few billion light years away.  It's why he seems to have little better to do but argue about fictional highways, impractical aviation, and sexy Star Trek scenes on an internet forum.  Maybe he'll get lucky and be rescued by a wayward starship that ended up there after a failed engine experiment or contact with the electroweak force or something.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 04, 2023, 08:45:08 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 04, 2023, 08:38:29 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 04, 2023, 04:41:12 PM
I used to think Roadgeekteen was way out there with Mars, but after observing MMM lately, he's way beyond that. In fact MMM has made it out of the solar system.
More like out of the universe and stuck in a dead one where all other matter has long since decayed away, with no nearby objects save for an ultramassive black hole a few billion light years away.  It's why he seems to have little better to do but argue about fictional highways, impractical aviation, and sexy Star Trek scenes on an internet forum.  Maybe he'll get lucky and be rescued by a wayward starship that ended up there after a failed engine experiment or contact with the electroweak force or something.

I prefer to think it's the universe where so many trillions of years have gone by that even the super massive black holes have dissolved via Hawking Radiation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on January 04, 2023, 08:57:38 PM
^ Maybe he can ponder the positronium atoms, assuming Dark Energy allows them to form.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 09:18:45 AM
Quote from: vdeane on January 04, 2023, 08:38:29 PM
More like out of the universe and stuck in a dead one where all other matter has long since decayed away, with no nearby objects save for an ultramassive black hole a few billion light years away.

Black holes are a scam.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on January 07, 2023, 01:19:56 PM
Yesterday my family and I, plus my grandma and aunt went to Myers Steakhouse in Salamanca for my grandma's birthday dinner. I ordered a dish called Chicken Wisconsin, which is two pan-fried chicken breasts covered in a cheddar cheese sauce. It is swimming in the sauce. I ate one chicken breast there and took the other one home for lunch today.

Often food is named after some idyllic, exotic, or famous place. But Wisconsin?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on January 07, 2023, 02:29:40 PM
I wonder if any newcomers to Michigan had an eye-opening moment where they found out "Major's" (seen in print) and "Meyer's" (heard out loud) are the same supermarket chain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meijer).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on January 07, 2023, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on January 07, 2023, 01:19:56 PM
Yesterday my family and I, plus my grandma and aunt went to Myers Steakhouse in Salamanca for my grandma's birthday dinner. I ordered a dish called Chicken Wisconsin, which is two pan-fried chicken breasts covered in a cheddar cheese sauce. It is swimming in the sauce. I ate one chicken breast there and took the other one home for lunch today.

Often food is named after some idyllic, exotic, or famous place. But Wisconsin?
I am from Wisconsin.  Never heard of it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 07, 2023, 04:49:10 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 07, 2023, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on January 07, 2023, 01:19:56 PM
Yesterday my family and I, plus my grandma and aunt went to Myers Steakhouse in Salamanca for my grandma's birthday dinner. I ordered a dish called Chicken Wisconsin, which is two pan-fried chicken breasts covered in a cheddar cheese sauce. It is swimming in the sauce. I ate one chicken breast there and took the other one home for lunch today.

Often food is named after some idyllic, exotic, or famous place. But Wisconsin?
I am from Wisconsin.  Never heard of it.

Perhaps Chicken Forward was too oblique.

Quote from: kurumi on January 07, 2023, 02:29:40 PM
I wonder if any newcomers to Michigan had an eye-opening moment where they found out "Major's" (seen in print) and "Meyer's" (heard out loud) are the same supermarket chain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meijer).

[Sheepishly raises hand]

Also, I figured it was "mee-jerz". Never underestimate my ability to bet on that green double-zero on a roulette wheel.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 07, 2023, 05:41:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 09:18:45 AM
Quote from: vdeane on January 04, 2023, 08:38:29 PM
More like out of the universe and stuck in a dead one where all other matter has long since decayed away, with no nearby objects save for an ultramassive black hole a few billion light years away.

Black holes are a scam.

It is a little hard to believe that the geometry of spacetime gets all fucked up just because there was too much hydrogen in one area LOL!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on January 07, 2023, 05:45:01 PM
Quote from: kurumi on January 07, 2023, 02:29:40 PM
I wonder if any newcomers to Michigan had an eye-opening moment where they found out "Major's" (seen in print) and "Meyer's" (heard out loud) are the same supermarket chain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meijer).

And it was founded by one Frederik G. Meijer, not to be confused with Fred G. Meyer who started his own hypermarket chain, Fred Meyer, in the Northwest.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 08, 2023, 03:47:52 AM
Quote from: kurumi on January 07, 2023, 02:29:40 PM
I wonder if any newcomers to Michigan had an eye-opening moment where they found out "Major's" (seen in print) and "Meyer's" (heard out loud) are the same supermarket chain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meijer).
Huh?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 08, 2023, 03:49:55 AM
Quote from: Bruce on January 07, 2023, 05:45:01 PM
Quote from: kurumi on January 07, 2023, 02:29:40 PM
I wonder if any newcomers to Michigan had an eye-opening moment where they found out "Major's" (seen in print) and "Meyer's" (heard out loud) are the same supermarket chain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meijer).

And it was founded by one Frederik G. Meijer, not to be confused with Fred G. Meyer who started his own hypermarket chain, Fred Meyer, in the Northwest.
Actually Frederik was the son of the founder, the founder was named Hendrik Meijer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on January 08, 2023, 04:50:48 AM
Misread former chairman as founder, chairman.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 08, 2023, 06:21:24 AM
Quote from: Bruce on January 08, 2023, 04:50:48 AM
Misread former chairman as founder, chairman.
That's easy to do I think. Frederick was only 2 days older than my grandma, she died about 14 months before him. I remember when Frederick died.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 08, 2023, 06:23:15 AM
And actually Frederick's wife just died about a year ago. She was 102 years old.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 10, 2023, 08:17:55 AM
Magic items store:

The store would be located as part of 1600 Osgood St., North Andover, MA. This is a magical world, so there is no need to hide it from Muggles.

There are 19 aisles, and checkout and the exits are next to the lower numbers. Aisle 18 is the 18+ aisle, and Aisle 19 is the "trusted" aisle, where you need the trusted flag to enter. Not even all employees have it. Aisle 19 contains things like a (cased) Sphere of Annihilation and other really dangerous things.

The currency is diamonds, abbreviated ◊. The currency is backed by actual diamond, although 1◊ is just a few milligrams of actual diamond. (Diamond prices are lower compared to our world as they have use, e.g. Minecraft-brand diamond tools and swords, so there's no artificial scarcity on the production side.) The current exchange rate is US$1:7.5◊; this was US$1:8◊ when I first came up with this because the US dollar has had inflation but diamonds have not because they're backed by a valuable material. There are no fractional diamonds; everything is an integer.

The cheapest magical items in the store cost 9◊, which are candy bars that are basically the equivalent of espresso. Non-magical snacks and candy are also sold the same way e.g. Home Depot sells snacks and candy despite being a hardware store. The starting wage for employees is 140◊/hr, and there is a union.

There are two large lights above checkout that are normally on. If the yellow one is off, there is a power outage. If the red one is off, there's a magic outage. As long as at least one light is on, the store can be open. Checkout isn't normally used, though; unless there's a magic outage, exiting through the door (or in any other way, e.g. teleporting out) will simply deduct what you've purchased from your account, and if you don't have enough, you'll be blocked from exiting through a (non-damaging) force field. (If you teleport out and you don't have enough money in your account, yes, that is stealing, and you'll probably be arrested. This being Massachusetts, you probably won't be killed, unlike most video games.) Many magic items work even during a magic outage the same way battery-operated items work during a power outage. If you use a limited-use magic item while inside the store, it will know, and it will consider the item immediately purchased.

There is a job role that is to buy objects from customers. This is a dangerous job, as some customers try to bring in cursed items, which, being illegal, typically results in an arrest of the customer, but it can be devastating for the store if it's accepted without knowing that it's cursed. Items are typically bought for about 2/3 of the price that they're sold.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 10, 2023, 11:56:46 AM
Does this store collect sales tax?  (It appears the rate is 6.25% in North Andover.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 10, 2023, 11:59:01 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 10, 2023, 11:56:46 AM
Does this store collect sales tax?  (It appears the rate is 6.25% in North Andover.)

Yes, rounded to the nearest integer. Food items are free, as they're considered grocery items. Non-harmful potions (e.g. love potions, found in Aisle 18) are considered to be drinks, so they are also tax-free.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on January 10, 2023, 12:53:34 PM
^ Wouldn't a love potion essentially subvert someone else's free will?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 10, 2023, 03:15:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 08, 2023, 03:49:55 AM
Quote from: Bruce on January 07, 2023, 05:45:01 PM
Quote from: kurumi on January 07, 2023, 02:29:40 PM
I wonder if any newcomers to Michigan had an eye-opening moment where they found out "Major's" (seen in print) and "Meyer's" (heard out loud) are the same supermarket chain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meijer).

And it was founded by one Frederik G. Meijer, not to be confused with Fred G. Meyer who started his own hypermarket chain, Fred Meyer, in the Northwest.
Actually Frederik was the son of the founder, the founder was named Hendrik Meijer.

In college, my friends and I often called it Mee-eye-jer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 10, 2023, 04:39:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 10, 2023, 08:17:55 AM
Magic items store:

I've had to create a number of these, running a D&D game. One of my favorites included a rack of innocuous-looking mushrooms and flowers that, when consumed, performed the same effects as the corresponding Mario power-ups. One of the players bought a few of each, not knowing what they did. I was disappointed that they all remained in inventory at the end of the game.

This same character had a habit of digging through the garbage, so I made a table of 100 items they could conceivably find in the trash if they rolled a d100. A few of them were magic items. Some of them were even good.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 15, 2023, 07:15:12 PM
2-hour flight delay from Denver to Detroit because they can't find a pilot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 15, 2023, 07:15:52 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 10, 2023, 03:15:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 08, 2023, 03:49:55 AM
Quote from: Bruce on January 07, 2023, 05:45:01 PM
Quote from: kurumi on January 07, 2023, 02:29:40 PM
I wonder if any newcomers to Michigan had an eye-opening moment where they found out "Major's" (seen in print) and "Meyer's" (heard out loud) are the same supermarket chain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meijer).

And it was founded by one Frederik G. Meijer, not to be confused with Fred G. Meyer who started his own hypermarket chain, Fred Meyer, in the Northwest.
Actually Frederik was the son of the founder, the founder was named Hendrik Meijer.

In college, my friends and I often called it Mee-eye-jer.
Lol. I've always known how to pronounce that one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 15, 2023, 08:03:38 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 15, 2023, 07:15:12 PM
2-hour flight delay from Denver to Detroit because they can't find a pilot.

That was one of the reasons my NYC to Charlotte flight took so long, one pilot was late due to maintenance issues from the previous plane he was on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on January 16, 2023, 01:19:54 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 15, 2023, 07:15:12 PM
2-hour flight delay from Denver to Detroit because they can't find a pilot.

I once had a 3-hour delay from Atlanta to Salt Lake for this reason. Only when they were about to start boarding the plane did they realize our copilot was stuck in LaGuardia.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jgb191 on January 18, 2023, 02:10:34 PM
That's it; that does it!  No more burger buns for me when I home-make my own grilled chicken burger.  Since Texas Toast turned out to be way better than buns, I am sticking to that.  If only there were whole-wheat Texas Toast that would be my first choice, but since there is no such thing, I'll go with multi-grain Texas Toast that I bought from my local H-E-B.  I'll even take sourdough Texas Toast if there were such a thing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 18, 2023, 02:23:23 PM
Air Canada changing planes at Montreal last summer.  The lack of pilots wasn't the initial problem, but they had just about solved the lack of availability of the planned aircraft and the lack of catering food and transfering the checked luggage from one plane to the other and THEN realized that the planned aircrew was going to time out before we reached our destination.  Total delay in Montreal was about 12 hours, and all taken a couple of hours at a time so we couldn't leave the airport and maybe see a sight or two in Montreal.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 19, 2023, 12:30:25 AM
Another reminder; I miss old toll plazas, and the traffic signals and signs that go with them.
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.926728,-73.7696942,3a,75y,18.39h,82.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sX-7r2PCRQM3tSqsfawg-sA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 19, 2023, 09:16:16 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 19, 2023, 12:30:25 AMAnother reminder; I miss old toll plazas, and the traffic signals and signs that go with them.

My only experience with manned toll booths in my driving life has been the San Francisco-area toll booths, especially the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the Carquinez Bridge in Vallejo, and the Benicia bridge. I do not miss the traffic backups of people fishing around for their tolls.

Electronic Toll Collection for the WIN!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 20, 2023, 11:59:00 AM
Sometimes I guess it depends on the plazas themselves. Everyone entering NYC is backed-up 24/7, but the southern toll plaza on the New Jersey Turnpike, almost never is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 21, 2023, 09:27:08 PM
The official gender ratio of this forum is about 14:1 (I can't see it myself). But by post count, it's an even more abysmal 34:1.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on January 21, 2023, 09:51:27 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 21, 2023, 09:27:08 PM
The official gender ratio of this forum is about 14:1 (I can't see it myself). But by post count, it's an even more abysmal 34:1.


  • These statistics are pretty much unchanged if you exclude members who are no longer active.
  • Taking the square root of each user's post count rather than the full post count doesn't change the overall picture much.
  • There are 11 women in the top 500 posters (I don't think I'm missing any labeled, although some might be hiding it): vdeane, vtk, Kacie Jane, sammi, LilianaUwU, Laura, Hwy 61 Revisited, Darkchylde, DJ Particle, mariethefoxy, and J3ebrules.
  • Of these 11 women, vdeane has made more than half the posts. Without her, the post gender ratio would be 75:1.
  • We have one openly nonbinary member here. If male:other rather than male:female, it would be 32.5:1.

I knew this forum was predominantly male, and I honestly expected the user ratio to be even more disproportionate than 14:1. But I didn't expect post count ratio to be that different to user ratio.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 21, 2023, 10:04:07 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on January 21, 2023, 09:51:27 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 21, 2023, 09:27:08 PM
The official gender ratio of this forum is about 14:1 (I can't see it myself). But by post count, it's an even more abysmal 34:1.


  • These statistics are pretty much unchanged if you exclude members who are no longer active.
  • Taking the square root of each user's post count rather than the full post count doesn't change the overall picture much.
  • There are 11 women in the top 500 posters (I don't think I'm missing any labeled, although some might be hiding it): vdeane, vtk, Kacie Jane, sammi, LilianaUwU, Laura, Hwy 61 Revisited, Darkchylde, DJ Particle, mariethefoxy, and J3ebrules.
  • Of these 11 women, vdeane has made more than half the posts. Without her, the post gender ratio would be 75:1.
  • We have one openly nonbinary member here. If male:other rather than male:female, it would be 32.5:1.

I knew this forum was predominantly male, and I honestly expected the user ratio to be even more disproportionate than 14:1. But I didn't expect post count ratio to be that different to user ratio.

This hobby has always been male-centric.  Every woman I've ever dated (including my wife) never understood what I got out of driving around weird roads and hunting for interesting signs.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on January 21, 2023, 10:48:53 PM
Enchanted Lake, township of nuh-POHL-eye, New York.
https://www.zaepfelcenter.com/history (https://www.zaepfelcenter.com/history) Might be worth two minutes of your time. Not horribly unique or interesting but the plans were certainly ambitious. Sort of interesting to think how it would have been if the project had succeeded.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on January 21, 2023, 11:00:05 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 21, 2023, 09:27:08 PM
The official gender ratio of this forum is about 14:1 (I can't see it myself). But by post count, it's an even more abysmal 34:1.


  • These statistics are pretty much unchanged if you exclude members who are no longer active.
  • Taking the square root of each user's post count rather than the full post count doesn't change the overall picture much.
  • There are 11 women in the top 500 posters (I don't think I'm missing any labeled, although some might be hiding it): vdeane, vtk, Kacie Jane, sammi, LilianaUwU, Laura, Hwy 61 Revisited, Darkchylde, DJ Particle, mariethefoxy, and J3ebrules.
  • Of these 11 women, vdeane has made more than half the posts. Without her, the post gender ratio would be 75:1.
  • We have one openly nonbinary member here. If male:other rather than male:female, it would be 32.5:1.

Kacie Jane is male. He once mentioned it in a post.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: elsmere241 on January 22, 2023, 04:10:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 21, 2023, 10:04:07 PM
This hobby has always been male-centric.  Every woman I've ever dated (including my wife) never understood what I got out of driving around weird roads and hunting for interesting signs.

My wife is just starting to grasp the logic behind interstate numbering (or what's left of it).  I remember her asking me not too long ago why I-4 was in Florida, but I-5 was on the west coast.  A Facebook meme helped her with that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 22, 2023, 04:14:27 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on January 22, 2023, 04:10:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 21, 2023, 10:04:07 PM
This hobby has always been male-centric.  Every woman I've ever dated (including my wife) never understood what I got out of driving around weird roads and hunting for interesting signs.

My wife is just starting to grasp the logic behind interstate numbering (or what's left of it).  I remember her asking me not too long ago why I-4 was in Florida, but I-5 was on the west coast.  A Facebook meme helped her with that.

Ironically my wife sent me the same Facebook meme.  It's not as though I hadn't already told her the Interstates and US Routes were mirror systems several times by then.

Regarding the "abysmal"  statement above, is this something that can be solved or needs to be solving?  I and several other community member try to include our wives all the time, it's not as though they are unwelcome at Meets and such. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 23, 2023, 12:42:22 AM
Today's random thought:  what happens at state lines when adjacent states have both been surveyed using the PLSS?

In Kansas, county boundaries normally follow section lines, which means that if there is a break in a north-south section line at a standard parallel, the county line will have a brief jog along the parallel to pick up the next north-south section line.  (Example:  Sedgwick County has such a break (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sedgwick+County,+KS/@37.8231648,-97.7034967,14.96z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x87badfeebbdfd461:0x57ebdfb3c9ee29e4!8m2!3d37.6537367!4d-97.5247243) at 77th Street North, which is also the Fifth Standard Parallel South.)  This does not appear to happen at the Colorado state line, as the western boundary of Kansas is explicitly defined as 25° west of the Washington meridian (about 102° and change west of Greenwich).  And although Kansas and most of Colorado are surveyed on the same meridian--the Sixth Principal Meridian--the two states have truncated sections along their shared border.

This made me curious as to whether there are any cases where state borders behave like Kansas county lines.  After inspecting PLSS township boundaries using an online tool (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=019dd6f39fda4d3b811abfab0878b63b), I have not found any.  In most cases, state boundaries are visible as areas of truncated sections.  (In some places, such as at the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line near Duluth, the sections immediately adjacent to the boundary are almost splinter width.)  However, Washington and Oregon appear to have been surveyed together, as townships don't break across the Columbia River.  Townships also appear to be continuous across the Minnesota-North Dakota border and the Minnesota-South Dakota border north of Ortonville, Minnesota; in both cases the border follows the Red River.  I did not find any other instances of apparent continuity across river boundaries, e.g. along the Mississippi.

Edited to add:  Kansas and Nebraska also appear to be on a common survey that is continuous across the state line, which overlaps 40° N.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on January 23, 2023, 01:49:37 AM
Partial answer to this question would be this map, which shows all the survey baselines and meridians and the lands surveyed from them:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Meridians-baselines.png)

As far as I know, I don’t think any state boundaries are explicitly defined as PLSS section lines. Most of them are either a river (or an old channel of one), a mountain watershed divide, a line of latitude or longitude, a line extending due north/south/whatever from a river confluence, or a straight line connecting intersection points of any lines from the above categories.

Now, if you’re Kansas/Nebraska, your border is the survey baseline…but it’s still defined as a latitude.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 23, 2023, 02:00:36 AM
My guess is that you are not finding any such boundary irregularities because Congress tends to establish non-natural boundaries as high-level latitude and longitude definitions without regard to the existing PLSS boundaries. The Kansas-Nebraska Act, for example, fixed Kansas's southern border at the 37th parallel north. Thus, if there had been any jogs in a pre-existing PLSS boundary on this parallel, they would have simply been ignored in favor of following the boundary as defined by Congress. If there was not adequate surveying to establish where the desired boundary ran, Congress would likely have provided it as a matter of regulating interstate commerce.

Meanwhile, at the state level, it is much more desirable to follow existing PLSS section lines in setting county boundaries. Doing so means the state can use the existing, already drawn lines rather than have to pay to have new lines surveyed and monumented. It also means that county lines are less likely to bisect existing municipalities or properties (or if they do, they at least do so in a way easily describable through legal language and thus more easily understood by the legal system). In more modern times, section line roads exist, meaning that the line itself is for all practical purposes tied to a physical object easily understood by laypeople.

State and county governments also have a lot more at stake because they are more likely to have to deal with a constituent angry about an inconvenient political boundary negatively affecting them on a personal level. Congress, however, is much less likely to feel the need to be responsive about such trivial matters. (Congress also had the pleasure of drawing most of their boundaries before the areas they were drawing them through were settled by Europeans, so there was less of an incentive to follow pre-existing survey lines to begin with.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 23, 2023, 01:37:58 PM
The thing I find interesting is that, with the exception of river boundaries and the Kansas-Nebraska border, there is no continuity of townships across state lines even when the areas on both sides have been surveyed to the same combination of baseline and principal meridian.  For example, an oblong section of eastern Illinois is covered by the Second Principal Meridian and its baseline, which also cover nearly all of Indiana, and although they were fixed in 1805, there are still splinter townships on either side of the Illinois-Indiana line.

Now I am wondering if the presence of these splinter townships has to do not with whether surveying occurs after admission to the Union, but rather organization as a territory.  The Illinois Territory was organized in 1809, after the Second Principal Meridian and its baseline were fixed, but the Indiana Territory was organized in 1800, albeit with lands that later became part of the Illinois and Michigan Territories.

As for county lines not breaking up PLSS sections, it will not surprise me if that norm is more or less universal in areas surveyed to the PLSS.  However, I've done some looking into the Texas land survey system (which of course is completely separate from the PLSS) and it seems that while counties are not allowed to straddle the boundary of any railroad district (Texas has 12), a county line can divide lesser surveying units as long as both parts are within the same district.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 23, 2023, 02:21:42 PM
Michigan has the baseline as 8 Mile Road and the Meridian as Meridian Road, for a bit it's called Meridian Line Road in the northern Lower Peninsula. I have followed Meridian Road for quite a distance before. It's a state highway in some areas mainly M-30 between M-20 and just north of Sugar River Road about 15 miles south of West Branch, it picks up again at a dead end south of Old M-55, ends at Old M-55 then picks up at another dead end north of I-75 which is running east and west in this area. I've seen a road called Section Line Road in the far northern Lower Peninsula and I haven't been able to confirm if it's Meridian Road but I think it is. Once it hits land in the U.P. in Cedarville it runs as M-129 until just south of M-28's eastern terminus where it shifts on an S curve to become Dixie Highway. Meridian there ends at M-28 then it picks up at I-75's business spur (I'm not sure the actual name of this road) but it then becomes a local street in Sault Ste. Marie. What a road though. On the south end, it goes into Ohio for about 2-3 miles becoming Fulton County Road 26 but I've never seen Meridian Road on that road, it enters Michigan on US-127.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 27, 2023, 10:13:03 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 23, 2023, 01:37:58 PM
The thing I find interesting is that, with the exception of river boundaries and the Kansas-Nebraska border, there is no continuity of townships across state lines even when the areas on both sides have been surveyed to the same combination of baseline and principal meridian.  For example, an oblong section of eastern Illinois is covered by the Second Principal Meridian and its baseline, which also cover nearly all of Indiana, and although they were fixed in 1805, there are still splinter townships on either side of the Illinois-Indiana line.

Now I am wondering if the presence of these splinter townships has to do not with whether surveying occurs after admission to the Union, but rather organization as a territory.  The Illinois Territory was organized in 1809, after the Second Principal Meridian and its baseline were fixed, but the Indiana Territory was organized in 1800, albeit with lands that later became part of the Illinois and Michigan Territories.

As for county lines not breaking up PLSS sections, it will not surprise me if that norm is more or less universal in areas surveyed to the PLSS.  However, I've done some looking into the Texas land survey system (which of course is completely separate from the PLSS) and it seems that while counties are not allowed to straddle the boundary of any railroad district (Texas has 12), a county line can divide lesser surveying units as long as both parts are within the same district.

They're not states, but I'm wondering how things work with the scraggly border between Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 27, 2023, 10:42:44 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 27, 2023, 10:13:03 PMThey're not states, but I'm wondering how things work with the scraggly border between Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Much of western Canada is under the Dominion Land Survey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_Land_Survey), which is a near-clone of the PLSS.  The boundary between Alberta and Saskatchewan is the Fourth Meridian in this survey system, and was supposed to overlap longitude 110° West but ended up a few hundred yards to the west due to imprecise surveying methods.

Canada Lands Surveys (a unit of Natural Resources Canada) has index maps (https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/geomatics/canada-lands-surveys/11090) online, which show the survey townships for the prairie provinces.

Quote from: Flint1979 on January 23, 2023, 02:21:42 PMMichigan has the baseline as 8 Mile Road and the Meridian as Meridian Road, for a bit it's called Meridian Line Road in the northern Lower Peninsula. I have followed Meridian Road for quite a distance before. It's a state highway in some areas mainly M-30 between M-20 and just north of Sugar River Road about 15 miles south of West Branch, it picks up again at a dead end south of Old M-55, ends at Old M-55 then picks up at another dead end north of I-75 which is running east and west in this area. I've seen a road called Section Line Road in the far northern Lower Peninsula and I haven't been able to confirm if it's Meridian Road but I think it is. Once it hits land in the U.P. in Cedarville it runs as M-129 until just south of M-28's eastern terminus where it shifts on an S curve to become Dixie Highway. Meridian there ends at M-28 then it picks up at I-75's business spur (I'm not sure the actual name of this road) but it then becomes a local street in Sault Ste. Marie. What a road though. On the south end, it goes into Ohio for about 2-3 miles becoming Fulton County Road 26 but I've never seen Meridian Road on that road, it enters Michigan on US-127.

In Wichita, Meridian Avenue gets its name from the fact that it overlaps the Sixth Principal Meridian.  It is also the west edge of Wichita Township, a named township in Sedgwick County that is also a survey township and which contained the entirety of the city of Wichita for several decades after the latter was founded.  However, Meridian Avenue is not a continuous north-south roadway through Wichita, nor is much of its rural length paved.  It is actually Ridge Road--three miles to the west, bisecting the first tier of townships west of the Sixth Principal Meridian--that has over 80 miles of pavement from the Ninnescah River bridge in northern Sumner County to Gypsum in southeastern Saline County, all continuous except for Eisenhower Airport in Wichita.  Part of it was in the state highway system as K-86 (the Canton spur off US 56), and at its north end it is part of K-4 where the latter highway doglegs through downtown Gypsum.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 27, 2023, 10:57:00 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 27, 2023, 10:42:44 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 27, 2023, 10:13:03 PMThey're not states, but I'm wondering how things work with the scraggly border between Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Much of western Canada is under the Dominion Land Survey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_Land_Survey), which is a near-clone of the PLSS.  The boundary between Alberta and Saskatchewan is the Fourth Meridian in this survey system, and was supposed to overlap longitude 110° West but ended up a few hundred yards to the west due to imprecise surveying methods.

Canada Lands Surveys (a unit of Natural Resources Canada) has index maps (https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/geomatics/canada-lands-surveys/11090) online, which show the survey townships for the prairie provinces.

Argh, I meant the scraggly border between Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 27, 2023, 11:16:31 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 27, 2023, 10:57:00 PMArgh, I meant the scraggly border between Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

That one does look like a case of the provincial boundary following DLS township lines.  Each jog in the boundary, starting at the US border, seems to correspond to the DLS equivalent of a standard parallel and occurs after every fourth township as you go north, up to a point where the boundary meets the Second Meridian.  From that point on, the boundary follows the meridian and there are splinter townships, at least on the Manitoba side.

Saskatchewan also has splinter townships in its middle, owing to the Third Meridian.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 28, 2023, 08:08:51 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on January 22, 2023, 04:10:13 PM
My wife is just starting to grasp the logic behind interstate numbering (or what's left of it).  I remember her asking me not too long ago why I-4 was in Florida, but I-5 was on the west coast.  A Facebook meme helped her with that.
I don't think that's a gender-specific thing. One of my brothers (both of which are slightly younger than me) just found out roughly 20 years ago that even numbered 3di routes were for loops and odd numbered 3di routes were for spurs. Because of this he didn't understand why the route number for the Long Island Expressway was Interstate 495, instead of I-395 or something like that. I had to explain that this was also for the Lincoln Tunnel Connector,  the never-built Mid-Manhattan Expressway and East Marion-Old Saybrook Bridge. I've known this sort of thing before I was even 10. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 28, 2023, 10:07:08 AM
This is taken from the thread on Consecutive statewide interstate segments of similar length;
Quote from: wriddle082 on January 28, 2023, 07:57:14 AM
I-95 is 179 miles in VA and 181 miles in NC.
This reminded me of something else. One time when I visited one of the North Carolina Welcome Centers along I-95, I had a discussion with two of the ladies who worked there about my travels, and I mentioned the fact that I-95 in South Carolina was longer than it is in North Carolina. For some reason she claimed the opposite was true.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 29, 2023, 08:38:15 AM
It's pretty cold out.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230129/303a929d2bd1eff66d9417a97dbc0243.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 29, 2023, 11:41:13 AM
We've had 0 snow so far, thank God, about to break the record for no snow too!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 29, 2023, 11:45:11 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 29, 2023, 11:41:13 AM
We've had 0 snow so far, thank God, about to break the record for no snow too!
We didn't have any snow a week ago. Just had back to back storms this last one was 6 inches.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 29, 2023, 12:03:23 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 29, 2023, 11:41:13 AM
We've had 0 snow so far, thank God, about to break the record for no snow too!

Which god are we thanking?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on January 29, 2023, 12:37:02 PM
(https://media.tenor.com/kfkrQU83XYIAAAAd/that70s-show-oh-is-that-what-were-gonna-do-today.gif)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 29, 2023, 12:39:02 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 29, 2023, 12:37:02 PM
(https://media.tenor.com/kfkrQU83XYIAAAAd/that70s-show-oh-is-that-what-were-gonna-do-today.gif)

Every time I see Red's face I end up wondering if Bobby can fly?

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 30, 2023, 09:11:00 AM
Last night I saw a young woman in a flattering black dress with a beaded necklace and no makeup at a nearby Wal-Mart. She looked like she was ready to go on a date with some guy after she left the store, and I did something impulsive. I told her she looked like she was going on a date. Her reply was "It better be with my husband."  I complimented him to her for his taste in women and walked away.

After this however, I started to think she assumed I was trying to pick her up. For the record, I wasn't.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 30, 2023, 12:17:13 PM
Something got me thinking about the night the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup back in 2002. I was working and decided to head down to Detroit after work for the night, I was only 23 years old and used to staying up all night and being able to go to work the next day at that time I doubt I could do that anymore but anyway after work I left for Detroit. I knew that they were going to be closing streets for people entering downtown after awhile since downtown was over flooded with people that night. I parked my car at the Greektown garage and walked over to Hockeytown Cafe, then left there and stood on the east side of Woodward Avenue facing the Fox Theater and on the big screen outside Hockeytown Cafe watched the game there with thousands of other people lining Woodward Avenue. I stayed in that area until about the end of the 2nd period and started walking back towards Greektown and got in my car, for some reason left the downtown area for a minute then figured out one entrance into downtown they didn't have closed down and regained entry into downtown. The Wings had a 2-1 lead going into the 3rd period and I was listening to it on the radio at that point. There was probably about 5 minutes to go in the game I remember Brendan Shanahan scoring an empty net goal to make it 3-1 and after it became a final everyone flooded the streets of downtown, honking their horns and going nuts. I was on Michigan and Griswold when the game ended, rode around Detroit blasting music and having a good time all night long then left there about 5 in the morning because I had to be back to Saginaw for work at 8. I was making my way up Woodward and going through Highland Park, stopped for the light at McNichols and two women completely naked ran right across Woodward everyone at the light honked at them. Only in Detroit.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 30, 2023, 12:24:57 PM
I didn't even know my Grandpa owned a gun until the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup during 1997.  He was a huge Red Wings and we were following the last game against the Flyers on TV at his house in Redford Township on Grand River Avenue (M-5).  About fifteen minutes after the game finished he went into another room and pulled out a random box with a loaded revolver inside.  He said something along the lines of "we better go watch for rioters"  to me and we sat outside on the porch for a couple hours.  People were going nuts in the street celebrating but there wasn't anything like the riots that happened a couple years prior with the Pistons or the Tigers during 1984. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 30, 2023, 01:04:58 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 30, 2023, 12:24:57 PM
I didn't even know my Grandpa owned a gun until the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup during 1997.  He was a huge Red Wings and we were following the last game against the Flyers on TV at his house in Redford Township on Grand River Avenue (M-5).  About fifteen minutes after the game finished he went into another room and pulled out a random box with a loaded revolver inside.  He said something along the lines of "we better go watch for rioters"  to me and we sat outside on the porch for a couple hours.  People were going nuts in the street celebrating but there wasn't anything like the riots that happened a couple years prior with the Pistons or the Tigers during 1984.
The 1984 Tigers were the ultimate in Detroit as far as celebrations go as far as I can remember. I was only 5 years old but I have vivid memories of watching that game on TV and my dad wanting to go to Detroit to join in the celebration. I wasn't around for the riots in 1967 but I have seen pictures and can only imagine what it was like that whole summer, the Tigers were in the pennant race up until the last game of the season they split a doubleheader with the Angels on a double play by Dick McAuliffe, only the second double play he hit into the entire season and the Tigers had the tying runs on base going into his at bat. They got their celebration the next season though which was great for Detroit after the riots of the previous summer. I remember the Pistons ones but never was involved in any of the celebrations with those. The 2002 Red Wings though that one was the best of my life. Detroit is a storied sports town for sure.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on January 31, 2023, 08:28:57 AM
Looking at this picture makes me want to go to Mooney's for some Superman ice cream. This place was demolished in 1997 and replaced with a Rite Aid. Mooney's still survives but in another location that isn't as historic.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230131/f97ae8db7f962b29203c53cf7e11cf37.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 31, 2023, 11:12:39 PM
My mileage for 2023 is up to 2318 as of today. Is that good road geek miles yet? That's about 27,000/year.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 01, 2023, 01:14:41 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 31, 2023, 11:12:39 PM
My mileage for 2023 is up to 2318 as of today. Is that good road geek miles yet? That's about 27,000/year.

Depends if it's new mileage or not. Doesn't count if you've done it before.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Bruce on February 01, 2023, 01:48:50 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 31, 2023, 11:12:39 PM
My mileage for 2023 is up to 2318 as of today. Is that good road geek miles yet? That's about 27,000/year.

If you didn't leave your home region, then what's the point?

I'm at 366 new miles of highway for the year so far, including finishing off a U.S. route in my state.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 01, 2023, 01:56:44 AM
I'm at zero miles of highway this year (with the exception of a tiny bit of QC 175 I did thousands of times already).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 01, 2023, 06:25:52 AM
I'm probably around 3,000-3,500 miles for the year so far. I had a rental car for three weeks that I just turned back in on Monday and I put 2,200 miles on it in the 3 weeks I had it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 01, 2023, 06:27:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 31, 2023, 11:12:39 PM
My mileage for 2023 is up to 2318 as of today. Is that good road geek miles yet? That's about 27,000/year.
27,000 miles a year, crap I'm at that in about half a year.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 01, 2023, 08:19:04 AM
Supposedly my 46 weeks of commuting comes out to about 17,000 miles annually.  I do at least double that if not triple in an average year with other recreational driving (my car and including rentals).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 01, 2023, 05:06:17 PM
I'm in dire need of some Superman ice cream.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 02, 2023, 01:24:06 AM
I had some Full Tilt brand Mexican Chocolate ice cream and it was delicious.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on February 02, 2023, 07:42:32 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 01, 2023, 08:59:41 PM
My mileage up to 2500 after today

How much of that was at 37 mph or slower?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:04:04 AM
Quote from: GaryV on February 02, 2023, 07:42:32 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 01, 2023, 08:59:41 PM
My mileage up to 2500 after today

How much of that was at 37 mph or slower?

Actually I was cruising at 75-85 mph on the Expressway section of Sunrise Highway yesterday. But once I hit the lights I dropped to 40 in the 45 zones and 50 in the 55 zones, and people were passing me left and right. Lots of reckless drivers in Long Island.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 02, 2023, 11:05:22 AM
Sounds like you're going too slowly and also contributing to the congestion that you hate.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.

I like the exit for "Shopping Mall (generic)"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 02, 2023, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.

I like the exit for "Shopping Mall (generic)"

Maybe it's one of those malls that changed its name every 5 or 10 years and the DOT finally got sick of paying for new signs.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 03:26:57 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 02, 2023, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.

I like the exit for "Shopping Mall (generic)"

Maybe it's one of those malls that changed its name every 5 or 10 years and the DOT finally got sick of paying for new signs.

Imagine how awkward it would be if the mall permanently closes and the DOT is just to lazy to take the sign down  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on February 02, 2023, 05:55:17 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 03:26:57 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 02, 2023, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.

I like the exit for "Shopping Mall (generic)"

Maybe it's one of those malls that changed its name every 5 or 10 years and the DOT finally got sick of paying for new signs.

Imagine how awkward it would be if the mall permanently closes and the DOT is just to lazy to take the sign down  :-D

Case in point:  https://goo.gl/maps/FozmRAvddeXqmmeV9 (https://goo.gl/maps/FozmRAvddeXqmmeV9)
(Image is from November 2015; sign has since been removed)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 02, 2023, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 05:58:19 PM
Speaking of signs does anyone know why there are a few signs apparently toppled on the southern state parkway? They look all bent and scaffed, while half sideways on the ground.

Knocked down by the wind from low-flying helicopters.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 02, 2023, 06:22:49 PM
When you get off I-75 at Exit 149 (M-46) in Michigan and head west you will pass the former Fort Saginaw Mall who still has their sign up despite the mall being demolished in 2009 and nothing being built in it's place. Now you will pass the former Welcome Inn before the mall sign without the ugly building being there. It burned down in a recent fire.

Honestly, the area surrounding this exit is very run down and has a lot of crime nearby especially heading toward the Saginaw city limits, going east of I-75 is fine after you get east of Towerline.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: royo6022 on February 03, 2023, 11:07:54 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on February 02, 2023, 05:55:17 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 03:26:57 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 02, 2023, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.

I like the exit for "Shopping Mall (generic)"

Maybe it's one of those malls that changed its name every 5 or 10 years and the DOT finally got sick of paying for new signs.

Imagine how awkward it would be if the mall permanently closes and the DOT is just to lazy to take the sign down  :-D

Case in point:  https://goo.gl/maps/FozmRAvddeXqmmeV9 (https://goo.gl/maps/FozmRAvddeXqmmeV9)
(Image is from November 2015; sign has since been removed)

Wow they even tore the whole place down...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2023, 12:16:07 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 02, 2023, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.

I like the exit for "Shopping Mall (generic)"

Maybe it's one of those malls that changed its name every 5 or 10 years and the DOT finally got sick of paying for new signs.


This is the proper method to sign a shopping center, by using generic terms. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 03, 2023, 07:19:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2023, 12:16:07 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 02, 2023, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 02, 2023, 11:14:34 AM
Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dc8fYqUTA1aaeduj7

You really think 40-50 mph is "too slow" on a boulevard like this? Look at all the lights, turning lanes, and businesses on the left side. And the lights are also very bad here, you hit one every 2 blocks and then it takes over a minute to turn green again for the main road. Lots of red light cameras here too, so I don't like to take the chance of missing the yellow by .1 seconds so I like to be able to slow down in time to stop once yellow.

I like the exit for "Shopping Mall (generic)"

Maybe it's one of those malls that changed its name every 5 or 10 years and the DOT finally got sick of paying for new signs.


This is the proper method to sign a shopping center, by using generic terms. 

I generally agree (since I don't care for public entities advertising for for-profit entities), but it could get confusing in an area where there are several well-known shopping centers along a given corridor.

The best solution is probably what Oklahoma does and to just not acknowledge the shopping center's existence directly. The only shopping area I can remember ever getting a sign was Crossroads Mall, and even that had a layer of indirection to it: they had a supplemental sign directing travelers to Crossroads Blvd., the mall access road, rather than the mall itself.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on February 03, 2023, 07:36:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2023, 07:19:00 PMThe best solution is probably what Oklahoma does and to just not acknowledge the shopping center's existence directly. The only shopping area I can remember ever getting a sign was Crossroads Mall, and even that had a layer of indirection to it: they had a supplemental sign directing travelers to Crossroads Blvd., the mall access road, rather than the mall itself.

In Wichita, that approach led to this:

Kellogg westbound exit direction sign for Towne East Dr./Armour/Woodlawn (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6795228,-97.2431468,3a,75y,268h,88.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQyR7c4BFg3DnFycXjYaOHA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

Kellogg eastbound exit direction sign for Towne East Dr./Armour/Rock (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6793341,-97.2582817,3a,75y,93.28h,89.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sR1wISmt_nFsnMFIR8YH5_g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

Back in the day--before "overmalled" and "dead malls" were words--what is now called Towne East Drive was just part of Armour.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 04, 2023, 04:26:39 PM
I had thought this forum has gotten slightly busier over time. In fact, the exact opposite is true.

Thread numbers.

3: 1/15/09
5000: 7/24/11
10000: 7/27/13 (and the best of the bunch)
15000: 3/11/15
20001: 4/11/17
25000: 5/13/19
30000: 8/17/21
32839: 2/3/23

Where 32839 should be extrapolating from 25000-30000: 11/29/22

The time to create 5000 threads increased by two months from 20000-25000 to 25000-30000, and extrapolating from the 25000-30000 data point, we should have reached our current number of threads two months ago, which puts us on track to be four months behind for 30000-35000.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 04, 2023, 05:18:27 PM
Not surprised. Some of the high-volume low-quality posters have left (either voluntarily or not).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 05, 2023, 12:23:05 AM
A couple of days ago I found an Al-Jazzera article posted in Microsoft News on Russian mercenaries and their activities in the Central African Republic.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-envoy-says-1-890-russian-instructors-are-in-car/ar-AA174zXp?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=83348838ba10432a86d098236c7278ca

Here's a quote from the article;
Quote"The Wagner Group, founded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has become a major player in CAR, largely displacing former colonial power France."

The Wagner Group was formed in 2014. The CAR hasn't been a colony of France since 1960!





Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 11, 2023, 09:23:35 AM
Why do some dirty (but legitimate) words have cruder swear words in them? For example, prostitute, titillate, assault, lustful
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on February 11, 2023, 11:06:27 AM
Because they mishit the target?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on February 11, 2023, 11:47:38 AM
Quote from: 1 on February 11, 2023, 09:23:35 AM
Why do some dirty (but legitimate) words have cruder swear words in them? For example, prostitute, titillate, assault, lustful

Many have tried (and failed) to rectify that problem, leading to some "clbuttic" mistakes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scunthorpe_problem
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on February 11, 2023, 02:25:51 PM
In one of the FIRST Robotics programs there was once a team member position called "Specialist". The forum people used to ask about the game, robots and rules wouldn't accept the word, because embedded in it is the name of a certain (ahem) "performance" product.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 11, 2023, 05:00:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 11, 2023, 09:23:35 AM
Why do some dirty (but legitimate) words have cruder swear words in them? For example, prostitute, titillate, assault, lustful

The OKCTalk forum has a strict word filter on it, which is really funny/annoying whenever someone needs to mention Wa****a County or the Wa****a River.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on February 11, 2023, 06:19:36 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 11, 2023, 09:23:35 AM
Why do some dirty (but legitimate) words have cruder swear words in them? For example, prostitute, titillate, assault, lustful

Kind of reminds me of the time at work (this is about 15-20 years ago) that I was looking for a Safari plugin to display PDF files within the browser.  A well known plugin at the time could be downloaded from "schubertit.com" (presumably Shubert I.T.).

Turned out that I was re-directed to a nasty-gram web page denying access due to being against corporate policy.

I was puzzled for a bit, then realized that they likely detected the substring "tit" in the URL, and subsequently blocked me.

(Epilogue - I heard nothing about the incident afterwards from above - I'm sure they don't go after people unless there's a repeated pattern.  And I ended up getting the plugin via alternate methods.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on February 11, 2023, 08:52:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 11, 2023, 05:00:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 11, 2023, 09:23:35 AM
Why do some dirty (but legitimate) words have cruder swear words in them? For example, prostitute, titillate, assault, lustful

The OKCTalk forum has a strict word filter on it, which is really funny/annoying whenever someone needs to mention Wa****a County or the Wa****a River.

At another forum I modded at, an admin wanted to strike someone who used the word Fuquay-Varina, but I had to intervene that it was a genuine place name. A lot immature users were trying out qay and fuq to bypass the swear filter at the time, so it seemed like a good idea at first...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 18, 2023, 08:59:02 PM
I really want to call an emergency meeting right now. For those who don't play Among Us (actually, I don't play it either, but I know how it works): everyone votes for one user to eject (i.e. ban from the forum), or votes to skip. If skip gets the most votes or there's a tie between any two (or more) leading options, nobody gets ejected. It's most likely going to be one of two specific prolific users, with HighwayStar being a distant third...

...except in real life, snap elections often go against whoever is proposing them, and I really don't want to risk being banned myself.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on February 18, 2023, 09:48:51 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 18, 2023, 08:59:02 PM
I really want to call an emergency meeting right now. For those who don't play Among Us (actually, I don't play it either, but I know how it works): everyone votes for one user to eject (i.e. ban from the forum), or votes to skip. If skip gets the most votes or there's a tie between any two (or more) leading options, nobody gets ejected. It's most likely going to be one of two specific prolific users, with HighwayStar being a distant third...

...except in real life, snap elections often go against whoever is proposing them, and I really don't want to risk being banned myself.

"1", Given the choices we might have, I think you are 100% safe.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 19, 2023, 08:01:19 AM
Anyone remember the "PC run amok" thread? Of course the PC was running amok; it was thread #32768, causing an overflow. I don't know how I didn't notice it at the time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SectorZ on February 19, 2023, 09:06:48 AM
Quote from: 1 on February 19, 2023, 08:01:19 AM
Anyone remember the "PC run amok" thread? Of course the PC was running amok; it was thread #32768, causing an overflow. I don't know how I didn't notice it at the time.

That is an oddly amazing coincidence.

Or is it??
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 19, 2023, 10:59:09 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 19, 2023, 09:06:48 AM
Quote from: 1 on February 19, 2023, 08:01:19 AM
Anyone remember the "PC run amok" thread? Of course the PC was running amok; it was thread #32768, causing an overflow. I don't know how I didn't notice it at the time.

That is an oddly amazing coincidence.

Or is it??

The guy who posted that thread I don't think is known for being subtle enough to sneak something in like under the guise of a rant.  Of course if I'm wrong that's next level trolling and deserves a tip of the cap.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 20, 2023, 11:15:26 AM
Hope this guy is okay last word is he is alert and on his way to the hospital. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230220/eccabe0ef836ee02cef68e0661c57b70.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 20, 2023, 04:25:05 PM
October 14, 2023 is the date of an annular solar eclipse passing over Texas (map below). It's also the date of Louisiana's gubernatorial election. Is there going to be a conflict?

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/SE2023Oct14A.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on February 21, 2023, 10:24:07 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 04, 2023, 05:18:27 PM
Not surprised. Some of the high-volume low-quality posters have left (either voluntarily or not).

That, and there's a tendency to have a few threads with lots of posts that run indefinitely, rather than creating new threads for every individual topic. For better or for worse, I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 21, 2023, 10:26:05 AM
Quote from: 1 on February 20, 2023, 04:25:05 PM
October 14, 2023 is the date of an annular solar eclipse passing over Texas (map below). It's also the date of Louisiana's gubernatorial election. Is there going to be a conflict?

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/SE2023Oct14A.png)
As far as I can tell the eclipse isn't passing over Louisiana so not sure how it would conflict.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 21, 2023, 10:30:37 AM
People who decide to see the eclipse wouldn't be home for Election Day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 21, 2023, 10:36:51 AM
Quote from: 1 on February 21, 2023, 10:30:37 AM
People who decide to see the eclipse wouldn't be home for Election Day.
Seems like Louisiana does not have no excuse mail in voting. Not sure how strict they are for traveling purposes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on February 21, 2023, 11:54:04 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO, from another thread on February 18, 2023, 04:43:53 PM
CO2 by the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The road itself is named Highway 2, but the state designation was taken off a while ago. There are still signs at intersecting state highways in addition.

Yay Colorado, helping the planet, getting rid of CO2 :-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 21, 2023, 03:44:39 PM
I like this 1917 Ford Model T.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230221/d25dbe13a42b69ead196a053de5a9e6c.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 21, 2023, 07:32:04 PM
This is a 100% real person, but I feel like he should be granted honorary Alanland citizenship, because, well.

Quote from: Wikipedia
Henry Tompkins (or Thomas) Paige Comstock (1820—1870) was a Canadian miner after whom the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, Nevada, was named. The Comstock Lode was the richest silver mine in American history.

Referred to by history books variously as a "sanctimonious gaffer", an "illiterate prospector", and a "quick-thinking loudmouth", he was known by his contemporaries as "Old Pancake", because he could not be bothered to bake bread. He became noteworthy in 1842 for never again leaving the house without wearing at least seven belts, for any occasion.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 21, 2023, 08:20:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 21, 2023, 07:32:04 PM
This is a 100% real person, but I feel like he should be granted honorary Alanland citizenship, because, well.

Quote from: Wikipedia
Henry Tompkins (or Thomas) Paige Comstock (1820—1870) was a Canadian miner after whom the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, Nevada, was named. The Comstock Lode was the richest silver mine in American history.

Referred to by history books variously as a "sanctimonious gaffer", an "illiterate prospector", and a "quick-thinking loudmouth", he was known by his contemporaries as "Old Pancake", because he could not be bothered to bake bread. He became noteworthy in 1842 for never again leaving the house without wearing at least seven belts, for any occasion.

Nevada outside of Las Vegas basically is the real Alanland. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 21, 2023, 08:28:40 PM
I liked the hiking and scenery especially at higher elevations and away from cities and towns.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 27, 2023, 09:35:59 AM
I'm so sad that I've never been able to get good shots of the "Reduced Visibility; When Flashing" warning signs on Interstate 4 in Polk County.
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.1710196,-81.768801,3a,75y,242.64h,94.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXIgSLAb0Jtcm2tqHEQQkRQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@28.1710196,-81.768801,3a,75y,242.64h,94.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXIgSLAb0Jtcm2tqHEQQkRQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en)

I'm also sad that I haven't been able to capture a specific sign on the northern reaches of Ocala National Forest along Florida State Road 19.
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4578214,-81.7382384,3a,15y,133.13h,89.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sG_iPahtmOGJIbnmz4A1StA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4578214,-81.7382384,3a,15y,133.13h,89.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sG_iPahtmOGJIbnmz4A1StA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en)

The traffic circle signs along Florida State Road 17 and Polk County Road 17B south of Lake Wales bums me out too.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on February 28, 2023, 12:17:27 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Ethanman and the diesel troll combined.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 28, 2023, 02:11:55 PM
I just figured out that in the last 2 years I have averaged 4,074 miles a month driving. About 135 miles a day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on February 28, 2023, 05:16:45 PM
Michigan Vernors fans should like this one (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230228/c9a324df0249e779b3a9e77cfc247268.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 09:12:52 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?
FritzOwl + Highwaystar
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 11:29:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 09:12:52 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?
FritzOwl + Highwaystar
FritzOwl's plans with Highwaystar's attitude.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on March 01, 2023, 02:33:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

Let's not forget his "other" title of "Cra_shit".  A man of many names.  (I'm guessing Mr. Barf is from his Facebook page or YouTube channel?)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on March 01, 2023, 04:14:29 AM
What was up with the MTR dude known as Blawp or Blawpe?  I heard stories that he was a troll on MTR and tried to resurrect himself twice here.

Alex removed him permanently when he used the username Interstating as he gave the owner attitude and then moderator Alps caught onto him in a second attempt to register as Federalroute1 and immediately took action.

I'm guessing he was problematic of some sort on the former forum that he was removed twice in AARoads.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2023, 07:45:25 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 01, 2023, 02:33:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

Let's not forget his "other" title of "Cra_shit".  A man of many names.  (I'm guessing Mr. Barf is from his Facebook page or YouTube channel?)

Yes, look around for a couple minutes at his Facebook site and you'll catch on how the "Barf"  nickname became a thing:

https://www.facebook.com/letsrideIL?mibextid=LQQJ4d

I'm to understand the host profile name on the rebranded Crash_It Facebook page is another of his aliases.  Carhorn was big about staying anonymous (can't imagine why).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SectorZ on March 01, 2023, 10:16:42 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2023, 07:45:25 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 01, 2023, 02:33:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

Let's not forget his "other" title of "Cra_shit".  A man of many names.  (I'm guessing Mr. Barf is from his Facebook page or YouTube channel?)

Yes, look around for a couple minutes at his Facebook site and you'll catch on how the "Barf"  nickname became a thing:

https://www.facebook.com/letsrideIL?mibextid=LQQJ4d

I'm to understand the host profile name on the rebranded Crash_It Facebook page is another of his aliases.  Carhorn was big about staying anonymous (can't imagine why).

I love that some of the comments on those posts are mocking him for getting banned here.

(I swear I'm not part of it, but I can laugh at it)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 01, 2023, 11:18:28 PM
Barf grew out of his Facebook name, Alan Barth (before anyone sounds the alarm on doxxing, he stated that isn't his real name).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on March 02, 2023, 12:03:56 AM
So are we gonna get one of those Buzzfeed quizzes on this forum, but instead of "what television show character are you", it's "what ubiquitous forum member are you?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on March 02, 2023, 03:16:05 AM
Quote from: Hobart on March 02, 2023, 12:03:56 AM
So are we gonna get one of those Buzzfeed quizzes on this forum, but instead of "what television show character are you", it's "what ubiquitous forum member are you?"
No quiz here but forum members judgmentally mentioned here: Flame warriors https://www.flamewarriorsguide.com/
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 02, 2023, 08:19:42 AM
Quote from: Big John on March 02, 2023, 03:16:05 AM
Quote from: Hobart on March 02, 2023, 12:03:56 AM
So are we gonna get one of those Buzzfeed quizzes on this forum, but instead of "what television show character are you", it's "what ubiquitous forum member are you?"
No quiz here but forum members judgmentally mentioned here: Flame warriors https://www.flamewarriorsguide.com/

I forgot all about that site! It was actually required reading material for all new staff at a forum I once moderated.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 10:25:21 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

A secret cabal, and yes, Lord Carhorn has been introduced, but I guess Barf is shorter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:14:31 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 10:25:21 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

A secret cabal, and yes, Lord Carhorn has been introduced, but I guess Barf is shorter.

The man had a knack for picking easily bastardized aliases.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 11:17:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:14:31 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 10:25:21 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

A secret cabal, and yes, Lord Carhorn has been introduced, but I guess Barf is shorter.

The man had a knack for picking easily bastardized aliases.

I'm surprised there weren't as many Alanland jokes with his Barf alias.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 02, 2023, 11:23:26 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I saw a guy named "marf" a couple months back while searching for a specific topic, who had a 0 post label on his name, indicating he was muted/banned. Is that who you are referring to?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 02, 2023, 11:28:54 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 02, 2023, 11:23:26 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I saw a guy named "marf" a couple months back while searching for a specific topic, who had a 0 post label on his name, indicating he was muted/banned. Is that who you are referring to?

No. Two completely different people. "Barf" is Crash_It's name on Facebook. Marf was an AARoads and Wikipedia troll who lives in Maine.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on March 02, 2023, 11:43:22 AM
I don't want to start a new thread, but I want to cross-post this from another forum because it's outstanding: What US presidents would look like with mullets.

(https://virginia.sportswar.com/post_images/general/00/00/00/18/10/88/92/18108892_0.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:45:31 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 02, 2023, 11:28:54 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 02, 2023, 11:23:26 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I saw a guy named "marf" a couple months back while searching for a specific topic, who had a 0 post label on his name, indicating he was muted/banned. Is that who you are referring to?

No. Two completely different people. "Barf" is Crash_It's name on Facebook. Marf was an AARoads and Wikipedia troll who lives in Maine.

And a master of sock puppetry. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:46:32 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 11:17:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:14:31 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 10:25:21 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

A secret cabal, and yes, Lord Carhorn has been introduced, but I guess Barf is shorter.

The man had a knack for picking easily bastardized aliases.

I'm surprised there weren't as many Alanland jokes with his Barf alias.

You really think Barf/Carhorn/Cra_sHit was worthy of Alanland?  Last I checked Alanland isn't flat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 03, 2023, 03:06:41 PM
Ohio license plates should be round on both ends and high in the middle.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 04, 2023, 01:04:43 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:46:32 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 11:17:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:14:31 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 10:25:21 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

A secret cabal, and yes, Lord Carhorn has been introduced, but I guess Barf is shorter.

The man had a knack for picking easily bastardized aliases.

I'm surprised there weren't as many Alanland jokes with his Barf alias.

You really think Barf/Carhorn/Cra_sHit was worthy of Alanland?  Last I checked Alanland isn't flat.

I mean, the fake name he used that was then transformed into Barf... was Alan Barth.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 04, 2023, 01:26:24 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 04, 2023, 01:04:43 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:46:32 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 11:17:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2023, 11:14:31 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 02, 2023, 10:25:21 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2023, 02:14:30 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 28, 2023, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 28, 2023, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 12:13:21 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on February 28, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Poiponen is the new tolbs17 of this forum.
Then who is MMM the new version of?

Crash_It, because he's going to step in it bad sometime soon and will become a distant memory, just like Lord Carhorn did.

Mr. Barf (his assigned nickname outside the forum) was someone who was "flatly" abhorrent.

Who calls him that, and have they been introduced to his proper title as Lord Carhorn?

A secret cabal, and yes, Lord Carhorn has been introduced, but I guess Barf is shorter.

The man had a knack for picking easily bastardized aliases.

I'm surprised there weren't as many Alanland jokes with his Barf alias.

You really think Barf/Carhorn/Cra_sHit was worthy of Alanland?  Last I checked Alanland isn't flat.

I mean, the fake name he used that was then transformed into Barf... was Alan Barth.

Right, but why would the nation of Alanland sully itself by allowing the grand champion of flatness to pollute its non-flat prosperity?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2023, 02:06:07 AM
Nimbya is flat.

god
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on March 04, 2023, 08:19:12 AM
What a difference a county makes. I'm traveling on I-75 southbound right now. I was doing 75 miles an hour with good road conditions in Saginaw county and I swear just as I hit the Genesee county line the road turned to shit.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on March 04, 2023, 02:04:51 PM
There's a line of thinking that might not be as common now, exemplified in the following:

Granddaughter: I just got a job at a computer company. We're working on a chip that can do 60 billion math problems every second!

Grandfather: that fast, eh? Well, it must not do a very good job!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 04, 2023, 04:19:27 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 04, 2023, 02:06:07 AM
Nimbya is flat.

god

only because the war that was totally a secret and did not happen, leveled the land flat
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on March 04, 2023, 05:07:26 PM
What if Barf is Marf?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: roadman65 on March 04, 2023, 05:47:30 PM
If I travel in Long Island I'm on Triple M's turf.  Scary thought.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 05:51:43 PM
What if saying I live on Long Island was also a double-bluff? Do I really seem to know that much about Long Island based on my posts (again not admitting to anything but just saying)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on March 04, 2023, 06:31:27 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 05:51:43 PM
What if saying I live on Long Island was also a double-bluff? Do I really seem to know that much about Long Island based on my posts (again not admitting to anything but just saying)

No, but you also don't seem to know that much about anything else, either.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on March 04, 2023, 07:51:15 PM
I have an above average number of elbows.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 08:45:49 PM
Why are speed laws designed so that drivers always draw the most attention from cops?

Example: Speed Limit 70 mph/What the cop says

Driver Going below 70 mph: "You're impeding traffic, and it's a little suspicious to go below the speed limit on a road like this"

Driver Going above 70 mph: "I got ya for speeding"

Driving Going exactly the speed limit: "Why are you going exactly the speed limit, that's suspicious, what are you hiding, let me search your car"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on March 04, 2023, 10:19:04 PM
What's the matter, get a ticket today?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 04, 2023, 10:20:16 PM
Quote from: US 89 on March 04, 2023, 05:07:26 PM
What if Barf is Marf?

Marf has certainly made me want to barf.  Perhaps you are onto something?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 10:23:59 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 04, 2023, 10:19:04 PM
What's the matter, get a ticket today?

Actually no, and I pushed my luck a little more than usual and went 95 mph on the Long Island Expressway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on March 04, 2023, 10:36:20 PM
Quote from: thspfc on March 04, 2023, 07:51:15 PM
I have an above average number of elbows.

If it makes you feel any better, I have an above average number of feet.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on March 05, 2023, 06:50:32 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 08:45:49 PM
Why are speed laws designed so that drivers always draw the most attention from cops?

Example: Speed Limit 70 mph/What the cop says

Driver Going below 70 mph: "You're impeding traffic, and it's a little suspicious to go below the speed limit on a road like this"

Driver Going above 70 mph: "I got ya for speeding"

Driving Going exactly the speed limit: "Why are you going exactly the speed limit, that's suspicious, what are you hiding, let me search your car"
I have no idea what you are babbling on about but people drive how they are comfortable driving. So what if they aren't going the speed limit? There is no law saying you have to drive the speed limit just that you can't drive over it. People do drive over it and the cops give you leeway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on March 05, 2023, 06:51:08 AM
The Michigan State Police even agree that the speed on the freeways should be 80 mph.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2023, 07:51:12 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 08:45:49 PM
Why are speed laws designed so that drivers always draw the most attention from cops?

Example: Speed Limit 70 mph/What the cop says

Driver Going below 70 mph: "You're impeding traffic, and it's a little suspicious to go below the speed limit on a road like this"

Driver Going above 70 mph: "I got ya for speeding"

Driving Going exactly the speed limit: "Why are you going exactly the speed limit, that's suspicious, what are you hiding, let me search your car"

The speed laws are designed just fine. Police coming up with flimsy pretext for a stop (i.e. anything speed-related between the min and max speeds) isn't the Legislature's fault, it's abuse of power.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 05, 2023, 07:52:49 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 08:45:49 PM
Why are speed laws designed so that drivers always draw the most attention from cops?

Example: Speed Limit 70 mph/What the cop says

Driver Going below 70 mph: "You're impeding traffic, and it's a little suspicious to go below the speed limit on a road like this"

Driver Going above 70 mph: "I got ya for speeding"

Driving Going exactly the speed limit: "Why are you going exactly the speed limit, that's suspicious, what are you hiding, let me search your car"

I was pulled over in Kansas for this very thing (driving exactly the speed limit). I suspect it was my Colorado plates.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
I guess my random thought on this comes down to:

I wish they would use common sense and not require you to go exactly the speed limit to avoid tickets for either impeding traffic or speeding, like give you some leeway on each side as long as you aren't driving like an idiot, but unfortunately they don't in the nanny atates.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 05, 2023, 11:39:27 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
I guess my random thought on this comes down to:

I wish they would use common sense and not require you to go exactly the speed limit to avoid tickets for either impeding traffic or speeding, like give you some leeway on each side as long as you aren't driving like an idiot, but unfortunately they don't in the nanny atates.
They do give you leeway though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2023, 05:31:49 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
I guess my random thought on this comes down to:

I wish they would use common sense and not require you to go exactly the speed limit to avoid tickets for either impeding traffic or speeding, like give you some leeway on each side as long as you aren't driving like an idiot, but unfortunately they don't in the nanny atates.

They don't give you leeway because they want an excuse to pull you over. It's not a lack of common sense–they are doing it intentionally.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 05:54:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2023, 05:31:49 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
I guess my random thought on this comes down to:

I wish they would use common sense and not require you to go exactly the speed limit to avoid tickets for either impeding traffic or speeding, like give you some leeway on each side as long as you aren't driving like an idiot, but unfortunately they don't in the nanny atates.

They don't give you leeway because they want an excuse to pull you over. It's not a lack of common sense–they are doing it intentionally.

Exactly. If you go exactly the speed limit and in the right lane, they'll say:

"Why are you trying so hard not to look suspicious..that's suspicious!"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on March 05, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 08:45:49 PM
Why are speed laws designed so that drivers always draw the most attention from cops?

Example: Speed Limit 70 mph/What the cop says

Driver Going below 70 mph: "You're impeding traffic, and it's a little suspicious to go below the speed limit on a road like this"

Driver Going above 70 mph: "I got ya for speeding"

Driving Going exactly the speed limit: "Why are you going exactly the speed limit, that's suspicious, what are you hiding, let me search your car"

I don't have to worry about that. (https://youtu.be/UbqLfNorYS0)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 06, 2023, 07:02:37 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 05:54:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2023, 05:31:49 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
I guess my random thought on this comes down to:

I wish they would use common sense and not require you to go exactly the speed limit to avoid tickets for either impeding traffic or speeding, like give you some leeway on each side as long as you aren't driving like an idiot, but unfortunately they don't in the nanny atates.

They don't give you leeway because they want an excuse to pull you over. It's not a lack of common sense–they are doing it intentionally.

Exactly. If you go exactly the speed limit and in the right lane, they'll say:

"Why are you trying so hard not to look suspicious..that's suspicious!"

Do what everyone else is doing, subtract 5%, and you're golden.

Don't manufacture an excuses like these or you'll go neurotic.

I've never gotten a ticket for doing the speed limit, except for a warning when my tag was expired (and had purchased a new registration sticker that I was picking up that very day).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 06, 2023, 07:03:56 PM
A good way to look suspicious is trying to not look suspicious. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 06, 2023, 07:35:34 PM
If I were ever pulled over for doing exactly the speed limit, I'd just say "I set my cruise control to the speed limit so I don't speed." It's the truth.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on March 06, 2023, 07:38:18 PM
Why would any cop waste their time pulling over someone doing the speed limit? Someone driving the way you are supposed to drive? They are looking for people breaking the law, not people following the law.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 06, 2023, 07:41:31 PM
Don't get me started on abuse of power by the police.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 06, 2023, 07:42:24 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 06, 2023, 07:38:18 PM
Why would any cop waste their time pulling over someone doing the speed limit? Someone driving the way you are supposed to drive? They are looking for people breaking the law, not people following the law.

They want to establish probable cause for a search. Maybe the driver is a minority they don't like, or they have out of state plates, or the car matches the description of one they're looking for, or the cop is desperate to meet a quota and is hoping to issue an expired license or proof of insurance ticket, etc.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on March 06, 2023, 07:43:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 06, 2023, 07:42:24 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 06, 2023, 07:38:18 PM
Why would any cop waste their time pulling over someone doing the speed limit? Someone driving the way you are supposed to drive? They are looking for people breaking the law, not people following the law.

They want to establish probable cause for a search. Maybe the driver is a minority they don't like, or they have out of state plates, or the car matches the description of one they're looking for, or the cop is desperate to meet a quota and is hoping to issue an expired license or proof of insurance ticket, etc.
Right they profile a lot but if you are going the speed limit then your speed isn't why they are pulling you over.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on March 06, 2023, 08:12:44 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 06, 2023, 07:02:37 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 05:54:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2023, 05:31:49 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
I guess my random thought on this comes down to:

I wish they would use common sense and not require you to go exactly the speed limit to avoid tickets for either impeding traffic or speeding, like give you some leeway on each side as long as you aren't driving like an idiot, but unfortunately they don't in the nanny atates.

They don't give you leeway because they want an excuse to pull you over. It's not a lack of common sense–they are doing it intentionally.

Exactly. If you go exactly the speed limit and in the right lane, they'll say:

"Why are you trying so hard not to look suspicious..that's suspicious!"

Do what everyone else is doing, subtract 5%, and you're golden.

Don't manufacture an excuses like these or you'll go neurotic.

I've never gotten a ticket for doing the speed limit, except for a warning when my tag was expired (and had purchased a new registration sticker that I was picking up that very day).
Keep in mind that MMM has expressed a pathological dislike of driving in the right hand lane in the past.  Hence the "obstructing traffic" issue with driving at or below the speed limit.  If he was willing to keep right except to pass, it wouldn't be an issue.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 06, 2023, 08:27:16 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 06, 2023, 08:12:44 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 06, 2023, 07:02:37 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 05:54:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2023, 05:31:49 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 05, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
I guess my random thought on this comes down to:

I wish they would use common sense and not require you to go exactly the speed limit to avoid tickets for either impeding traffic or speeding, like give you some leeway on each side as long as you aren't driving like an idiot, but unfortunately they don't in the nanny atates.

They don't give you leeway because they want an excuse to pull you over. It's not a lack of common sense–they are doing it intentionally.

Exactly. If you go exactly the speed limit and in the right lane, they'll say:

"Why are you trying so hard not to look suspicious..that's suspicious!"

Do what everyone else is doing, subtract 5%, and you're golden.

Don't manufacture an excuses like these or you'll go neurotic.

I've never gotten a ticket for doing the speed limit, except for a warning when my tag was expired (and had purchased a new registration sticker that I was picking up that very day).
Keep in mind that MMM has expressed a pathological dislike of driving in the right hand lane in the past.  Hence the "obstructing traffic" issue with driving at or below the speed limit.  If he was willing to keep right except to pass, it wouldn't be an issue.
MMM should move to the UK then.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 06, 2023, 08:35:13 PM
If it's a 3 lane road I'll usually stay in the middle lane at 5-10 over if I am not trying to take any ticket chances. If it's 4 lanes, I'll stay in the 2nd most right lane. 5 lanes on each side it depends on traffic, but either lane 2 or 3.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PM
From Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology
"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."
QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer – or even a file system on a computer – things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 06, 2023, 11:29:20 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PM
From Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology
"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."
QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer – or even a file system on a computer – things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)
In college, we almost never print things anymore. Assignments are all submitted online.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on March 07, 2023, 12:22:55 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PM
From Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology
"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."
QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer – or even a file system on a computer – things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)

I will say, this is on my extremely short list of redeeming qualities! I learned a lot of tricks on my college's printers by working in my college's electrical engineering office, and everything else I can probably find in the manual. I feel like part of this problem may be caused by the "don't look at the manual!" trope.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2023, 03:00:29 PM
Quote from: thspfc on March 04, 2023, 07:51:15 PM
I have an above average number of elbows.

I have an above average number of teeth.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on March 07, 2023, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PMFrom Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology

"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."


QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer – or even a file system on a computer – things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)

Printers can be a trial even to those who grew up with them and are familiar with them, so to me this is not the man-bites-dog aspect of the story.  I found it surprising and alarming that Generation Z struggles with hierarchical organization of information using files and folders.  There are certain types of data for which even AI-assisted indexation is unnecessarily costly, and there is rarely enough transparency into how search algorithms work to be sure that a given search is returning the complete universe of matches even when the application in hand demands it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: paulthemapguy on March 07, 2023, 04:48:56 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PM
From Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology
"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."
QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer – or even a file system on a computer – things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)

Ah yes, another article full of ageism to make the old farts feel less terribly about themselves.
Directing the self-rage at others isn't going to make you feel any better.

Printers have never been functional.  Trying to get my school or college papers in on time usually meant relying on the school computer labs, whose printers would half be broken.  Hell, even now, working in an office, the copy machine is busted every other month.  You can't pin that on the zoomers!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on March 07, 2023, 05:58:52 PM
At the moment I'm going through a stack of highway construction contracts from Chile.  One, for a relocation of Route 11 in Arica, involves a runaway truck ramp, for which the Chilean Spanish term is apparently lecho de frenado.  I think:  milk of stopping?  No, it turns out.  Lecho = bed; lecha = milt (especially when eaten as food); and leche = milk.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on March 07, 2023, 06:08:05 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 07, 2023, 04:48:56 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PM
From Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology
"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."
QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer – or even a file system on a computer – things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)

Ah yes, another article full of ageism to make the old farts feel less terribly about themselves.
Directing the self-rage at others isn't going to make you feel any better.

Printers have never been functional.  Trying to get my school or college papers in on time usually meant relying on the school computer labs, whose printers would half be broken.  Hell, even now, working in an office, the copy machine is busted every other month.  You can't pin that on the zoomers!

Exactly
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2023, 06:44:12 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 07, 2023, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PMFrom Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology

"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."


QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer – or even a file system on a computer – things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)

Printers can be a trial even to those who grew up with them and are familiar with them, so to me this is not the man-bites-dog aspect of the story.  I found it surprising and alarming that Generation Z struggles with hierarchical organization of information using files and folders.  There are certain types of data for which even AI-assisted indexation is unnecessarily costly, and there is rarely enough transparency into how search algorithms work to be sure that a given search is returning the complete universe of matches even when the application in hand demands it.

This is a problem borne mostly of users who mainly interface with the digital world through mobile devices. Both major mobile OSes go out of their way to obscure the organization of the file system, even to those who actively know it exists and want to explore it. Despite having used Android for about a decade at this point, I still find myself mystified trying to figure out where in the file tree it is going to save any individual download or photograph. I'm not sure that there even is a way to access the iOS file tree; on Android it requires downloading an app.

Since mobile users are discouraged from even knowing the underlying file system is there, less curious users would have no concept of one. Thus, it is a big jump transitioning to a traditional OS like Windows or Linux, both of which have interacting with the file system as a core concept (Linux especially, since the file system even contains abstractions of concepts such as printers and network interfaces).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 02:45:50 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 05:51:43 PM
What if saying I live on Long Island was also a double-bluff?

So...  what if you said you're from Long Island and you're actually from Long Island?  Yes, I'd agree that that's true.  But it doesn't make it a double-bluff.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 02:57:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 02:45:50 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on March 04, 2023, 05:51:43 PM
What if saying I live on Long Island was also a double-bluff?

So...  what if you said you're from Long Island and you're actually from Long Island?  Yes, I'd agree that that's true.  But it doesn't make it a double-bluff.
What if MMM actually lives in Nebraska?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 02:57:41 PM
What if MMM actually lives in Nebraska?

Then he would have driven on a gravel road (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=30826.msg2790041#msg2790041) before.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 03:11:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 02:57:41 PM
What if MMM actually lives in Nebraska?

Then he would have driven on a gravel road (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=30826.msg2790041#msg2790041) before.
Maybe MMM is just an advanced ai made by the new urbanists to drive us away from the forum  :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2023, 08:53:47 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 03:11:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 02:57:41 PM
What if MMM actually lives in Nebraska?

Then he would have driven on a gravel road (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=30826.msg2790041#msg2790041) before.
Maybe MMM is just an advanced ai made by the new urbanists to drive us away from the forum  :bigass:

MMM is just the New Coke version of Tolbs.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 08, 2023, 10:05:53 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 07, 2023, 04:48:56 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 10:48:10 PM
From Futurism:

Gen Z Is Apparently Baffled by Basic Technology
"Sadly, neither watching TikTok videos nor playing Minecraft fulfills the technology brief."
QuoteMembers of Gen Z are entering the workforce with certain types of technological know-how, from navigating the depths of the internet and using apps to editing photos on their smartphones.

But when it comes to using a scanner or printer — or even a file system on a computer — things become a lot more challenging to a generation that has spent much of their lives online, The Guardian reports, a counterintuitive result of workplaces still relying on technologies that were around long before they were born.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pv)

Ah yes, another article full of ageism to make the old farts feel less terribly about themselves.
Directing the self-rage at others isn't going to make you feel any better.

The article isn't far off, but it also makes assumptions and is quick to complain, rather than explain. How trite and unsurprising...and everyone's first month at the job is fraught with mistakes and gaffes.

Maybe it's just coming from a long line of instructors, but you can't assume too much with anyone, because there's always gaps in everyone's knowledge, whether visible or well-shielded. So taking new employees under your wing is more likely to be helpful than not.

I train people on software (and sometimes the basics of Windows) all the time, though in a field where people usually only have a high-school education. Usually, the age group from 18-25 is the most willing to learn without pushback, those from 25-45 have a lot of built-up experience with computers, though a willingness to learn, pushing back one's ego, and a lack of setbacks/distractions help a lot in this case. It's tougher to train a know-in-all or someone who is attentive to their phone and little else in moments of quiet (this applies to a lot of people across the age spectrum), than for someone giving undivided attention in a career field that has plenty of natural distractions.

From there, experience starts to get a little more patchy from there on up. It depends if they'd had some personal experience with computing and PCs in their own "pre-Internet" era or not, when I start to chit-chat with folks about computers and such who are in my age, perhaps +/- 10-15 years. For those kind of in Generation X or older, there seems to be a naïve expectation that computers wouldn't really rule everything around them, that they'd become a tool we'd use when needed. Again, that's from working with people in clerically-specialized fields and those who work with their hands and tools. And if they didn't come from really well-to-do backgrounds or school systems with a greater emphasis on them, they didn't have as much exposure to them until a little later in their lives, since PCs were $1000-3000 items until the last 15-20 years.

When you get to the 55-70 year-olds, it's a challenge. They have a crystallized memory that works well on patterns and imagery, but shaking that for something different is tougher to grasp and there's a fear that it will make them obsolete. Or there's an impenetrable obstinance, because they've seen a lot of change throughout their lives; after all, this "thing" will be consigned to the forgetfulness of the next boss, or something else will "replace it in 5-10 years"...why bother? I get to feel younger and smarter than I really am, though.

As said before, there's not a great reason for my kids today to need to know how to move create directories (folders), move files, rename them, understand file types, and honestly my kids' school systems use a Google Classroom architecture which sort of even obviates the need to install software and organize files accordingly. I mean, I use it all the time but they have little need for it. I show them a few pointers that I figure will help them out but their eyes glaze over a little at this stuff.

Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 07, 2023, 04:48:56 PM
Printers have never been functional.  Trying to get my school or college papers in on time usually meant relying on the school computer labs, whose printers would half be broken.  Hell, even now, working in an office, the copy machine is busted every other month.  You can't pin that on the zoomers!

By the same token, specialized stuff will always exist; printers are almost a Dark Art existing in mystical portal of form and operation over the last 50 years, each speaking their own mutated design language. They're frustrating as all get-out but they miraculously work about 50% the time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on March 08, 2023, 11:33:20 PM
If I know I'll need to find a file or a group of them sometime in the future, I'll create a folder where I put everything related to that project. Finding that is super easy from then on out - the alternative is typing whatever I think it was named into the search box, then hunting through a ton of .py files I've never touched that appeared when I downloaded Anaconda four years ago to see if I guessed the name right.

If it's in Downloads, good luck ever finding anything in there. The files on my current laptop were backed up from my previous laptop, which I'd had since 2016 - so there are over 3,000 items in there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on March 08, 2023, 11:57:52 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 03:11:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 08, 2023, 02:57:41 PM
What if MMM actually lives in Nebraska?

Then he would have driven on a gravel road (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=30826.msg2790041#msg2790041) before.
Maybe MMM is just an advanced ai made by the new urbanists to drive us away from the forum  :bigass:

Perhaps he's actually some computer science graduate student's dissertation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on March 09, 2023, 12:01:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on March 08, 2023, 11:33:20 PM
If I know I'll need to find a file or a group of them sometime in the future, I'll create a folder where I put everything related to that project. Finding that is super easy from then on out - the alternative is typing whatever I think it was named into the search box, then hunting through a ton of .py files I've never touched that appeared when I downloaded Anaconda four years ago to see if I guessed the name right.

If it's in Downloads, good luck ever finding anything in there. The files on my current laptop were backed up from my previous laptop, which I'd had since 2016 - so there are over 3,000 items in there.

Apps dump files all over the place.  It's very annoying.  I do clean out my Downloads directory reguarly but even so.  Some things get stuck in my home folder, or the top of the file system, or someplace else.  I miss there being a current working directory like on Unix.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on March 09, 2023, 08:59:06 AM
Quote from: kkt on March 09, 2023, 12:01:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on March 08, 2023, 11:33:20 PM
If I know I’ll need to find a file or a group of them sometime in the future, I’ll create a folder where I put everything related to that project. Finding that is super easy from then on out - the alternative is typing whatever I think it was named into the search box, then hunting through a ton of .py files I’ve never touched that appeared when I downloaded Anaconda four years ago to see if I guessed the name right.

If it’s in Downloads, good luck ever finding anything in there. The files on my current laptop were backed up from my previous laptop, which I’d had since 2016 - so there are over 3,000 items in there.

Apps dump files all over the place.  It's very annoying.  I do clean out my Downloads directory reguarly but even so.  Some things get stuck in my home folder, or the top of the file system, or someplace else.  I miss there being a current working directory like on Unix.

Yeah, I feel the same way about my Desktop. I used to try to organize it but now it's gotten messy enough that cleaning it out is going to be a bigger project that I'll have to block out time for. Most of the clutter is screenshots I've needed over the years, which get dumped in Desktop for some reason. Also, Microsoft Office applications like Word or Excel seem to indiscriminately alternate whether they save to Downloads or Documents by default.

Anything that winds up in the home directory or above is especially annoying, because it's really hard to actually find those places in Finder on a Mac... to the point where using the terminal to get there is easier. I'll never understand why stuff ends up there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 09, 2023, 05:05:46 PM
Quote from: US 89 on March 09, 2023, 08:59:06 AM
Quote from: kkt on March 09, 2023, 12:01:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on March 08, 2023, 11:33:20 PM
If I know I'll need to find a file or a group of them sometime in the future, I'll create a folder where I put everything related to that project. Finding that is super easy from then on out - the alternative is typing whatever I think it was named into the search box, then hunting through a ton of .py files I've never touched that appeared when I downloaded Anaconda four years ago to see if I guessed the name right.

If it's in Downloads, good luck ever finding anything in there. The files on my current laptop were backed up from my previous laptop, which I'd had since 2016 - so there are over 3,000 items in there.

Apps dump files all over the place.  It's very annoying.  I do clean out my Downloads directory reguarly but even so.  Some things get stuck in my home folder, or the top of the file system, or someplace else.  I miss there being a current working directory like on Unix.

Yeah, I feel the same way about my Desktop. I used to try to organize it but now it's gotten messy enough that cleaning it out is going to be a bigger project that I'll have to block out time for. Most of the clutter is screenshots I've needed over the years, which get dumped in Desktop for some reason. Also, Microsoft Office applications like Word or Excel seem to indiscriminately alternate whether they save to Downloads or Documents by default.

Anything that winds up in the home directory or above is especially annoying, because it's really hard to actually find those places in Finder on a Mac... to the point where using the terminal to get there is easier. I'll never understand why stuff ends up there.

Since I've had a laptop and can't always backup until I get home, I dump almost everything onto my desktop to either copy/move the files later. Since the work PC has somewhat different file folder structures in Documents (et al), it's just easier. I'll usually just directly move the saved files to my desired folder if it's solely for work, which gets backed up to the work cloud anyhow.

Probably maddening to most, but hey, free laptop.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2023, 05:15:40 PM
Quote from: US 89 on March 09, 2023, 08:59:06 AM
Anything that winds up in the home directory or above is especially annoying, because it's really hard to actually find those places in Finder on a Mac... to the point where using the terminal to get there is easier. I'll never understand why stuff ends up there.

One of the first things I do on a fresh Linux install is delete all the pre-installed ~/Documents, ~/Pictures, etc. subdirectories of the home directory and then dump all of my stuff directly in the home directory. (I have ended up recreating many of them in some form under different names, but the capitalization of the default folders, and the automatic behavior some programs display toward them, bothers me.) This seems like it helps reduce such ambiguity. I have no idea if OS X will let you get away with that, however.

I will say I'm a bit annoyed with Firefox saving PDFs I instruct it to open directly to ~ rather than the ~/tmp/dl directory I created for the purpose of saving temporary downloads, however. But not annoyed enough to tinker with the config, clearly.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 10, 2023, 07:38:58 AM
It would be funny if the reason I-11 is being extended over US-95 to Kyles Canyon is because NDOT accidentally hired a grid purist.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 10, 2023, 08:04:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on March 09, 2023, 08:59:06 AM
Quote from: kkt on March 09, 2023, 12:01:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on March 08, 2023, 11:33:20 PM
If I know I'll need to find a file or a group of them sometime in the future, I'll create a folder where I put everything related to that project. Finding that is super easy from then on out - the alternative is typing whatever I think it was named into the search box, then hunting through a ton of .py files I've never touched that appeared when I downloaded Anaconda four years ago to see if I guessed the name right.

If it's in Downloads, good luck ever finding anything in there. The files on my current laptop were backed up from my previous laptop, which I'd had since 2016 - so there are over 3,000 items in there.

Apps dump files all over the place.  It's very annoying.  I do clean out my Downloads directory reguarly but even so.  Some things get stuck in my home folder, or the top of the file system, or someplace else.  I miss there being a current working directory like on Unix.

Yeah, I feel the same way about my Desktop. I used to try to organize it but now it's gotten messy enough that cleaning it out is going to be a bigger project that I'll have to block out time for. Most of the clutter is screenshots I've needed over the years, which get dumped in Desktop for some reason. Also, Microsoft Office applications like Word or Excel seem to indiscriminately alternate whether they save to Downloads or Documents by default.

Anything that winds up in the home directory or above is especially annoying, because it's really hard to actually find those places in Finder on a Mac... to the point where using the terminal to get there is easier. I'll never understand why stuff ends up there.
There is, but Windows makes you work to get to it. It's c:\Users\[your name]. It's also hard to get to, since Windows doesn't make it a shortcut by default.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:40:40 AM
There's a thread titled "Induced Demand: Let's Talk About It", and ironically, that thread is filling up with posts! Four pages so far. And I don't see any lower traffic on the other threads.

Obviously that thread demonstrates its own point :-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on March 14, 2023, 12:25:08 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 10, 2023, 08:04:56 AMThere is, but Windows makes you work to get to it. It's c:\Users\[your name]. It's also hard to get to, since Windows doesn't make it a shortcut by default.

This is called the User Profile folder and its directory path is stored in the system variable %UserProfile%.  Windows does provide shortcuts in the Windows Explorer file chooser for key subfolders, such as Documents (My Documents in older versions of Windows), Downloads, Desktop, Music, Videos, Pictures, etc.

The out-of-the-box default for major browsers like Chrome and Firefox is to save downloaded files in the Downloads folder, which has the path %UserProfile%\Downloads.  However, it is generally possible to set a different target path in settings, to require the browser to prompt the user to pick a folder, or to save in the last used folder (and, if it no longer exists, to prompt the user for a new folder).  Firefox subdivides folder assignments by server, which means that if I save an article from the online Wichita Eagle, it will usually go into an "articles" folder, while if I save something from the TxDOT FTP server, it will go to a subfolder in my "TxDOT Plans" folder.

It has been literally years since I last had something save to the Desktop.  I can't imagine a scenario where a file would save there unless it was hard-coded to do so because the Desktop is guaranteed always to exist.  This behavior used to be quite common for program installers, but now they usually save in Downloads unless a different target folder has been configured.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 19, 2023, 06:32:14 PM
I saw this slide and now you have to, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/stuM7R2.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 19, 2023, 08:46:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 19, 2023, 06:32:14 PM
I saw this slide and now you have to, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/stuM7R2.png)

So we've had a mascot all this time and nobody told me?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on March 20, 2023, 08:05:53 PM
How did a Massachusetts license plate saying KCAZZO (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/che_cazzo) get approved?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 20, 2023, 08:48:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 20, 2023, 08:05:53 PM
How did a Massachusetts license plate saying KCAZZO (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/che_cazzo) get approved?

Maybe the person on license plate approval duty doesn't spend much time around Italian speakers. I've never heard that expression before myself.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: paulthemapguy on March 21, 2023, 07:20:37 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:40:40 AM
There's a thread titled "Induced Demand: Let's Talk About It", and ironically, that thread is filling up with posts! Four pages so far. And I don't see any lower traffic on the other threads.

Obviously that thread demonstrates its own point :-)

Oh my god that's hilarious.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on March 21, 2023, 08:11:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 20, 2023, 08:48:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 20, 2023, 08:05:53 PM
How did a Massachusetts license plate saying KCAZZO (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/che_cazzo) get approved?

Maybe the person on license plate approval duty doesn't spend much time around Italian speakers. I've never heard that expression before myself.

More Italian speakers, and certainly more ethnic Italians, in Massachusetts than Oklahoma, I'm sure.

I very briefly thought about getting POES KLP (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=PoesKlap) for a license plate, but anyone who doesn't speak Afrikaans would just wonder what Poe story I was talking about. Also my wife would murder me
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 22, 2023, 10:38:18 PM
I wonder if the sign for Bryan Dairy Road was once missing or someone just couldn't read it?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52385862507_13fc660062_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nPaePZ)

(FL 693 in St. Pete)

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 23, 2023, 02:19:33 PM
Yesterday, I uploaded an image that the forum resized to be 666x400 pixels.  This morning, I remembered it and thought:  US Route designations that Colorado didn't/doesn't seem to want very much.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 23, 2023, 04:53:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 23, 2023, 02:19:33 PM
Yesterday, I uploaded an image that the forum resized to be 666x400 pixels.  This morning, I remembered it and thought:  US Route designations that Colorado didn't/doesn't seem to want very much.
At least the reason for killing 666 made sense... sort of.
400 just doesn't belong at all. No justifiable reason, that I know of.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 02:05:25 PM
Why are so many newspapers called "Insert City Bee?"   Near me two of the more prominent papers are the Fresno Bee and Modesto Bee.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 03:48:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 02:05:25 PM
Why are so many newspapers called "Insert City Bee?"   Near me two of the more prominent papers are the Fresno Bee and Modesto Bee.

Because bees are industrious.  That's why we say "busy as a bee" and why certain group activities are called "bees".  Both the Fresno Bee and the Modesto Bee are descendants of the Daily Bee, as is the Sacramento Bee.

Quote from: The Sacramento Bee – About Us – 14-OCT-2014
WHY IS IT CALLED 'THE BEE'?

(Exerpted from The Sacramento Bee's Ombudsman column on March 24, 1991)

Glad you asked. It's been that since 1857 when James McClatchy founded the paper. An editorial on the first day of publication said: "The name of The Bee has been adopted as being different from that of any other paper in the state and as also being emblematic of the industry which is to prevail in its every department."

So, the promise was a paper as busy as a bee. (Quaint, but not a bad marketing strategy, I should think.)

The first James McClatchy used a picture of a bee on his business stationery. His son, C.K., ordered the image of a bee depicted in mosaic tile in the lobby of the old Bee office at 911 Seventh St. in 1901. That mosaic now is on permanent display at the Sacramento History Museum.

https://www.sacbee.com/customer-service/about-us/
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 03:51:49 PM
Interesting, I would have assumed it was a more Ag-centric rationale for the naming convention.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 24, 2023, 04:00:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 19, 2023, 06:32:14 PM
I saw this slide and now you have to, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/stuM7R2.png)

I know it's been 5 days but you can still delete this.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 24, 2023, 04:25:56 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 24, 2023, 04:00:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 19, 2023, 06:32:14 PM
I saw this slide and now you have to, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/stuM7R2.png)

I know it's been 5 days but you can still delete this.

I can delete a lot of things.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SectorZ on March 24, 2023, 06:20:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 02:05:25 PM
Why are so many newspapers called "Insert City Bee?"   Near me two of the more prominent papers are the Fresno Bee and Modesto Bee.

Don't forget the Babylon Bee.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: bm7 on March 25, 2023, 12:24:40 AM
Today I learned that "#-alarm fire" is a scale of how severe a fire is, and not the number of departments that responded to it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on March 25, 2023, 05:43:50 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 03:48:08 PM
Because bees are industrious.  That's why we say "busy as a bee" and why certain group activities are called "bees". 
I wonder, when "busy as a bee" started to be a thing, if they realized it's only the female bees who are busy, and the males are lazy bums.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on March 25, 2023, 09:13:16 AM
Quote from: GaryV on March 25, 2023, 05:43:50 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 03:48:08 PM
Because bees are industrious.  That's why we say "busy as a bee" and why certain group activities are called "bees". 
I wonder, when "busy as a bee" started to be a thing, if they realized it's only the female bees who are busy, and the males are lazy bums.

Well, all the males can really do is mate, and that process involves blowing apart their bodies in order to get to the queen and then dying shortly thereafter. I can see why they'd maybe want to hold off...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 11:58:01 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on March 24, 2023, 06:20:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 02:05:25 PM
Why are so many newspapers called "Insert City Bee?"   Near me two of the more prominent papers are the Fresno Bee and Modesto Bee.

Don't forget the Babylon Bee.

The Danville Register & Bee in Virginia (so named because the Register merged with the Bee in 1989).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on March 26, 2023, 03:57:23 PM
Does anyone look at a solid state drive...

(https://i.ibb.co/rMRtqGc/2020-02-17-image-15.webp) (https://ibb.co/rMRtqGc)

... and think "This sort of looks like a Atari cartridge"...

(https://i.ibb.co/1L1ZSYN/Atarti-2600.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1L1ZSYN) (https://i.ibb.co/Xxgt3GT/Opened-Atari-2600.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Xxgt3GT)

...or Nintendo cartridge?

(https://i.ibb.co/4pYT8YV/clean-nes-cartridges-cart-open.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4pYT8YV)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on March 27, 2023, 10:06:21 AM
I just found out that letter G in word "geek" is harg /g/ and not soft /dʒ/.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on March 27, 2023, 03:41:07 PM
Also, the logo for the McClatchy-owned Bees... were done by Walt Disney:

(https://sacroom.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/singleitem/image/p15248coll3/8589/default.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on March 30, 2023, 09:18:07 PM
What is with all the crashes lately?  I swear they have brought the Northway to a stand still during my commute more times in the past couple weeks than in the past two years combined.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 30, 2023, 10:45:24 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 30, 2023, 09:18:07 PM
What is with all the crashes lately?  I swear they have brought the Northway to a stand still during my commute more times in the past couple weeks than in the past two years combined.

The weather, perhaps? A lack of snow for much of the winter may mean people are less prepared for it now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on March 31, 2023, 12:50:50 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 30, 2023, 10:45:24 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 30, 2023, 09:18:07 PM
What is with all the crashes lately?  I swear they have brought the Northway to a stand still during my commute more times in the past couple weeks than in the past two years combined.

The weather, perhaps? A lack of snow for much of the winter may mean people are less prepared for it now.
All of these days have been clear and dry.  Plus we've gotten a bit more snow than Rochester around here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2023, 06:19:26 PM
If you're in the left lateral recumbent position, does that mean you're right side up?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 01, 2023, 06:56:13 AM
What is Wikipedia's AlphaBeta135's username here? Given https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Limon,_Colorado and a whole bunch of other road-related April Fools deletion proposals, I feel like they have to be a member of the forum.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 01, 2023, 06:58:55 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:56:13 AM
What is Wikipedia's AlphaBeta135's username here? Given https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Limon,_Colorado and a whole bunch of other road-related April Fools deletion proposals, I feel like they have to be a member of the forum.

Sort of bad timing to be posting frivolous road content to Wikipedia, given the way the "using maps as sources" RFC is going...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 02, 2023, 07:45:48 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:56:13 AM
What is Wikipedia's AlphaBeta135's username here? Given https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Limon,_Colorado and a whole bunch of other road-related April Fools deletion proposals, I feel like they have to be a member of the forum.
Don't just delete the entry. Delete the town, and like 10 miles either way of CO 71.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on April 07, 2023, 11:42:18 PM
Who here has seen this Winn-Dixie commercial?
https://www.ispot.tv/ad/2Su3/winn-dixie-winn-win-twins-for-the-delivery-win
The woman getting food delivered to her house looks like a short Brooke Shields.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:54:48 AM
I have never seen anyone complain about Limon, Colorado being a control city outside of this forum.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 08, 2023, 08:59:41 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:54:48 AM
I have never seen anyone complain about Limon, Colorado being a control city outside of this forum.

Wikipedia seems to be aware (the person proposing it doesn't seem to be a member of this forum): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Limon,_Colorado (note: April Fools deletion nominations are meant to be jokes and don't actually result in deletion)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 09:20:01 AM
I fully support Limon being a control city. There isn't a single thing wrong with it
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 08, 2023, 02:44:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 08, 2023, 08:59:41 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:54:48 AM
I have never seen anyone complain about Limon, Colorado being a control city outside of this forum.

Wikipedia seems to be aware (the person proposing it doesn't seem to be a member of this forum): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Limon,_Colorado (note: April Fools deletion nominations are meant to be jokes and don't actually result in deletion)

Pretty sure Wikipedia is a temporary canvas where many immature and bad ideas wind up when a flimsy argument can't quite weather repeated doses of reality, regardless of hobby or fandom.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: SkyPesos on April 08, 2023, 03:32:51 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:54:48 AM
I have never seen anyone complain about Limon, Colorado being a control city outside of this forum.
Control City Freak (the creator is on this forum, but the youtube channel isn't this forum)?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on April 09, 2023, 02:09:47 PM
Like a couple of decades ago when I was totally flummoxed by 'DEL WATER GAP' instead of 'PENNSYLVANIA' on westbound I-80 in New Jersey (Remember, I'm not from that area).

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 01:52:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:54:48 AM
I have never seen anyone complain about Limon, Colorado being a control city outside of this forum.

Outside this forum, how many people do you talk with about control cities in western states?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on April 11, 2023, 07:56:50 PM
If we just gave Limon some ridiculous name, like "Five Pounds of Werther's Originals Covered in Garlic Mayonnaise", it might become famous and would convince more people of its worthiness of being a control city.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 11, 2023, 08:05:06 PM
^^^

Just rename it "Flamin Hot Cheetos with Limon."

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 01:52:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:54:48 AM
I have never seen anyone complain about Limon, Colorado being a control city outside of this forum.

Outside this forum, how many people do you talk with about control cities in western states?

I can attest to controls cities being a highly contentious topic almost every California highway group on Facebook. 

That said, I've never personally found control cities that interesting.  I've also never had a conversation with a non-road person about control cities either.   I suspect that I never will have a control city conversation with a non-road person.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 12, 2023, 04:39:56 PM
Because of this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=32418.msg2794820#msg2794820) (i.e. anything under 50% is grounds for a ban), I've become very conscious about my on-topic percentage (defined as anything in the User Content, National Boards, and Regional Boards sections with the exception of Fictional; note that this excludes Travel). I've improved recently, with 35 of my last 100 being on-topic (up from low double digits or even single digits when MMM was active), but it's still below my long-term average of 46%. Wordle is bringing my short-term numbers down, though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 12, 2023, 10:48:29 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 12, 2023, 04:39:56 PM
(i.e. anything under 50% is grounds for a ban)

It's not. What I said was "If it was up to me, I'd ban anyone with a majority of their posts there." But in the end, it's not up to me (i.e. none of the other staff members agree with that position so far as I know), so that is not actual grounds for a ban. Thus why there's no mention of it in the forum rules.

(Though I did use the word "majority", in actuality I'd probably set the threshold higher than 50%. I post what I'd consider to be a "typical" amount in Off-Topic, and that's 31% of my posts, so doubling that would be about 60%, and I could see arguments for setting it higher than that.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2023, 05:34:48 PM
I'm not certain when or if I've seen a genuine soap box, much less someone ranting atop of one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on April 16, 2023, 02:32:45 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2023, 05:34:48 PM
I'm not certain when or if I've seen a genuine soap box, much less someone ranting atop of one.

I've seen soap boxes, but only the little ones my Irish Spring comes in. I feel like the expression stuck around longer than the object.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 16, 2023, 09:19:13 AM
Quote from: Hobart on April 16, 2023, 02:32:45 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2023, 05:34:48 PM
I'm not certain when or if I've seen a genuine soap box, much less someone ranting atop of one.

I've seen soap boxes, but only the little ones my Irish Spring comes in. I feel like the expression stuck around longer than the object.

It's not Irish Spring unless you can cut it with a pocket knife, which in retrospect...seems like a weird thing to do to soap, and an even less appealing idea if it's body wash.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 16, 2023, 09:25:43 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2023, 05:34:48 PM
I'm not certain when or if I've seen a genuine soap box, much less someone ranting atop of one.

Or an actual ice box, rather than a fridge.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 16, 2023, 02:00:04 PM
In the same manner, I've seen wrecking balls only in children's books. The demolition practice now seems to be explosives or excavators with the "thagomizer" attachment (jackhammer or claw).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on April 16, 2023, 02:21:54 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 16, 2023, 02:00:04 PMIn the same manner, I've seen wrecking balls only in children's books. The demolition practice now seems to be explosives or excavators with the "thagomizer" attachment (jackhammer or claw).

While it notes that wrecking balls are nowhere near as popular as they were in the 1950's and 1960's, the Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrecking_ball) does have a photo of one and video of another in action demolishing a feed mill in Germany.  It also says they are still used when lead or asbestos is a concern.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on April 16, 2023, 11:36:25 PM
This past weekend, I was at Microcenter picking up a 256GB SSD drive (https://www.microcenter.com/product/659867/inland-professional-256gb-ssd-3d-tlc-nand-sata-30-6-gbps-25-inch-7mm-internal-solid-state-drive) as a promotional freebie. This was a house brand SSD with a selling price of $20 and it got me thinking of how much SSDs have changed. My first SSD purchased was a Crucial M4 256 GB SSD (https://content.crucial.com/content/dam/crucial/ssd-products/m4/flyer/productflyer-crucial-m4-ssd-7mm-9-5mm-en.pdf) about ten years ago for my Core 2 Duo (https://markholtz.info/e6400) system, and at the time, it cost me $200. A year and a half later, it would be transferred over to my i7-4790K (https://markholtz.info/i7-4790k) system as part of a new build. That drive would later be replaced with a PNY CS2211 960 GB SSD (https://markholtz.info/cs2211) in 2016, and would be in continuous use until my i7-4790K died earlier this month. I recycled it for my replacement home theater PC. At 50,759 hours (just over 2,114 days) and still at 95% life, it is going to last me a few years. While it is slower in transfer speeds compared to a m.2 drive, it is still quite fast enough for the needs of that system.

(https://i.ibb.co/NTRL7mn/Crystal-Disk-Info-20230416220620.png) (https://ibb.co/NTRL7mn)

Just for fun, I checked the pricing at NewEgg for 250-256GB SSD drives, and the pricing for the lower end drives start now at $16. If you just double the capacity to 500-512GB, then the prices start at $23. Double again to 1TB, and the drives start at $38. We won't even go into USB flash drives. Still, it is absolutely amazing the technological improvement when a 256GB SSD, in ten years time, goes from a $200 premium purchase to a giveaway part.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on April 17, 2023, 01:00:47 AM
Yes.  One of the things I love about my car is that the sound system plays files off a USB flash drive.  I've got thousands of hours of music and misc. recordings on there.  In the "where is AM radio going" thread, this is really the answer to what to listen to when no FM station is in range.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 10:21:14 AM
Quote from: Hobart on April 16, 2023, 02:32:45 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2023, 05:34:48 PM
I'm not certain when or if I've seen a genuine soap box, much less someone ranting atop of one.

I've seen soap boxes, but only the little ones my Irish Spring comes in. I feel like the expression stuck around longer than the object.

Well, the proverbial soapbox that someone gets down from after preaching their message would be a wooden crate like this:

(https://cdn3.creativecirclemedia.com/hvt/original/20221027-164626-2022-10-21%20Newspaper%20Article%20No.%20174%20-%20The%20Soapbox%20-%20Photo1.jpg)

I don't believe I've ever seen one of these either, unless it was at an antique store or in someone's house as decoration and I just didn't notice.

However, I personally own one of these, which is indeed a soapbox but quite useless for standing on:

(https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/4-soap-case-520x432.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on April 17, 2023, 07:14:15 PM
Today at Texas Roadhouse, the music was behaving strangely. I was able to see a music video TV from my seat.

Normal when we came in.
Texas Roadhouse theme song. (In normal times, this is a cue for the servers to get ready to line dance. They started doing so.)
Footloose. Cut off early.
Texas Roadhouse theme song.
God Blessed Texas. Cut off early.
Texas Roadhouse theme song.
Footloose. Cut off early, but later than the first time. This is the one the servers were dancing to, although we did get waited on during it, so it wasn't everyone.
Texas Roadhouse theme song.
God Blessed Texas. Cut off early.
One or two normal songs.
The same song twice in a row, with an incorrect description on the TV (but the correct music video) at one point late in the first cycle.
About 30 minutes of normal music.
Texas Roadhouse theme song, except the music video didn't change and was still showing the previous song.
(I left the table at this point because I was done with my meal. I could no longer see the TV.)
Shivers by Ed Sheeran, which isn't a country song. At this point, I think the music went into default mode. I left the building in the middle of this song.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 17, 2023, 07:28:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 10:21:14 AM
Well, the proverbial soapbox that someone gets down from after preaching their message would be a wooden crate like this:

[snip]

When I was growing up, we had a wooden crate like that, but it was for beer, not soap. Nice sturdy box, though, that we filled with all sorts of random crap. The inside of the lid had a chessboard painted on it, and we had a bag of chess pieces of the appropriate size that we kept in the box.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 18, 2023, 07:57:19 PM
Updated Michigan construction map.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230418/6d4b330bc2fd2a6a7b0177c582348567.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 18, 2023, 09:45:13 PM
It's just unfortunate that you will have to drive through plenty of it to reach the areas shaded in blue. ;)

But despite all I've seen in the US, there's nowhere else I'd rather be but by the Great Lakes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on April 18, 2023, 10:17:05 PM
That map is inaccurate.

The Gordie Howe Bridge crosses an area shaded in blue.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 19, 2023, 08:44:22 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2023, 10:17:05 PM
That map is inaccurate.

The Gordie Howe Bridge crosses an area shaded in blue.
And the Mackinac Bridge crosses an area shaded in blue and that bridge is constantly under construction.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 24, 2023, 08:20:38 PM
How many lasers are in active use in your household? The answer was likely zero a few decades ago; and might have peaked in the early 2000s with CD and CD-ROM use.

(Having said that, there might be a wider variety of uses now.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on April 24, 2023, 08:31:06 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 24, 2023, 08:20:38 PM
How many lasers are in active use in your household? The answer was likely zero a few decades ago; and might have peaked in the early 2000s with CD and CD-ROM use.

(Having said that, there might be a wider variety of uses now.)

I always have a laser pointer on me at work, and it gets used about 1-10 minutes in day.

Not sure if too many other of our household items have lasers in them. Maybe the robotic vacuum, but I'm entirely sure of the technology behind the proximity sensors.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 24, 2023, 08:37:47 PM
The DVD/Blu-ray player
The kids' laser pointers

Golly, could that be all of them?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on April 24, 2023, 11:01:59 PM
Lets see here... the BluRay and 4K players (but no CD players), the two BluRay drives on one of my computers, the Powerpoint presenter remote that I carry around, a color and b&w laser printer, and a infrared thermometer where the laser is intended to help locate where you are pointing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on April 24, 2023, 11:12:08 PM
I have a laser printer because I got sick of inkjet cartridges drying up on me between uses.

The annoying garage door sensors probably have lasers in them too. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on April 25, 2023, 12:37:58 AM
Let's see. 
bluray players, 2.
computer multipurpose disc playsers, 2.
optical mice, 1
printer, 1
cd player, 1

I think that's the lot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 25, 2023, 07:30:15 AM
Spooky action at a distance.

Me and a friend are constantly one-upping each other, to see how far away we can make something physically happen.

We can all turn our lights on from [wherever] but...

I remote-desktopped one of my co-worker's computers ... in India ... and ejected his optical drive. Pretty sure that's about as far as one can get from Colorado and still be on the same planet.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: on_wisconsin on April 25, 2023, 08:11:02 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=najcug_WXZI
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on April 25, 2023, 09:24:00 AM
Quote from: kkt on April 25, 2023, 12:37:58 AM
optical mice

Ooh!  Good call.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on April 26, 2023, 10:40:54 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 25, 2023, 07:30:15 AM
Spooky action at a distance.

Me and a friend are constantly one-upping each other, to see how far away we can make something physically happen.

We can all turn our lights on from [wherever] but...

I remote-desktopped one of my co-worker's computers ... in India ... and ejected his optical drive. Pretty sure that's about as far as one can get from Colorado and still be on the same planet.

Back in the late 1970s when the internet was in its infancy, I was so thrilled when it was possible to make a computer print something at a location on a different continent.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on April 29, 2023, 12:33:50 PM
Italia Gardens in Flint is the best Italian restaurant in the state of Michigan by far.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on April 29, 2023, 02:56:55 PM
The English language's inconsistencies extend to contractions.

"She's not" and "She isn't" are fine; as well as "You're not" and "You aren't". However, "I'm not" is allowed, but not "I amn't".

"Are you going?" / "Yes, I'm going" ✔
"Are you going?" / "Yes, I'm." ❌
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 29, 2023, 04:13:39 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 29, 2023, 02:56:55 PM
The English language's inconsistencies extend to contractions.

"She's not" and "She isn't" are fine; as well as "You're not" and "You aren't". However, "I'm not" is allowed, but not "I amn't".

The contraction for am not is ain't, which for various reasons has fallen into disrepute.

Quote from: kurumi on April 29, 2023, 02:56:55 PM
"Are you going?" / "Yes, I'm going" ✔
"Are you going?" / "Yes, I'm." ❌

This is a question of stress. Contractions can't take stress, but noncontracted verbs can, and stress is required when nothing comes after them.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on May 03, 2023, 02:03:14 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

There was a mid-May snowstorm here in Appleton, WI in the late 1980s that took city crews over two weeks to remove all of the fallen already leafed out tree branches.

That said, it has been an unusually cool spring here so far.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on May 03, 2023, 03:10:30 PM
When they restripe a highway, and what was before the middle of the lanes is now the edge of the lanes, I wonder how long it takes for the darker areas, filled presumably with rubber particles from the tires, take to match the new lane configuration. That is, how long it takes to go, say, from the bottom image to the top:

(https://i.imgur.com/cJSnBKc.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 04, 2023, 05:32:53 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 03, 2023, 02:03:14 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

There was a mid-May snowstorm here in Appleton, WI in the late 1980s that took city crews over two weeks to remove all of the fallen already leafed out tree branches.

That said, it has been an unusually cool spring here so far.

Mike
That's about how long it'll take this one to melt probably. Last time I was in the U.P. was about a month ago and I only went up to cedarville which is in the eastern U.P. they still had some snow but the temperatures were warm up there for a few days a few weeks ago so I assume most of it melted now they have it back.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 04, 2023, 10:09:18 PM
I'm glad there has been some mention of snow. When I was coming back from the New York Tri-State Area in 2021, I decided I wanted to take a detour onto US 1 so I could cross the Susquehanna River on the Conowingo Dam. So I got off of I-95 at MD 272. But I forgot that this route crosses the Maryland-Pennsylvania border.

Well as I did so, I found two things that surprised me, one of which that probably shouldn't have. 1)The headquarters of Herr's snacks and 2)Snow flurries.


Also, the power station on the dam was as rusty as all hell.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 05, 2023, 07:20:28 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2022, 06:26:14 PM
People will come up with business models that depend on violating the Geneva conventions if we let them.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8438021,-70.8982448,3a,23.1y,173.1h,93.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ3FRtIvSwSgFp4Ir9-843w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

You're not the Red Cross.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on May 05, 2023, 08:35:45 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

I won't say it's 'common' here, but definitely possible, and has happened many times in the past.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 05, 2023, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 05, 2023, 08:35:45 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

I won't say it's 'common' here, but definitely possible, and has happened many times in the past.

Yeah, but Herman is less than 1700 feet elevation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on May 05, 2023, 10:25:28 AM
Quote from: GaryV on May 05, 2023, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 05, 2023, 08:35:45 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

I won't say it's 'common' here, but definitely possible, and has happened many times in the past.

Yeah, but Herman is less than 1700 feet elevation.

Sure, but elevation has less to do with it when it comes to the Front Range. Yeah, we get big snow in the mountains, but the Denver area, which is technically a desert, gets dumped on in May every few years or so and it generally keeps snowing all the way into the middle of Kansas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 05, 2023, 10:53:18 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 05, 2023, 10:25:28 AM
Quote from: GaryV on May 05, 2023, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 05, 2023, 08:35:45 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

I won't say it's 'common' here, but definitely possible, and has happened many times in the past.

Yeah, but Herman is less than 1700 feet elevation.

Sure, but elevation has less to do with it when it comes to the Front Range. Yeah, we get big snow in the mountains, but the Denver area, which is technically a desert, gets dumped on in May every few years or so and it generally keeps snowing all the way into the middle of Kansas.

May 20, 2022 on my way back to the Denver airport...couldn't really believe that, but my travel department wanted me to leave early.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52410080108_5dbd035ca8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nRimSQ)

I guess they were right because they cancelled my scheduled direct flight home the following night.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 06, 2023, 08:18:37 AM
Non-binary flag spotted. I still haven't seen an outdoor trans flag yet. What I have seen is rainbows, "include everything" flags, an indoor trans flag at Reading Memorial High School, and now one of these.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52874989368_ce2778b008_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 06, 2023, 10:30:54 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 05, 2023, 10:25:28 AM
Quote from: GaryV on May 05, 2023, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 05, 2023, 08:35:45 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

I won't say it's 'common' here, but definitely possible, and has happened many times in the past.

Yeah, but Herman is less than 1700 feet elevation.

Sure, but elevation has less to do with it when it comes to the Front Range. Yeah, we get big snow in the mountains, but the Denver area, which is technically a desert, gets dumped on in May every few years or so and it generally keeps snowing all the way into the middle of Kansas.
It's not really elevation up there in Herman, it's lake effect snow which happens across the Keweenaw Peninsula on a regular basis in the Winter but it's rare this late into Spring. The peninsula is surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior and you should never underestimate the power of a Great Lake. Storms have the entire width of the lake to develop and they slam that area of Michigan with over 250 inches of snow a year.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 06, 2023, 10:32:55 AM
Also back in December 1996 Herman received the single largest snowstorm in Michigan history with 30 inches falling in one day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 06, 2023, 10:36:17 AM
Quote from: GaryV on May 05, 2023, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 05, 2023, 08:35:45 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2023, 10:58:31 AM
Herman, Michigan which is in the western upper peninsula recorded 27 inches of snow yesterday and Monday that is the biggest snowfall in the eastern United States for May. Snowfall in May can happen but it's rare.

I won't say it's 'common' here, but definitely possible, and has happened many times in the past.

Yeah, but Herman is less than 1700 feet elevation.
I was looking at the average snowfall for the year up there in Herman which is 207.8 inches. The average for the month of May is 2.2 inches. January is at an average of 47.8 inches. I love going to the U.P. in the summer but hate being up there in the winter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 09, 2023, 12:36:32 AM
Yesterday, I did something nobody would expect of me. I did a GSV of Carnaby Street in London. I wanted to see how it is today, compared to 55 years ago when it was the hip and happening place to be.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 10, 2023, 07:59:36 AM
I was at a restaurant yesterday in Lawrence where the TVs were showing Telemundo New England. Whoever was doing the chyrons kept messing up. There was one message about "dies personas" (diez), and also the municipalities of Hopkington, MA (Hopkinton) and Fall River, RI (wrong state) were mentioned.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 10, 2023, 01:02:24 PM
What is the minimum rate or percentage of a price increase for something to "skyrocket"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 10, 2023, 01:32:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 10, 2023, 01:02:24 PM
What is the minimum rate or percentage of a price increase for something to "skyrocket"?
For my broke ass? Increase it by one cent and it will be a price increase worthy of the term "skyrocket".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on May 15, 2023, 11:51:28 AM
My Ford put a Chevy at the back of the bus last night. I was on my way back to Saginaw from St. Charles which is in a rural part of Saginaw County. As I was turning right onto Swan Creek Road off of M-52 I had my cruise set at 70 in a 55 zone, right after I turn the corner a Chevy Silverado proceeds to pass me I'm speeding up to 70 and he gets in front of me and is only doing about 62-65. So I went ahead and attempted to pass him back because he was going slower than I wanted to drive. After I get in the oncoming lane and punch it to get ahead of him he punches it as well and we got up to 105 mph I'm pretty sure the computer in his truck shut off at 100 and I was doing 105 to get around him, had to avoid a car ahead of me at Miller Road then I punched it again getting up to about 85 mph. The truck never caught up to me again but really what is the reason that someone would do that? He has no idea who I am or where I'm going but he's going to do something like that? Totally ridculous.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 18, 2023, 10:33:29 PM
Heading west out of Eden Prairie, MN where US 212 and Mnnesota TH 5 split, if you follow the 212 fork you'll come to the Eden Prairie Road exit. It has a blue logo sign with four restaurants on it, which are all located at the intersection of Eden Prairie Road and...TH 5.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 19, 2023, 06:20:32 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 10, 2023, 01:32:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 10, 2023, 01:02:24 PM
What is the minimum rate or percentage of a price increase for something to "skyrocket"?
For my broke ass? Increase it by one cent and it will be a price increase worthy of the term "skyrocket".
See, that's why I think the term is abused. I guess when an x and y axis aren't shown, anything can look like a sharp increase.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on May 19, 2023, 12:18:49 PM
Skyrocket definitely isn't a useful term without some understanding of tolerance for price increases, either for an individual consumer or for some well-defined population thereof.  But by the time you get into concepts of elasticity, substitution, Veblen versus Giffen goods, and so on, you're deep into a first-year economics course.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on May 19, 2023, 01:22:34 PM
It's kind of like the difference between major and minor surgery.

If it's something I buy, the price skyrocketed. If it's something you buy, it was a modest increase.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on May 20, 2023, 09:55:02 AM
According to dictionary.com (https://markholtz.info/skyrocket), "to rise or increase rapidly or suddenly, especially to unexpected or unprecedented levels." Some examples that I can think of:

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 20, 2023, 10:12:28 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 20, 2023, 09:55:02 AM
According to dictionary.com (https://markholtz.info/skyrocket), "to rise or increase rapidly or suddenly, especially to unexpected or unprecedented levels." Some examples that I can think of:

The cost of fuel that occurred in March, 2022 and lasting the entire summer. This (once again) postponed many a post-Covid road trip.

Chicken-Egg?  Catch 22?

Prices "skyrocketed" in part because so many people were taking trips.  So while there may have been some people that did have to postpone or scale back trips due to higher fuel (and other) costs, the summer of '22 saw very high demand for fuel, flights, and hotels, indicating that a LOT of people certainly did travel, and the congestion on the highways, especially on weekends, proved that to be true.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on May 20, 2023, 11:01:39 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 20, 2023, 10:12:28 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 20, 2023, 09:55:02 AM
According to dictionary.com (https://markholtz.info/skyrocket), "to rise or increase rapidly or suddenly, especially to unexpected or unprecedented levels." Some examples that I can think of:

The cost of fuel that occurred in March, 2022 and lasting the entire summer. This (once again) postponed many a post-Covid road trip.

Chicken-Egg?  Catch 22?

Prices "skyrocketed" in part because so many people were taking trips.  So while there may have been some people that did have to postpone or scale back trips due to higher fuel (and other) costs, the summer of '22 saw very high demand for fuel, flights, and hotels, indicating that a LOT of people certainly did travel, and the congestion on the highways, especially on weekends, proved that to be true.

March, 2022 corresponded with the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, and there was a corresponding spike in gas prices that was probably panic-induced. Of course, with people not being able to go anywhere in 2020 and 2021, they ate the higher cost and traveled anyways.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2023, 09:57:18 AM
Why do some hotels try to make you sit down for grab and go continental breakfast items?  I can understand not wanting cooked food in a room, but pre-packaged items seems odd.  Every once in awhile I run into a hotel that actually cares about this and apparently today was one of those days.  I ran into obstruction attempting to leave the breakfast area with an apple, pear and unopened bagel.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 24, 2023, 05:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2023, 09:57:18 AM
Why do some hotels try to make you sit down for grab and go continental breakfast items?  I can understand not wanting cooked food in a room, but pre-packaged items seems odd.  Every once in awhile I run into a hotel that actually cares about this and apparently today was one of those days.  I ran into obstruction attempting to leave the breakfast area with an apple, pear and unopened bagel.

I would have figured the whole point of "grab and go" is to take it somewhere else (car, room, wherever).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on May 24, 2023, 06:22:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2023, 09:57:18 AMWhy do some hotels try to make you sit down for grab and go continental breakfast items?  I can understand not wanting cooked food in a room, but pre-packaged items seems odd.  Every once in awhile I run into a hotel that actually cares about this and apparently today was one of those days.  I ran into obstruction attempting to leave the breakfast area with an apple, pear and unopened bagel.

To me this sounds like a bean counter myopically deciding that guests must be prevented from "stocking up," not realizing that actually enforcing this is a good way to discourage repeat stays.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on May 25, 2023, 05:02:49 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 24, 2023, 05:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2023, 09:57:18 AM
Why do some hotels try to make you sit down for grab and go continental breakfast items?  I can understand not wanting cooked food in a room, but pre-packaged items seems odd.  Every once in awhile I run into a hotel that actually cares about this and apparently today was one of those days.  I ran into obstruction attempting to leave the breakfast area with an apple, pear and unopened bagel.

I would have figured the whole point of "grab and go" is to take it somewhere else (car, room, wherever).
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2023, 06:22:54 PM
To me this sounds like a bean counter myopically deciding that guests must be prevented from "stocking up," not realizing that actually enforcing this is a good way to discourage repeat stays.

I've been to a few places that discourage taking food out of the dining area; even my dining hall in school 30 years ago had the same practice. But most places are okay with a snack on-the-go and certainly a drink and then zipping out to take care of business. Mostly the fancier "club" environs try to prohibit food from leaving, generally permitting whatever what you might fit in one hand and take-away.

During peak-COVID, almost any food served in a hotel had to be eaten elsewhere. I can understand some level of enforcement for taking fourth and fifth servings, but there's been a few rare occasions I've taken more as well (usually if my wife and kids have decided to stay and eat in the room).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on May 25, 2023, 05:31:27 PM
Proposed changes to forum guidelines:

Quote
...
Opening topics that have nothing to do with the forum's main topic./*We have entire sports and weather boards...*/
...
Using the "report a post" feature to ask an admin something or to report posts that don't break the forum guidelines. Please do not report the same thread more than once./*There are legitimate other uses for reports, such as self-reporting if you accidentally posted something in the wrong board.*/
...
When posting larges quantities of photos, please limit individual posts to include no more than ten, and to spread out larger batches with subsequent posts. This cuts down on the amount of scrolling and load time needed by users to browse photo threads. This is enforced by the forum software. /*The forum software is set to 20 right now, not 10 – it needs to be changed to be in line with this rule.*/
...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on May 25, 2023, 09:47:50 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 25, 2023, 05:31:27 PM
Proposed changes to forum guidelines:

Quote
...
Opening topics that have nothing to do with the forum's main topic./*We have entire sports and weather boards...*/
# The main topic of the sports forum is sports. The main topic of the weather forum is weather.
...
Using the "report a post" feature to ask an admin something or to report posts that don't break the forum guidelines. Please do not report the same thread more than once./*There are legitimate other uses for reports, such as self-reporting if you accidentally posted something in the wrong board.*/
# If it doesn't break the rules, you can also PM the relevant mod (or simply post publicly in the thread asking for assistance, in the case of a self-report or other non-behavioral issue). Reporting a post sends an email to everyone, so it's not the tool of choice for non-urgent requests.
...
When posting larges quantities of photos, please limit individual posts to include no more than ten, and to spread out larger batches with subsequent posts. This cuts down on the amount of scrolling and load time needed by users to browse photo threads. This is enforced by the forum software. /*The forum software is set to 20 right now, not 10 – it needs to be changed to be in line with this rule.*/
# I wasn't aware this was something the forum software even kept track of. Nevertheless, I can't find any option in the admin panel that allows us to change the image count threshold.
...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 02, 2023, 08:27:05 AM
I took this photo on May 5 in Dracut, MA. This is the nonbinary flag. Because it's Pride Month now, I'm showing it here, although it's been on my Flickr account since one day after I took the photo.

I've walked about 335 miles of unique road, 315 if you exclude trails. I've seen a decent number of rainbow flags and "include everything" flags, but this is the first nonbinary flag I've seen. I still haven't seen any outdoor trans flags yet, although I have seen one inside Reading (MA) Memorial High School. I saw a tiny bisexual flag near the ground at one point, but it didn't occur to me until today that the intent was that there was a light behind it and that it would be projected on the wall of the house at night. (I didn't take a photo of that one because I didn't realize it was intended to be projected.)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52874989368_ce2778b008_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on June 02, 2023, 09:08:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2023, 09:57:18 AM
Why do some hotels try to make you sit down for grab and go continental breakfast items?  I can understand not wanting cooked food in a room, but pre-packaged items seems odd.  Every once in awhile I run into a hotel that actually cares about this and apparently today was one of those days.  I ran into obstruction attempting to leave the breakfast area with an apple, pear and unopened bagel.

My guess is at least part of it is about Safety Theater.  Minimal handling of the items.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on June 02, 2023, 09:09:06 AM
For the third time this year, my Amplifi router decided to change the third octet of my DHCP range from 192.168.1.XXX to 192.168.139.XXX, thus knocking me entirely off the Internet from home. I'm looking at replacing my several year old system mesh system with one that supports WiFi 6 and VPN, and this system (https://amzn.to/3WO3kQF) would more than exceed my needs. The current problem is that my network setup is at the NW corner of my home, and my home office is at the SE corner of my home.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 02, 2023, 05:15:57 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 02, 2023, 08:27:05 AM
I've walked about 335 miles of unique road, 315 if you exclude trails. I've seen a decent number of rainbow flags and "include everything" flags, but this is the first nonbinary flag I've seen. I still haven't seen any outdoor trans flags yet, although I have seen one inside Reading (MA) Memorial High School. I saw a tiny bisexual flag near the ground at one point, but it didn't occur to me until today that the intent was that there was a light behind it and that it would be projected on the wall of the house at night. (I didn't take a photo of that one because I didn't realize it was intended to be projected.)

That's neat. The only pride flag I've ever seen around Oklahoma has been the standard 1979-spec (six-stripe) rainbow. Even that is fairly rare; I think I've seen more Ukrainian flags than that.

This is probably a consequence of Oklahoma being sheltered from the real world, but I wasn't aware people actually used the other pride flags as flags (rather than as, like, components for social media avatars and things like that). While I would probably be willing to fly a rainbow flag as a show of support for the community, I don't think I'd really want to get more specific about it on a flagpole outside my house. (But I'm also generally a far more private person than average, too.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 04, 2023, 06:18:47 PM
Dollar General has managed to have at least one location in every Michigan county except one and it's not Keweenaw but rather a Lower Peninsula county, Leelanau.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on June 05, 2023, 01:34:10 PM
Paywalled, but this struck me as funny this morning:
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/04/detroit-police-memo-stop-leaking-to-media/70256347007/

QuoteDetroit police officials want to stop information from leaking out to the media, according to an internal memo that was leaked to The Detroit News.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 05, 2023, 03:10:32 PM
You know how occasionally this site will show a parked domain with "popular suggestions" of what to click? It's clearly not up with the times, as under the Gaming category, it lists PS3.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on June 05, 2023, 05:08:25 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 05, 2023, 01:34:10 PM
Paywalled, but this struck me as funny this morning:
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/04/detroit-police-memo-stop-leaking-to-media/70256347007/

QuoteDetroit police officials want to stop information from leaking out to the media, according to an internal memo that was leaked to The Detroit News.

We had a similar thing happen with our state Department of Education. Someone leaked an email threatening to fire anyone who leaked any Education department emails.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on June 10, 2023, 08:53:03 PM
How to know you're a nerd: when Ian searches "Stow Declaration of Independence" on Yahoo in National Treasure, you go to Yahoo and do the same search to see if the Liberty Bell really is the top result (spoiler alert: it is).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jgb191 on June 11, 2023, 01:02:39 AM
I found that driving in Minnesota (especially during the summer season) a lot different than driving in Texas.  Driving between Duluth and the Twin Cities going 75 mph on a 70 zone, I was one of the slower drivers on I-35; I was being passed by several vehicles.  Whereas driving between Corpus Christi and Houston on US-59 driving 70 mph on a 75 zone, I was passing at least ten to twelve vehicles each way (although nearly half of the slower vehicles were large trucks).

And Minnesota's highways seems to be unique in that there aren't any frontage roads to be found on their freeways, and very few flyover ramps on the interchanges.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on June 11, 2023, 03:09:48 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 11, 2023, 01:02:39 AM
And Minnesota's highways seems to be unique in that there aren't any frontage roads to be found on their freeways, and very few flyover ramps on the interchanges.
I wouldn't say that's unique to Minnesota.  Rather, I'd say that pervasive frontage roads are uniquely Texan.  Sure, other states have them sometimes, but not like Texas does.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 11, 2023, 05:13:03 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 11, 2023, 01:02:39 AM
I found that driving in Minnesota (especially during the summer season) a lot different than driving in Texas.  Driving between Duluth and the Twin Cities going 75 mph on a 70 zone, I was one of the slower drivers on I-35; I was being passed by several vehicles.

I-35 between Duluth and MSP is one of the few fairly heavily enforced roads we have during the summer months as metro vacationers flock to/from the North Shore (it's not outrageously visible like some other states, but you'll definitely see 2-3 troopers on the stretch on summer weekends, especially the closer you are to Duluth)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 12, 2023, 01:11:13 AM
Quote from: vdeane on June 11, 2023, 03:09:48 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 11, 2023, 01:02:39 AM
And Minnesota's highways seems to be unique in that there aren't any frontage roads to be found on their freeways, and very few flyover ramps on the interchanges.
I wouldn't say that's unique to Minnesota.  Rather, I'd say that pervasive frontage roads are uniquely Texan.  Sure, other states have them sometimes, but not like Texas does.
Yeah that's true. In Michigan we have service drives that are the frontage roads but in Texas they have them even in rural areas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 12, 2023, 06:50:25 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 25, 2023, 05:02:49 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 24, 2023, 05:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2023, 09:57:18 AM
Why do some hotels try to make you sit down for grab and go continental breakfast items?  I can understand not wanting cooked food in a room, but pre-packaged items seems odd.  Every once in awhile I run into a hotel that actually cares about this and apparently today was one of those days.  I ran into obstruction attempting to leave the breakfast area with an apple, pear and unopened bagel.

I would have figured the whole point of "grab and go" is to take it somewhere else (car, room, wherever).
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2023, 06:22:54 PM
To me this sounds like a bean counter myopically deciding that guests must be prevented from "stocking up," not realizing that actually enforcing this is a good way to discourage repeat stays.

I've been to a few places that discourage taking food out of the dining area; even my dining hall in school 30 years ago had the same practice. But most places are okay with a snack on-the-go and certainly a drink and then zipping out to take care of business. Mostly the fancier "club" environs try to prohibit food from leaving, generally permitting whatever what you might fit in one hand and take-away.
Usually, I'm so busy having my breakfast at the motel dining areas, I don't even bother to take the grab and go items elsewhere.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on June 12, 2023, 10:40:05 AM
I'd rather have the Michigan State Police in front of me than behind me.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230612/fd1339cd0e226a34d9c2e994d75161a0.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 12:14:40 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2023, 09:57:18 AM
Why do some hotels try to make you sit down for grab and go continental breakfast items?  I can understand not wanting cooked food in a room, but pre-packaged items seems odd.  Every once in awhile I run into a hotel that actually cares about this and apparently today was one of those days.  I ran into obstruction attempting to leave the breakfast area with an apple, pear and unopened bagel.

My pet peeve is when a hotel breakfast has a carafe of hot water but no tea bags.  At the one I stayed at Saturday night, the supply kitchen was accessible from the dining area, so I raided the drawers and cupboards till I found the box of tea bags, took one of them for myself, and put the whole darned box out by the coffee.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 12:15:42 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 11, 2023, 01:02:39 AM
And Minnesota's highways seems to be unique in that there aren't any frontage roads to be found on their freeways, and very few flyover ramps on the interchanges.

Was this your first time leaving Texas or something?

Although I will concede that Minnesota seems to have had a serious and long-lasting love affair with cloverleaf interchanges...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on June 13, 2023, 12:39:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 12:15:42 PMAlthough I will concede that Minnesota seems to have had a serious and long-lasting love affair with cloverleaf interchanges...

Back in the early days of MTR, the prevalence of cloverleafs in Minnesota and system interchanges with left exits in Wisconsin were used to support an argument that northern states have fewer Maltese cross stacks because of the severe winters.  I never felt that made much sense because if California (the most populous state with the second highest number of stacks) and Texas (the global outlier in stacks) are left out of consideration, there are not that many more stacks in states with generally warm winters.

And now Wisconsin has its first stack with the redeveloped Zoo Interchange.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on June 13, 2023, 01:54:38 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 13, 2023, 12:39:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 12:15:42 PMAlthough I will concede that Minnesota seems to have had a serious and long-lasting love affair with cloverleaf interchanges...

Back in the early days of MTR, the prevalence of cloverleafs in Minnesota and system interchanges with left exits in Wisconsin were used to support an argument that northern states have fewer Maltese cross stacks because of the severe winters.  I never felt that made much sense because if California (the most populous state with the second highest number of stacks) and Texas (the global outlier in stacks) are left out of consideration, there are not that many more stacks in states with generally warm winters.

And now Wisconsin has its first stack with the redeveloped Zoo Interchange.
The Marquette was completed in 2008, the Zoo in 2018.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on June 15, 2023, 02:43:39 AM
Quote from: thspfc on June 13, 2023, 01:54:38 PMThe Marquette was completed in 2008, the Zoo in 2018.

Yup.  The Marquette is a multi-level interchange but not a Maltese cross stack.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on June 25, 2023, 11:09:42 AM
Regarding things that should be near-equal (e.g. election results, male:female ratio of the general population in a specific location, chance for certain events to happen that are near 50%):

Why does "4:3" or "402468 to 301851" look like a blowout while "57%" looks fairly close?

For example, https://strategy.channelfireball.com/home/rewards-of-diversity-tracking-the-representation-of-diversity-in-mtg/ shows the female:male ratio of artwork in Magic: the Gathering cards. It begins at about 0.65:1, which feels a lot more unbalanced than "40% female, 60% male". Now, it's 1.14:1 female, which is 53% female. In both cases, the percentage feels much closer to evenly split than the ratio.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on June 25, 2023, 01:21:43 PM
Why don't meteorologists study meteors?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on June 25, 2023, 01:23:21 PM
Why don't people sleep in restrooms?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on June 25, 2023, 01:24:50 PM
Anyone have that "box of cables"? I have several small toolboxes (the cheapest plastic ones I can find) of cables sorted as follows:
Plus, I repurposed a 20 Drawer Rolling Storage Cart (https://amzn.to/46pfkfW) which consists of:
...and, I still end up with a box full of cables (a good of it being coax cables).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on June 25, 2023, 05:14:13 PM
One thing that I've thought would be cool is if radio presets could be set up as a customization grid instead of a simple linear system.  On my Civic's system, I have to keep one the same between FM1 and FM2 to make switching between the two easy (when switching sources, the right/left buttons that move between presents momentarily change to switching between sources, even though the "source" button iterates between a small number of sources, making this unnecessary, so going directly from FM1-1 to FM2-6 would require a momentary pause and not be seamless), and on the DOT Prius, it's all one big bank, which takes care of that but adds a new problem in that some stations require a lot of button presses to switch between.  A grid where I could assign "coordinates" in addition to frequencies would solve that problem, as I could use left for west, up for north, right for east, and down for south.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Molandfreak on June 25, 2023, 05:24:49 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 11, 2023, 01:02:39 AM
And Minnesota's highways seems to be unique in that there aren't any frontage roads to be found on their freeways, and very few flyover ramps on the interchanges.
I hate the fact that the old US 65 alignment was mangled between exit 84 and 85 on I-35 in Lakeville. Now it's a built up area where you have to take a pretty lengthy detour if you want to follow surface roads.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on June 25, 2023, 07:33:07 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 25, 2023, 01:24:50 PM
Anyone have that "box of cables"? I have several small toolboxes (the cheapest plastic ones I can find) of cables sorted as follows:

  • NEMA 5-15P to C13 Power Cables (computer-type power cables)
  • NEMA 1-15P to IEC C7 2-prong non-polarized power cables
  • IEC320 C7 to NEMA 1-15P 2-prong polarized power cables
  • NEMA 5-15P to C5 (Mickey Mouse) power cables
  • HDMI Cables
  • HDMI Adapters (mostly HDMI to miniHDMI)
  • Displayport Cables
  • Displayport Adapters (mostly Displayport to HDMI)
  • miniDisplay (Thunderbolt) Adapters (including to HDMI, DMI, and VGA)
  • USB Power Bricks (mostly low-power)

Yes, I have such a box, which seems to be in chronological order ... such as audio cables on the bottom, then a layer of RS-232 cables, a layer of SCSI cables, layer of FireWire, a layer of USB ...

I liken that box to an archeological dig.  The deeper you go the older it is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: algorerhythms on June 25, 2023, 11:57:23 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 25, 2023, 07:33:07 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 25, 2023, 01:24:50 PM
Anyone have that "box of cables"? I have several small toolboxes (the cheapest plastic ones I can find) of cables sorted as follows:

  • NEMA 5-15P to C13 Power Cables (computer-type power cables)
  • NEMA 1-15P to IEC C7 2-prong non-polarized power cables
  • IEC320 C7 to NEMA 1-15P 2-prong polarized power cables
  • NEMA 5-15P to C5 (Mickey Mouse) power cables
  • HDMI Cables
  • HDMI Adapters (mostly HDMI to miniHDMI)
  • Displayport Cables
  • Displayport Adapters (mostly Displayport to HDMI)
  • miniDisplay (Thunderbolt) Adapters (including to HDMI, DMI, and VGA)
  • USB Power Bricks (mostly low-power)

Yes, I have such a box, which seems to be in chronological order ... such as audio cables on the bottom, then a layer of RS-232 cables, a layer of SCSI cables, layer of FireWire, a layer of USB ...

I liken that box to an archeological dig.  The deeper you go the older it is.
My cable box is so old and tangled, that it was originally used as the Gordian knot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on June 26, 2023, 02:33:59 AM
My cable collection (not really a box) is like Troy after Schliemann finished with it--four or five cities from different eras plus areas of disturbed strata left by desperate searches for something to allow some device or other to connect.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on June 26, 2023, 07:30:36 AM
I always say I'm going to streamline all our unnecessary cables, adapters, and connectors but I usually just find more of it, which leads to me just re-organizing it.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU'LL SAVE THE DAY WITH THAT 60-FOOT RJ-11 CORD
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on June 26, 2023, 09:12:35 AM
Just I noticed that I have been on this forum longer than kirbykart. I can't believe that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on June 26, 2023, 09:23:12 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 25, 2023, 07:33:07 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 25, 2023, 01:24:50 PM
Anyone have that "box of cables"? I have several small toolboxes (the cheapest plastic ones I can find) of cables sorted as follows:

Yes, I have such a box, which seems to be in chronological order ... such as audio cables on the bottom, then a layer of RS-232 cables, a layer of SCSI cables, layer of FireWire, a layer of USB ...

I liken that box to an archeological dig.  The deeper you go the older it is.
9-pin or 25-pin RS-232 connectors? Or some 9-pin to 25-pin adapters? I would have thought they would have gone out of style with Dial-Up Modems, but then some older equipment uses RS-232 as a terminal interface to access the console.

Unfortunately, I did some major purging at the end of 2018 which meant that some of those obsolete cables had to go into electronics recycling. Like I said, some of it was obsolete. While I didn't have any SCSI, I had some IDE cables (long obsolete and replaced with SATA), plus some VGA and DVI cables. Both are very obsolete compared to DisplayPort (highly preferred) and HDMI, thus the dedicated boxes. If I really need one of those obsolete cables, I'm sure I can get it from Amazon.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 26, 2023, 09:29:30 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on June 26, 2023, 09:12:35 AM
Just I noticed that I have been on this forum longer than kirbykart. I can't believe that.

Sometimes I can't believe you're still here either.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on June 26, 2023, 11:09:28 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 26, 2023, 09:23:12 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 25, 2023, 07:33:07 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 25, 2023, 01:24:50 PM
Anyone have that "box of cables"? I have several small toolboxes (the cheapest plastic ones I can find) of cables sorted as follows:

Yes, I have such a box, which seems to be in chronological order ... such as audio cables on the bottom, then a layer of RS-232 cables, a layer of SCSI cables, layer of FireWire, a layer of USB ...

I liken that box to an archeological dig.  The deeper you go the older it is.
9-pin or 25-pin RS-232 connectors? Or some 9-pin to 25-pin adapters? I would have thought they would have gone out of style with Dial-Up Modems, but then some older equipment uses RS-232 as a terminal interface to access the console.

Unfortunately, I did some major purging at the end of 2018 which meant that some of those obsolete cables had to go into electronics recycling. Like I said, some of it was obsolete. While I didn't have any SCSI, I had some IDE cables (long obsolete and replaced with SATA), plus some VGA and DVI cables. Both are very obsolete compared to DisplayPort (highly preferred) and HDMI, thus the dedicated boxes. If I really need one of those obsolete cables, I'm sure I can get it from Amazon.

I've still got some SCSI cables.  I liked their design.  Screw in place, they did not accidentally jiggle loose at the most inconvenient time like USB.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 26, 2023, 11:12:43 AM
I'll always keep some composite (3 patch) and component (5 patch) cables.  Whenever we rearrange our entertainment center or buy a new device, I always end up needing one or two A/V cables, so I keep those around to just rip one or two off from the set.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 29, 2023, 01:56:05 PM
- What is the greatest goat of all time?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 29, 2023, 02:25:01 PM
You mean excluding Goat Jesus?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on June 29, 2023, 02:28:54 PM
Not necessarily.  Is Jesus the GGOATOAT?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on June 30, 2023, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 29, 2023, 01:56:05 PM
- What is the greatest goat of all time?

I just like that searching "famous goats" on Google literally supplied me 20 different answers in the first 20 results.

Which means there is a greatest goat of all time and there is no greatest goat of all time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 08, 2023, 08:57:19 AM
Quote from: formulanone on June 30, 2023, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 29, 2023, 01:56:05 PM
- What is the greatest goat of all time?

I just like that searching "famous goats" on Google literally supplied me 20 different answers in the first 20 results.

Which means there is a greatest goat of all time and there is no greatest goat of all time.
TIL: Famous goats exist.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 11, 2023, 08:29:45 AM
Which image hosting website is "John Madden.com"?

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=19421.msg2854848#msg2854848
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 11, 2023, 09:14:37 AM
I see the image correctly. I have the "Leave words uncensored" option checked. The host is actually maineanencyclopedia dot com (no "Sault Sainte John Madden" in it).

N.b.: This post only makes sense with that option on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 11, 2023, 09:20:25 AM
For those who don't change it:

m a i n e a n e n c y c l o p e d i a

It looks like it filters the first three letters, anything at all instead of just an s for the fourth letter, and the last letter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 17, 2023, 02:33:41 PM
The "parked domain" issue on the forum is much more prevalent for me today than it usually is. Is anyone else experiencing this?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on July 17, 2023, 04:32:13 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 17, 2023, 02:33:41 PM
The "parked domain" issue on the forum is much more prevalent for me today than it usually is. Is anyone else experiencing this?
yes
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 20, 2023, 10:50:11 PM
ASCII art meat cleaver.

▔┕74┚
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 24, 2023, 09:35:01 AM
(_0_)~~~

Enchilada night.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on July 24, 2023, 12:19:34 PM
What if Gritty is actually a handsome prince, and if the Philadelphia Flyers win the Stanley Cup, the curse will be broken?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on July 24, 2023, 12:51:41 PM
Something made me remember this utterly obscure piece of random "poetry."

On registration day at taxidermy school
I distinctly saw the eyes of the stuffed moose
Move.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on July 26, 2023, 09:53:24 PM
Try having a Zoom call with these people. Text in blue is constantly changing.

_
§k aaaaaaaa
24.63.148.133
(985) 655-2500
Alexa
AutoModerator (Bot)
ChatGPT
Co-Host
Cortana
Dinnerbone
everyone
here
Host
iPhone
jeb_
Louis Xi
Sam (he/her)
Siri
Siri (clone, 02:34 remaining)
Xbox Sign Out
You
Zoom Staff
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on July 28, 2023, 08:38:44 AM
This must be a full-time job.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230728/58fad39475fd6818dcc84f83a6690734.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 29, 2023, 03:08:09 PM
Where did storks build their nests before churches were built?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on July 29, 2023, 07:21:59 PM
Mildly interesting: the current populations of SD, NE, KS, and OK, in a row, are slightly less than 1MM, 2MM, 3MM, and 4MM.

South Dakota, at 895,000, is the furthest behind its 1MM boundary, but did grow at the highest rate over the past decade.

Source: https://wisevoter.com/state-rankings/population-growth-by-state/#map

(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/2e/99/SnAVx0Ja_t.png) (https://imgbox.com/SnAVx0Ja)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on July 31, 2023, 07:31:23 AM
I've always thought it's strange that OK's population is higher than KS. Kansas has been around for a lot longer and is, in general, more effectively managed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on August 01, 2023, 02:05:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 31, 2023, 07:31:23 AMI've always thought it's strange that OK's population is higher than KS. Kansas has been around for a lot longer and is, in general, more effectively managed.

I looked up the historical demography of both states.  Kansas did have a larger population than Oklahoma until the 1920 Census.  However, Oklahoma grew extremely rapidly, especially in the first few years of statehood, and the World War I-era oil boom was more pronounced there.

Kansas also had more robust growth from 1930 to 1960:  population increased from 1.9 million to 2.2 million, while Oklahoma stagnated around 2.3 million.  Since then, however, Oklahoma has had consistently higher population growth with each Census with the exception of 1980-1990 (4.0% in Oklahoma versus 4.8% in Kansas).

I'm not sure how to account for the disparity in recent decades, but suspect it has to do with the fossil-fuel energy industry, which is much bigger in Oklahoma on a per capita basis.  Oklahoma (https://www.eia.gov/state/print.php?sid=OK) has over four times as many barrels of proven oil reserves as Kansas (https://www.eia.gov/state/print.php?sid=KS) (1.474 billion versus 292 million), and its supply and distribution networks handle more than ten times as much natural gas (2.6 trillion cubic feet versus 152 billion cubic feet).  Both states get almost the same share of their electricity from wind (47% in Kansas versus 44% in Oklahoma).

The energy industry has a way of propping up other sectors of the economy (Wichita owes its aviation cluster to entrepreneurs who made their investment capital in the El Dorado oil fields in the late 1910's and early 1920's), so in Oklahoma I suspect it has helped mask significant problems with rural decline.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on August 01, 2023, 02:16:40 PM
With this post, I am on pace for 62 posts this month. I predicted 60-70 posts for this month yesterday.

Here is my amount of posts per month:

April 2022: 46
May to August 2022: 0
September 2022: 37
October 2022: 1
November 2022: 126
December 2022: 181
January 2023: 70
February 2023: 8
March 2023: 65
April 2023: 109
May 2023: 42
June 2023: 32
July 2023: 26
August 2023: 2*
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:57:30 AM
The extreme differences that can exist within a county. For example, in the county I live in:


Then again, if you look at W Park Blvd in Plano between Alma and Custer, there are two farms completely surrounded by housing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on August 16, 2023, 10:41:03 AM
How come the past tense of troubleshoot is not troubleshot?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on August 16, 2023, 12:03:50 PM
Quote from: formulanone on August 16, 2023, 10:41:03 AM
How come the past tense of troubleshoot is not troubleshot?
Is it not? I think that’s what I would have used.  :sombrero:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on August 16, 2023, 12:06:47 PM
Quote from: US 89 on August 16, 2023, 12:03:50 PM
Quote from: formulanone on August 16, 2023, 10:41:03 AM
How come the past tense of troubleshoot is not troubleshot?
Is it not? I think that's what I would have used.  :sombrero:

"Troubleshooted" comes up a lot. Maybe that missing O just looks like a typo.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on August 16, 2023, 02:23:06 PM
I've only ever used the gerund form, like "they were troubleshooting it" , so I've never really thought about past tense.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on August 16, 2023, 05:16:05 PM
StackExchange:  troubleshooted versus troubleshot (https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/3060/which-is-correct-troubleshooted-or-troubleshot)

Personally, I tend to steer clear of both--the former is awkward while the latter is widely considered questionable.  If I'm describing the outcome of troubleshooting, I tend to use a word like diagnosed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on August 16, 2023, 05:41:42 PM
Hard to believe it's been 28 years since the passing of J.P. McCarthy. He was the iconic morning radio talk show host at WJR radio in Detroit for over 30 years. A true Motor City legend.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 16, 2023, 06:40:45 PM
troubleshootize
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on August 16, 2023, 06:56:52 PM
Anyone who used "troubleshooted" would get laughed out of my office.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 16, 2023, 09:13:12 PM
What if they "shot trouble?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on August 16, 2023, 09:23:03 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 16, 2023, 09:13:12 PM
What if they "shot trouble?"
You will loose the account.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on August 17, 2023, 10:22:40 AM
Quote from: Rothman on August 16, 2023, 06:56:52 PM
Anyone who used "troubleshooted" would get laughed out of my office.

We're loaded with engineers here, and I have my doubts...that's clearly lot of force and distracting noise just to physically expel an adult human body from an office.

What word would you use?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Dirt Roads on August 17, 2023, 04:53:02 PM
It is very common to use the term "troubleshooted" in railway signalling (and rail transit), but in West Virginia the railroaders always said "shootin' trouble" (present or past tense) or "done troubleshootin' " (past tense only).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on August 17, 2023, 05:51:53 PM
Quote from: formulanone on August 17, 2023, 10:22:40 AM
Quote from: Rothman on August 16, 2023, 06:56:52 PM
Anyone who used "troubleshooted" would get laughed out of my office.

We're loaded with engineers here, and I have my doubts...that's clearly lot of force and distracting noise just to physically expel an adult human body from an office.

What word would you use?
Troubleshot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on August 17, 2023, 06:30:43 PM
troubleshootify
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 10:56:23 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 01, 2023, 02:05:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 31, 2023, 07:31:23 AMI've always thought it's strange that OK's population is higher than KS. Kansas has been around for a lot longer and is, in general, more effectively managed.

I looked up the historical demography of both states.  Kansas did have a larger population than Oklahoma until the 1920 Census.  However, Oklahoma grew extremely rapidly, especially in the first few years of statehood, and the World War I-era oil boom was more pronounced there.

Kansas also had more robust growth from 1930 to 1960:  population increased from 1.9 million to 2.2 million, while Oklahoma stagnated around 2.3 million.  Since then, however, Oklahoma has had consistently higher population growth with each Census with the exception of 1980-1990 (4.0% in Oklahoma versus 4.8% in Kansas).

...

I doubt there's much of a difference in population trends in the rural areas, so I'm guessing the disparity is in OKC/Tulsa metro growth vs. Wichita/Topeka/KCK metro growth. With that in mind, would it be fair to surmise that OKC itself is a reason for the higher rates of growth in Oklahoma? In other words, OKC is centrally located at a major interstate crossroads and large enough that it's become a "destination city" for people looking to move from other parts of the country, somewhat similar to the large metros in Texas, but on a smaller scale. That in turn leads to industries locating there, which fuels faster urban and suburban growth, and so on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 07:45:23 AM
Well, I can now confirm that the "Streetsblog" website no longer allows people to post anything contradicting their propaganda.

There was an article praising the reduction of lanes on the BQE along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade claiming it proves fewer lanes are an improvement while almost everybody who posted there who wasn't an anti-car fanatic was saying they were out of their minds.  Now all the posts are gone.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 18, 2023, 07:52:57 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 07:45:23 AM
Well, I can now confirm that the "Streetsblog" website no longer allows people to post anything contradicting their propaganda.

There was an article praising the reduction of lanes on the BQE along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade claiming it proves fewer lanes are an improvement while almost everybody who posted there who wasn't an anti-car fanatic was saying they were out of their minds.  Now all the posts are gone.

Does that surprise you?  Those aren't infrastructure enthusiasts, they are are zealots of an ideology. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on August 18, 2023, 07:57:44 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 18, 2023, 07:52:57 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 07:45:23 AM
Well, I can now confirm that the "Streetsblog" website no longer allows people to post anything contradicting their propaganda.

There was an article praising the reduction of lanes on the BQE along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade claiming it proves fewer lanes are an improvement while almost everybody who posted there who wasn't an anti-car fanatic was saying they were out of their minds.  Now all the posts are gone.

Does that surprise you?  Those aren't infrastructure enthusiasts, they are are zealots of an ideology.

It's amazing what people want to peddle, even though some of their urbanite ideas are bus-ted. Hopefully, some karma runs over their dogma.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 18, 2023, 08:04:54 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 18, 2023, 07:57:44 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 18, 2023, 07:52:57 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 07:45:23 AM
Well, I can now confirm that the "Streetsblog" website no longer allows people to post anything contradicting their propaganda.

There was an article praising the reduction of lanes on the BQE along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade claiming it proves fewer lanes are an improvement while almost everybody who posted there who wasn't an anti-car fanatic was saying they were out of their minds.  Now all the posts are gone.

Does that surprise you?  Those aren't infrastructure enthusiasts, they are are zealots of an ideology.

It's amazing what people want to peddle, even though some of their urbanite ideas are bus-ted. Hopefully, some karma runs over their dogma.

A lot of this urbanism stuff is led by those who feel disenfranchised.  Why they feel that way tends to vary but also is at the heart of the urbanism movement.  I tend to think the movement is toxic, but it doesn't mean those root causes don't need to be addressed. 

Speaking for myself, I'd love to have the ability to cycle or run to work.  But I'm also someone in a vast minority in that I actually enjoy exercise.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on August 18, 2023, 10:16:19 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 18, 2023, 08:04:54 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 18, 2023, 07:57:44 AMIt's amazing what people want to peddle, even though some of their urbanite ideas are bus-ted. Hopefully, some karma runs over their dogma.

A lot of this urbanism stuff is led by those who feel disenfranchised.  Why they feel that way tends to vary but also is at the heart of the urbanism movement.  I tend to think the movement is toxic, but it doesn't mean those root causes don't need to be addressed. 

Speaking for myself, I'd love to have the ability to cycle or run to work.  But I'm also someone in a vast minority in that I actually enjoy exercise.

Some of those urbanites and the members of the Anti-Car Alliance (ACA) take the "How... dare... YOU!!!" guilt trip to make their point. They tell stories of the joys of high-density housing (apartment) living and the wonders of car-free living through mass-transit. Yet, some of the same folks who praise the apartment life will "How... dare... YOU!!!" the landlord when the lease is up and the rent goes up.

Guess what? There are plenty of stories of the wonders and horrors of both apartment living and being a homeowner. Whether it makes sense to rent or to purchase depends on multiple factors including income, the area you are living in, whether you are single or have a family of four, and so on. Having said that, some of the joy of apartment living bubble burst when Covid hit, and those apartment dwellers discovered they needed more room.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 11:43:21 AM
I thought the sudden spike in crime had more to do with bursting the bubble of apartment living. But yes, COVID-19 was the first step.

Speaking of which, one of those anti-car advocates kept trying to sell me the benefits of using a bike instead of a car. I wanted to remind them of an incident from the South Bronx in 1978 where some neighborhood thug killed a 12-year-old boy for his bike right in front of his friends, even though the asshole was obviously too big for the damn thing. I wanted to make him realize that bike riders are easier targets for criminals than drivers in their cars and trucks. Not that drivers aren't victimized by thugs on the road, of course. It's just easier for crooks to go after people on bikes than in cars.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 18, 2023, 12:34:06 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 11:43:21 AM
I thought the sudden spike in crime had more to do with bursting the bubble of apartment living. But yes, COVID-19 was the first step.

Speaking of which, one of those anti-car advocates kept trying to sell me the benefits of using a bike instead of a car. I wanted to remind them of an incident from the South Bronx in 1978 where some neighborhood thug killed a 12-year-old boy for his bike right in front of his friends, even though the asshole was obviously too big for the damn thing. I wanted to make him realize that bike riders are easier targets for criminals than drivers in their cars and trucks. Not that drivers aren't victimized by thugs on the road, of course. It's just easier for crooks to go after people on bikes than in cars.

Are there any statistics out there that show that bicycle riders have a higher incidence of crimes committed against them than drivers do?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on August 18, 2023, 02:08:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 10:56:23 PMI doubt there's much of a difference in population trends in the rural areas, so I'm guessing the disparity is in OKC/Tulsa metro growth vs. Wichita/Topeka/KCK metro growth. With that in mind, would it be fair to surmise that OKC itself is a reason for the higher rates of growth in Oklahoma? In other words, OKC is centrally located at a major interstate crossroads and large enough that it's become a "destination city" for people looking to move from other parts of the country, somewhat similar to the large metros in Texas, but on a smaller scale. That in turn leads to industries locating there, which fuels faster urban and suburban growth, and so on.

It's certainly true that the Oklahoma City metropolitan area has never had a decade of less than double-digit population growth.  The Wichita metropolitan area has never shrunk in population, but the growth has been in the single digits in six of the 12 decades since 1900.

Metropolitan areaPopulation ratio 2020 to 1910
Tulsa29.0
Oklahoma City16.7
Wichita8.86
Kansas City5.19
Topeka(Historical population not available on Wikipedia)

(This table is indicative only--I've made no attempt to exclude Missouri population for KC or to account for inclusion of additional counties in any of the metropolitan areas.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 19, 2023, 04:03:30 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 18, 2023, 12:34:06 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 11:43:21 AM
I thought the sudden spike in crime had more to do with bursting the bubble of apartment living. But yes, COVID-19 was the first step.

Speaking of which, one of those anti-car advocates kept trying to sell me the benefits of using a bike instead of a car. I wanted to remind them of an incident from the South Bronx in 1978 where some neighborhood thug killed a 12-year-old boy for his bike right in front of his friends, even though the asshole was obviously too big for the damn thing. I wanted to make him realize that bike riders are easier targets for criminals than drivers in their cars and trucks. Not that drivers aren't victimized by thugs on the road, of course. It's just easier for crooks to go after people on bikes than in cars.

Are there any statistics out there that show that bicycle riders have a higher incidence of crimes committed against them than drivers do?
I have no clue. The bike lobbyists and anti-car groups only seem to focus on how often they're hit by cars. I know I've faced a lot of shit from some thugs when I rode bikes, and that was in the suburbs.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 27, 2023, 06:27:31 PM
I'm going to tell you people a story about one of the last times I was in The Bronx.

The day I went on a photographic rampage at the 238th Street El station on the 1 train in Kingsbridge, I too the train back south to the 207th Street El station so I could get to the University Heights Bridge My original plan was to take the Bx12 SBS to the White Plains Road Line and take a subway train up to Nereid Avenue so I could grab a load of pictures of the 238th Street Viaduct in Wakefield. In the past, I never really had any problems on the Bx12 SBS... until that day.

I got my ticket in Inwood, and ended up on a slow overcrowded crawl along the University Heights Bridge. All the time I was overhearing the repeated automated female voice telling people to "please steer clear from the doors," or something to that effect. NOBODY was able to comply with that. Finally, just east of the intersection of West Fordham and Cedar Avenue, I decided to get off the bus and postpone my 238th Street Viaduct crusade. Instead, I took a few additional pics of the University Heights Metro-North station.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 27, 2023, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on August 18, 2023, 11:43:21 AM
I thought the sudden spike in crime had more to do with bursting the bubble of apartment living. But yes, COVID-19 was the first step.

Speaking of which, one of those anti-car advocates kept trying to sell me the benefits of using a bike instead of a car. I wanted to remind them of an incident from the South Bronx in 1978 where some neighborhood thug killed a 12-year-old boy for his bike right in front of his friends, even though the asshole was obviously too big for the damn thing. I wanted to make him realize that bike riders are easier targets for criminals than drivers in their cars and trucks. Not that drivers aren't victimized by thugs on the road, of course. It's just easier for crooks to go after people on bikes than in cars.

The first issue with this is using a single incident from 1978 for your argument. NYC, and the Bronx, are nothing like what they were in 1978.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 27, 2023, 07:14:40 PM
Didn't the 1970s decade have the highest or one or highest overall violent crime rates since the Uniform Crime Report started in 1929?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 27, 2023, 08:52:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 27, 2023, 07:14:40 PM
Didn't the 1970s decade have the highest or one or highest overall violent crime rates since the Uniform Crime Report started in 1929?
It did, and I think that one incident just serves as an example of how bad things were. There have been other instances of bicyclists being easier targets for criminals, none of which I can think of off-hand.

Just so you know, I don't want anybody to think I'm suggesting not to ride a bike. If you can commute by bike, or take tours on some of the trails, good for you.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on August 29, 2023, 06:16:08 PM
All of my pictures by state:

Virginia: 5148
North Carolina: 1175
Maryland: 1148
South Carolina: 1143
Florida: 1006
Georgia: 657
Tennessee: 316
Delaware: 14
District of Columbia: 1

Date of my first picture in those states:

Virginia: July 10, 2022 (1st ever)
North Carolina: May 18, 2023
Maryland: August 9, 2023
Delaware: August 12, 2023
District of Columbia: August 13, 2023
South Carolina: August 25, 2023
Georgia: August 25, 2023
Florida: August 27, 2023
Tennessee: August 28, 2023
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on September 01, 2023, 05:05:28 AM
It happened to me that some signs I've photographed later ended up in my sign collection. Did this ever happen to any of y'all?

The photos, for reference:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53155819277_0ab1d136f0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oZct9H)Chemin des Patton, 2017 - 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZct9H) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156410766_997af22cf9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oZfuYN)Pointe-des-Canots, 2017 - 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZfuYN) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156611224_abf9f23708_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oZgwyY)Pointe-des-Canots, 2017 - 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZgwyY) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156611264_f6735c5e57_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oZgwzE)Pointe-des-Canots, 2017 - 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZgwzE) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 01, 2023, 09:11:27 AM
Yes, an Oatman Highway sign came into my possession (via eBay purchase) after the street blades were replaced this last decade.

https://flic.kr/p/SxYUJE

https://flic.kr/p/SLX7qU
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on September 04, 2023, 09:05:43 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 01, 2023, 05:05:28 AM
It happened to me that some signs I've photographed later ended up in my sign collection. Did this ever happen to any of y'all?

The photos, for reference:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53155819277_0ab1d136f0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oZct9H)Chemin des Patton, 2017 - 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZct9H) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

Wait, Quebec numbers its snowmobile routes in a separate system with shields containing snowflakes?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 04, 2023, 02:25:57 PM
Again with Lebanon Station, Florida. I've never really liked the sign arrangements for the off-ramps from US 19-98 to FL 121 and Levy CR 336.
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.1638404,-82.639101,3a,75y,1.54h,90.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMl34r3ecw3acy_2RpIaTSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&entry=ttu
The state road and county road shields should be on the same sign tree.

I know Kurumi's SignMaker page and similar ones would let you make big highway signs, but isn't there a similar program that let's you just make local signs?

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: DriverDave on September 05, 2023, 08:47:18 AM
Some of the moon missions took place during the Nixon-55 mph speed limit era. Did that speed limit apply to the luna Rover they were driving around? Wonder what its top speed was anyway?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on September 05, 2023, 09:07:33 AM
Quote from: DriverDave on September 05, 2023, 08:47:18 AM
Some of the moon missions took place during the Nixon-55 mph speed limit era. Did that speed limit apply to the luna Rover they were driving around? Wonder what its top speed was anyway?
The last manned mission to the moon was before the NMSL was enacted. There were a handful of unmanned flybys after Nixon left office and before the NMSL was repealed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 05, 2023, 09:30:24 AM
Per Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_Roving_Vehicle

QuoteThe rovers were designed with a top speed of about 8 mph (13 km/h), although Eugene Cernan recorded a maximum speed of 11.2 mph (18.0 km/h), giving him the (unofficial) lunar land-speed record.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on September 09, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
Since people are often too busy to proofread, spell checkers should not only check for "is / is not a word", but also "is a legitimate word, but are you sure that's what you want".

For some embarrassing stuff that gets through, search Google for "pubic library" (that is, without the L). Not only libraries, but people's resumes, show up as links.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on September 09, 2023, 03:37:05 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 09, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
Since people are often too busy to proofread, spell checkers should not only check for "is / is not a word", but also "is a legitimate word, but are you sure that's what you want".

For some embarrassing stuff that gets through, search Google for "pubic library" (that is, without the L). Not only libraries, but people's resumes, show up as links.

Or, you know, people who cared could proofread their own writing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: algorerhythms on September 09, 2023, 10:26:40 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 09, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
Since people are often too busy to proofread, spell checkers should not only check for "is / is not a word", but also "is a legitimate word, but are you sure that's what you want".

For some embarrassing stuff that gets through, search Google for "pubic library" (that is, without the L). Not only libraries, but people's resumes, show up as links.
Spell checkers are not smart enough to figure out if it's the correct word. I wish Apple would get that through their skulls, so the iPhone keyboard would stop second-guessing what I'm typing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on September 10, 2023, 09:07:42 AM
Quote from: kkt on September 09, 2023, 03:37:05 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 09, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
Since people are often too busy to proofread, spell checkers should not only check for "is / is not a word", but also "is a legitimate word, but are you sure that's what you want".

For some embarrassing stuff that gets through, search Google for "pubic library" (that is, without the L). Not only libraries, but people's resumes, show up as links.

Or, you know, people who cared could proofread their own writing.


One of the procedures my office has adopted for major written work product is that when we have almost finished with something, one of has Word read the document aloud. That can take a while (a 50-page document typically takes about two hours), but it's astonishing how helpful it is because there's always something. Even if there are no typos (there usually are), hearing it read out loud causes you to notice stylistic things to fix, like two avoidable instances of the same word in very short succession. You do have to pay attention to the screen when doing this. The software highlights the word (or sometimes words, like in the case of a date or a multi-word place name like "New York") it's reading at any given moment, and watching the screen is a big part of what helps you catch mistakes because sometimes your mind sees what it knows the document was meant to say and then hearing something else read is somewhat jarring.




Quote from: algorerhythms on September 09, 2023, 10:26:40 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 09, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
Since people are often too busy to proofread, spell checkers should not only check for "is / is not a word", but also "is a legitimate word, but are you sure that's what you want".

For some embarrassing stuff that gets through, search Google for "pubic library" (that is, without the L). Not only libraries, but people's resumes, show up as links.
Spell checkers are not smart enough to figure out if it's the correct word. I wish Apple would get that through their skulls, so the iPhone keyboard would stop second-guessing what I'm typing.

You can turn that off on your iPhone. But the issue you raise about the correct word is why grammar-checking is part of word processing software these days. I find it to be somewhat rudimentary and not terribly helpful most of the time–I find often as not if it flags a word, it's because it doesn't recognize that the word has a technical use. For me, hearing the software read the document is more useful for that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 10, 2023, 02:34:26 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 09, 2023, 03:30:47 PM
For some embarrassing stuff that gets through, search Google for "pubic library" (that is, without the L). Not only libraries, but people's resumes, show up as links.

The public library in the town I grew up in had the letter L fall off the building.  Or it was vandalized by mischievous teen-agers, which during my time there was at least as likely.  So it indeed said "PUB IC   LIBRARY" on the outside of the building for a time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 11, 2023, 12:15:48 PM
Imagine a world in which you weren't prompted to change all of your passwords every so often.   :D

Imagine a world in which you had to change all of your passwords on the same day.   :ded:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on September 11, 2023, 01:44:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 11, 2023, 12:15:48 PM
Imagine a world in which you weren't prompted to change all of your passwords every so often.   :D

Imagine a world in which you had to change all of your passwords on the same day.   :ded:

I did that at the end of the year after LastPass had a bleeping data breach where they lost their secrets, I migrated to a new password, and changed every... single... password.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on September 11, 2023, 07:41:29 PM
It amazes me that LastPass is still in business after that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on September 12, 2023, 12:48:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 11, 2023, 12:15:48 PM
Imagine a world in which you weren't prompted to change all of your passwords every so often.   :D

Imagine a world in which you had to change all of your passwords on the same day.   :ded:

I wish my passwords would change on the same day. At work, we have a couple of different systems with separate passwords, which have slightly different mandatory reset intervals. I started them out as all the same one, but now I have a hard time keeping straight which ones I've had to change and what my new passwords are.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 12, 2023, 09:53:13 AM
Quote from: US 89 on September 12, 2023, 12:48:24 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 11, 2023, 12:15:48 PM
Imagine a world in which you weren't prompted to change all of your passwords every so often.   :D

Imagine a world in which you had to change all of your passwords on the same day.   :ded:

I wish my passwords would change on the same day. At work, we have a couple of different systems with separate passwords, which have slightly different mandatory reset intervals. I started them out as all the same one, but now I have a hard time keeping straight which ones I've had to change and what my new passwords are.

This would only help if I used the same password for everything.  Unfortunately, not only is that a bad idea from a security perspective, but different programs and sites have different parameters for what makes an acceptable password.  So, for example, if SmutMaster789 might work for 90% of my passwords, but then I might have to get access to something that requires a "special character", or that limits password length to 12 digits, or disallows a string of three digits in numerical order, or whatever.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on September 12, 2023, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 12, 2023, 09:53:13 AM
So, for example, if SmutMaster789 might work for 90% of my passwords.

According to How Secure Is My Password? (https://markholtz.info/securepassword), it would take 1 hundred thousand years to crack that password. Now, if you added a exclamation point at the end, then it becomes 2 hundred million years. I think they are exaggerating, and it'll take less time than that. Personally, I just use a random generator that includes a upper and lowercase letter, number, and special symbol. But, a unique password for each site is a must.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 12, 2023, 03:14:00 PM
Quote from: US 89 on September 12, 2023, 12:48:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 11, 2023, 12:15:48 PM
Imagine a world in which you weren't prompted to change all of your passwords every so often.   :D

Imagine a world in which you had to change all of your passwords on the same day.   :ded:

I wish my passwords would change on the same day. At work, we have a couple of different systems with separate passwords, which have slightly different mandatory reset intervals. I started them out as all the same one, but now I have a hard time keeping straight which ones I've had to change and what my new passwords are.

I had that problem when I worked at the casino, so what I would do is just go through and manually update the passwords to all of them whenever the first one went off.

(And yes, I used the same password to all of them. While I get the rationale of 'every account must have a different password', I figured I'd be just as fired if someone breached one account as if they breached all of them, so it wasn't worth the extra mental overhead to me to have to remember four different mandatory-change passwords. I am also not all that fastidious with my personal account passwords. I only tend to use different passwords for each of the sites I have advanced privileges on, such as this one. For all of the nonsense capitalism sites...man, who cares if someone hacks my Pizza Hut account?)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 12, 2023, 03:20:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 12, 2023, 03:14:00 PM

Quote from: US 89 on September 12, 2023, 12:48:24 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 11, 2023, 12:15:48 PM
Imagine a world in which you weren't prompted to change all of your passwords every so often.   :D

Imagine a world in which you had to change all of your passwords on the same day.   :ded:

I wish my passwords would change on the same day. At work, we have a couple of different systems with separate passwords, which have slightly different mandatory reset intervals. I started them out as all the same one, but now I have a hard time keeping straight which ones I've had to change and what my new passwords are.

I had that problem when I worked at the casino, so what I would do is just go through and manually update the passwords to all of them whenever the first one went off.

(And yes, I used the same password to all of them. While I get the rationale of 'every account must have a different password', I figured I'd be just as fired if someone breached one account as if they breached all of them, so it wasn't worth the extra mental overhead to me to have to remember four different mandatory-change passwords. I am also not all that fastidious with my personal account passwords. I only tend to use different passwords for each of the sites I have advanced privileges on, such as this one. For all of the nonsense capitalism sites...man, who cares if someone hacks my Pizza Hut account?)

Having all my passwords be the same isn't even possible for me.  For example, I access an operations management system for Charter Communications via MSO-provided VPN and gateway.  The VPN requires that the password be at least 10 characters and have at least one "special character".  The management system in the gateway–on the other hand–you know, the thing I have the VPN for to begin with–can only handle a password of exactly 8 characters, and none of them can be a "special character".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 08:33:07 AM
Happy Gemerton's Day!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 13, 2023, 08:55:38 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 08:33:07 AM
Happy Gemerton's Day!
Except in the Southern Hemisphere, where it happens in March.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
Quote from: GaryV on September 13, 2023, 08:55:38 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 08:33:07 AM
Happy Gemerton's Day!
Except in the Southern Hemisphere, where it happens in March.
What does that mean? Is always happens in September or August.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 13, 2023, 12:57:01 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
What does that mean?

It means that Gemerton's Day occurs in March for locations south of the Equator.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
Is always happens in September or August.

Not in the Southern Hemisphere[1 (https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/104012019013)], as already noted by |GaryV|.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 14, 2023, 12:29:25 AM
Who here has had SD cards where the files suddenly stop showing up on your PC, but still wind up appearing on somebody else's PC?  :wave:

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 09:39:05 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 13, 2023, 12:57:01 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
What does that mean?

It means that Gemerton's Day occurs in March for locations south of the Equator.

It can't. In the same vein, Easter would happen in September in Southern Hemisphere. It does fall in spring rather than fall in Southern Hemisphere, but the thing is that September is a spring month and March a fall month there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 14, 2023, 10:22:49 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 09:39:05 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 13, 2023, 12:57:01 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
What does that mean?

It means that Gemerton's Day occurs in March for locations south of the Equator.

It can't. In the same vein, Easter would happen in September in Southern Hemisphere. It does fall in spring rather than fall in Southern Hemisphere, but the thing is that September is a spring month and March a fall month there.

If you can make stuff up, why can't I? Gemerton is a fall holiday, for everyone.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: GaryV on September 14, 2023, 10:22:49 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 09:39:05 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 13, 2023, 12:57:01 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
What does that mean?

It means that Gemerton's Day occurs in March for locations south of the Equator.

It can't. In the same vein, Easter would happen in September in Southern Hemisphere. It does fall in spring rather than fall in Southern Hemisphere, but the thing is that September is a spring month and March a fall month there.

If you can make stuff up, why can't I? Gemerton is a fall holiday, for everyone.
Its date is determined according to Easter, which always falls in March or April, and in these months, there are already lots of feats leading to Easter, but none similar in August, September or October. So, Gemerton is an August/September holiday for everyone.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 10:41:35 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
Its date is determined according to Easter, which always falls in March or April, and in these months, there are already lots of feats leading to Easter, but none similar in August, September or October. So, Gemerton is an August/September holiday for everyone.

Easter sometimes falls in May, according to the Orthodox calendar.

What sort of "feats" lead up to Easter, BTW? Someone rising from the dead seems like quite the feat on its own.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 11:25:11 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 10:41:35 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
Its date is determined according to Easter, which always falls in March or April, and in these months, there are already lots of feats leading to Easter, but none similar in August, September or October. So, Gemerton is an August/September holiday for everyone.

Easter sometimes falls in May, according to the Orthodox calendar.

What sort of "feats" lead up to Easter, BTW? Someone rising from the dead seems like quite the feat on its own.
Typo. I meant "feasts".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 08:33:07 AM
Happy Gemerton's Day!

Quote from: GaryV on September 13, 2023, 08:55:38 AM
Except in the Southern Hemisphere, where it happens in March.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
What does that mean? Is always happens in September or August.

Quote from: kphoger on September 13, 2023, 12:57:01 PM
It means that Gemerton's Day occurs in March for locations south of the Equator.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 09:39:05 AM
It can't.

It can.

In the Southern Hemisphere, due to South America's long history of liberalism and anti-clericalism, as well as a general decline in religious affiliation, Easter will be severed from its Christian roots in favor of being a generic spring-season holiday.  The date of Easter in the Southern Hemisphere will therefore be moved to the first Sunday on or after September 25.  Next year, therefore, Gemerton's Day in the Southern Hemisphere will be on March 5.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
So, Gemerton is an August/September holiday for everyone.

This is not true for the Southern Hemisphere, as already explained.

Quote from: GaryV on September 14, 2023, 10:22:49 AM
Gemerton is a fall holiday, for everyone.

Not always technically not true, because it doesn't always occur after the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, and it never does in the Southern Hemisphere.  But yes, it nevertheless functions as the unofficial start to the fall season.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
there are already lots of feats leading to Easter

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 10:41:35 AM
What sort of "feats" lead up to Easter, BTW?

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 11:25:11 AM
Typo. I meant "feasts".

As explained above, the date of Easter will be divorced in the Southern Hemisphere from the Christian liturgical calendar, so that point is irrelevant.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 14, 2023, 12:09:09 PM
These three holidays are more important:

AARoads Forum 15th Anniversary Day (January 15, 2024)
Solar Eclipse Day (April 8, 2024)
Taylor Swift Is Old Enough To Be President Day (December 13, 2024)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 12:26:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
.... Easter will be severed from its Christian roots ....

That's more or less already happened in the USA anyway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 14, 2023, 01:49:11 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: GaryV on September 14, 2023, 10:22:49 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 09:39:05 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 13, 2023, 12:57:01 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
What does that mean?

It means that Gemerton's Day occurs in March for locations south of the Equator.

It can't. In the same vein, Easter would happen in September in Southern Hemisphere. It does fall in spring rather than fall in Southern Hemisphere, but the thing is that September is a spring month and March a fall month there.

If you can make stuff up, why can't I? Gemerton is a fall holiday, for everyone.
Its date is determined according to Easter, which always falls in March or April, and in these months, there are already lots of feats leading to Easter, but none similar in August, September or October. So, Gemerton is an August/September holiday for everyone.
Maybe in your made-up world. But not in my world.

What are these feats leading to Easter? I know the pancake flipping run somewhere in Kansas, and maybe the cheese wheel roll in England?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on September 14, 2023, 01:58:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 08:33:07 AM
Happy Gemerton's Day!

Quote from: GaryV on September 13, 2023, 08:55:38 AM
Except in the Southern Hemisphere, where it happens in March.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 13, 2023, 12:12:14 PM
What does that mean? Is always happens in September or August.

Quote from: kphoger on September 13, 2023, 12:57:01 PM
It means that Gemerton's Day occurs in March for locations south of the Equator.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 09:39:05 AM
It can't.

It can.

In the Southern Hemisphere, due to South America's long history of liberalism and anti-clericalism, as well as a general decline in religious affiliation, Easter will be severed from its Christian roots in favor of being a generic spring-season holiday.  The date of Easter in the Southern Hemisphere will therefore be moved to the first Sunday on or after September 25.  Next year, therefore, Gemerton's Day in the Southern Hemisphere will be on March 5.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
So, Gemerton is an August/September holiday for everyone.

This is not true for the Southern Hemisphere, as already explained.

Quote from: GaryV on September 14, 2023, 10:22:49 AM
Gemerton is a fall holiday, for everyone.

Not always technically not true, because it doesn't always occur after the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, and it never does in the Southern Hemisphere.  But yes, it nevertheless functions as the unofficial start to the fall season.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
there are already lots of feats leading to Easter

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 10:41:35 AM
What sort of "feats" lead up to Easter, BTW?

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 14, 2023, 11:25:11 AM
Typo. I meant "feasts".

As explained above, the date of Easter will be divorced in the Southern Hemisphere from the Christian liturgical calendar, so that point is irrelevant.

If they want to have a spring holiday, great, more power to them.  But how about finding their own name for it?  Especially if they want it to be a non-religious holiday.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on September 14, 2023, 02:01:44 PM
Wester.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 14, 2023, 02:22:54 PM
Speaking of obscure holidays, I just tried to explain my understanding of Nevada Day to someone and it frankly felt like I was writing about a holiday in Alanland. For one thing, one of the traditions involves booing a parade of politicians...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on September 14, 2023, 03:30:01 PM
Well, I conmemorate the "Astronomical Easter Sunday" in the event Easter doesn't actually fall on the Sunday following the first Full Moon after the March equinox, as happened in 2019 when Easter was four weeks too late :sombrero:. I even have added the Pearson Sunday to the one before it (thus the astronomical equivalent to Palm Sunday), which also means the event it commemorates didn't actually take place in one as it was that same year (and also it was impossible for me to have called that day "Pearson Sunday". I was the "Should-have-been-Palm Sunday").
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 04:29:41 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 14, 2023, 03:30:01 PM
Well, I conmemorate the "Astronomical Easter Sunday" in the event Easter doesn't actually fall on the Sunday following the first Full Moon after the March equinox, as happened in 2019 when Easter was four weeks too late :sombrero:. I even have added the Pearson Sunday to the one before it (thus the astronomical equivalent to Palm Sunday), which also means the event it commemorates didn't actually take place in one as it was that same year (and also it was impossible for me to have called that day "Pearson Sunday". I was the "Should-have-been-Palm Sunday").

You're applying strict astronomical criteria to something that was always a compromise between ecclesiastical and astronomical calendars to begin with?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on September 15, 2023, 07:27:30 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 12:26:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
.... Easter will be severed from its Christian roots ....

That's more or less already happened in the USA anyway.

Not in the South it hasn't. At least not as much as it has in most other regions. This was quite the shock to me after I first moved to Atlanta - Easter is a way bigger deal in these parts than it ever was growing up in Utah.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on September 15, 2023, 07:52:44 AM


Quote from: US 89 on September 15, 2023, 07:27:30 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 12:26:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
.... Easter will be severed from its Christian roots ....

That's more or less already happened in the USA anyway.

Not in the South it hasn't. At least not as much as it has in most other regions. This was quite the shock to me after I first moved to Atlanta - Easter is a way bigger deal in these parts than it ever was growing up in Utah.

Easter coincides with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' General Conference half the time (first weekend in April) and the Church makes a big deal of it in the conference, but Mormons aren't into putting up banners and crosses and the like in front of their churches like other Christian religions...or message boards, for that matter.  I'd imagine the cultural/religious difference in that regard dampens the overt signs of Easter celebration in Utah.

That said, the best Easters are in Russia.  It's their big religious holiday -- bigger than Christmas (whichever day you choose to celebrate that...or just choose both...).  When I lived in Volgograd, things just seemed depressed for most of the year, but on Easter, the city turned into a big party.  People didn't flood the streets, but everyone opens their doors to visitors.  It's a great, friendly time in contrast to any other day of the year.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2023, 10:08:39 AM
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2023, 07:52:44 AM
That said, the best Easters are in Russia.  It's their big religious holiday -- bigger than Christmas (whichever day you choose to celebrate that...or just choose both...).  When I lived in Volgograd, things just seemed depressed for most of the year, but on Easter, the city turned into a big party.  People didn't flood the streets, but everyone opens their doors to visitors.  It's a great, friendly time in contrast to any other day of the year.

The traditional view in Orthodox Christianity is that both Easter and Pentecost are higher feast days than Christmas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on September 15, 2023, 10:41:49 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2023, 10:08:39 AM
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2023, 07:52:44 AM
That said, the best Easters are in Russia.  It's their big religious holiday -- bigger than Christmas (whichever day you choose to celebrate that...or just choose both...).  When I lived in Volgograd, things just seemed depressed for most of the year, but on Easter, the city turned into a big party.  People didn't flood the streets, but everyone opens their doors to visitors.  It's a great, friendly time in contrast to any other day of the year.

The traditional view in Orthodox Christianity is that both Easter and Pentecost are higher feast days than Christmas.
Pentecost wasn't as big of a deal as Easter in Volgograd.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on September 15, 2023, 11:24:55 AM
Quote from: US 89 on September 15, 2023, 07:27:30 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 12:26:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
.... Easter will be severed from its Christian roots ....

That's more or less already happened in the USA anyway.

Not in the South it hasn't. At least not as much as it has in most other regions. This was quite the shock to me after I first moved to Atlanta - Easter is a way bigger deal in these parts than it ever was growing up in Utah.

Also true of the South in general in contrast to the rest of the country, not just around Easter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on September 15, 2023, 12:59:15 PM
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2023, 07:52:44 AM
When I lived in Volgograd, things just seemed depressed
That's the impression I get of pretty much every former Soviet city when I look at them on street view.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on September 16, 2023, 09:12:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2023, 07:52:44 AM
Quote from: US 89 on September 15, 2023, 07:27:30 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 12:26:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
.... Easter will be severed from its Christian roots ....

That's more or less already happened in the USA anyway.

Not in the South it hasn't. At least not as much as it has in most other regions. This was quite the shock to me after I first moved to Atlanta - Easter is a way bigger deal in these parts than it ever was growing up in Utah.

Easter coincides with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' General Conference half the time (first weekend in April) and the Church makes a big deal of it in the conference, but Mormons aren't into putting up banners and crosses and the like in front of their churches like other Christian religions...or message boards, for that matter.  I'd imagine the cultural/religious difference in that regard dampens the overt signs of Easter celebration in Utah.

Fair. And as someone who isn't Mormon, all I see is conference weekend and all the traffic it generates in the north half of downtown SLC. Any talk I've ever heard afterwards tends to be simply about how nice Elder John M. Smith and President Q. George Barlow's talks were. The fact that the whole experience repeats in October kills any association I might get between the April conference and Easter.

But beyond that, in the west Easter seems to be just another Sunday on the calendar, though with some uniquely religious significance. Kind of like Pentecost but a bit bigger. People of any Christian denomination who don't usually make the effort to go to church might find themselves at one on Easter morning, but that's really it. In lots of the South, it's a really important holiday where large extended families will reunite and hang out to a much greater extent than just going to church Sunday morning. It's nearly on par with Thanksgiving. When I went to college in Atlanta, basically everyone whose parents lived within a 6-8 hour radius would go home for Easter weekend. Campus was real dead on those weekends. That kind of importance was not something I ever saw growing up.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on September 16, 2023, 11:40:05 AM


Quote from: US 89 on September 16, 2023, 09:12:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2023, 07:52:44 AM
Quote from: US 89 on September 15, 2023, 07:27:30 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 14, 2023, 12:26:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 11:57:21 AM
.... Easter will be severed from its Christian roots ....

That's more or less already happened in the USA anyway.

Not in the South it hasn't. At least not as much as it has in most other regions. This was quite the shock to me after I first moved to Atlanta - Easter is a way bigger deal in these parts than it ever was growing up in Utah.

Easter coincides with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' General Conference half the time (first weekend in April) and the Church makes a big deal of it in the conference, but Mormons aren't into putting up banners and crosses and the like in front of their churches like other Christian religions...or message boards, for that matter.  I'd imagine the cultural/religious difference in that regard dampens the overt signs of Easter celebration in Utah.

Fair. And as someone who isn't Mormon, all I see is conference weekend and all the traffic it generates in the north half of downtown SLC. Any talk I've ever heard afterwards tends to be simply about how nice Elder John M. Smith and President Q. George Barlow's talks were. The fact that the whole experience repeats in October kills any association I might get between the April conference and Easter.

But beyond that, in the west Easter seems to be just another Sunday on the calendar, though with some uniquely religious significance. Kind of like Pentecost but a bit bigger. People of any Christian denomination who don't usually make the effort to go to church might find themselves at one on Easter morning, but that's really it. In lots of the South, it's a really important holiday where large extended families will reunite and hang out to a much greater extent than just going to church Sunday morning. It's nearly on par with Thanksgiving. When I went to college in Atlanta, basically everyone whose parents lived within a 6-8 hour radius would go home for Easter weekend. Campus was real dead on those weekends. That kind of importance was not something I ever saw growing up.

Although membership or affiliation in the U.S. is declining (especially "active" membership), Mormons still make up 55% of the population in Utah (Even in famously Catholic MA, only 34% of people their affiliate as such).  Church attendance is a big deal -- Devout Mormons attend every Sunday.  Therefore, Easter is just another Sunday in that regard, but with services tailored to the holiday (talks and musical numbers and the like).

That said, sure, there wasn't a compulsion to return home from school just for Easter if one was far away from home, but I'd bet if family was nearby, students would spend that weekend with family.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 16, 2023, 12:07:08 PM
We should separate the recent Easter discussion to new thread called "The Easter thread" to make room with other random thoughts not related to Easter at all.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 16, 2023, 02:11:54 PM
I just had a random thought associated with Ascension Day. Can I post that here?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 16, 2023, 02:12:12 PM
Quote from: GaryV on September 16, 2023, 02:11:54 PM
I just had a random thought associated with Ascension Day. Can I post that here?
You can.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on September 17, 2023, 10:59:38 PM
I just realized that Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter were born on the same day and the same day as one of my aunts (June 21, 1947).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 18, 2023, 10:10:17 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 16, 2023, 12:07:08 PM
We should separate the recent Easter discussion to new thread called "The Easter thread" to make room with other random thoughts not related to Easter at all.

We should separate all of the posts in the forum by Poiponen13-du-Ha!-Ha! into his own thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=32507.0).  Oh, wait, we can't.

Quote from: GaryV on September 16, 2023, 02:11:54 PM
I just had a random thought associated with Ascension Day. Can I post that here?

I'm not sure if the term is used in actual German-speaking areas, but I grew up hearing Ascension Day occasionally referred to as Himmelfahrtfest.  Which sounds like something that it isn't.  On the other hand, my parents' congregation does do an Ascension Day dinner with beer, brats, and sauerkraut.  So maybe the German name is apt, after all...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 18, 2023, 10:47:03 AM
I posted somewhat in jest about Ascension Day, because it is time-linked to Easter.

When my wife was on choir tour in Europe in college, they went to one place that was all closed up because it was Ascension Day. I don't remember if that was in Germany, but it might have been.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 18, 2023, 04:05:54 PM
I can't listen to the first movement of Carmina Burana and NOT hear "salsa cookies, windmill cookies".

IYKYK
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 18, 2023, 04:09:57 PM
Much like Homer Simpson I had no idea what Cesar Chavez looked like.  That was until I just passed a picture of him in hall in front of my office.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 19, 2023, 09:30:57 AM
Why all time zone threads are eventually locked?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 19, 2023, 09:38:34 AM
You pushed the DST button, you'd shouldn't have done that. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 19, 2023, 09:46:46 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 19, 2023, 09:38:34 AM
You pushed the DST button, you'd shouldn't have done that.
What DST-related did I post in "Time zones 2" thread?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on September 19, 2023, 10:01:42 AM
To give a serious answer, I believe it's because most time-related threads tend to devolve into the same few arguments that have been repeated ad nauseam.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 19, 2023, 11:37:45 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 19, 2023, 09:30:57 AM
Why all time zone threads are eventually locked?

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 19, 2023, 10:01:42 AM
To give a serious answer, I believe it's because most time-related threads tend to devolve into the same few arguments that have been repeated ad nauseam.

It got quite heated.  On more than one occasion, I think.

So DST is an unspoken/unwritten off-limits topic.  Religion and politics are officially banned but are often tolerated.  DST is not officially banned but is never tolerated.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on September 19, 2023, 12:50:03 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 19, 2023, 11:37:45 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 19, 2023, 09:30:57 AM
Why all time zone threads are eventually locked?

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 19, 2023, 10:01:42 AM
To give a serious answer, I believe it's because most time-related threads tend to devolve into the same few arguments that have been repeated ad nauseam.

It got quite heated.  On more than one occasion, I think.

So DST is an unspoken/unwritten off-limits topic.  Religion and politics are officially banned but are often tolerated.  DST is not officially banned but is never tolerated.

I just don't have time for those sorts of threads, either.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 19, 2023, 12:52:54 PM
I don't understand the obsession with time and time zones.  I stayed out of most of the threads but the carnage they wrought was something notable.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on September 19, 2023, 01:52:35 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 19, 2023, 12:52:54 PM
I don't understand the obsession with time and time zones.  I stayed out of most of the threads but the carnage they wrought was something notable.

Cliffs Notes version

Poster 1: "I know what's best for everyone by making things entirely more complex"

Poster 2: "Make no changes at all or ever at any time, and deal with it."

Poster 3: "Um, it's fine as is...though imperfect like everything else."

Poster 1&2: "poster three is demonstrably an idiot"

Poster 4: "clearly the best of both worlds is to put every county in their own time zone"

Poster 1&2: "please expound upon your ridiculous idea you've spent years planning out, so we can pick apart how you're a fool for thinking Chumbatron County, Floribaska and Kuwashima County, East Thumberthorpe could possibly be on +2:18 and +2:39 respectively; they're each off by 68 seconds!"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on September 19, 2023, 02:02:19 PM
Maybe the darkness problem (on either side of the argument) could be alleviated by bringing arc sodium streetlamps back into vogue.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on September 20, 2023, 07:54:43 PM
Since, to the wiki folks, just saying "AARoads" is ambiguous (do you mean the wiki or the forum?) they always have to call this place "AARoads Forum". But that's a lot of typing, so now some people are just typing "aarf". 🐶
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on September 20, 2023, 08:09:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 20, 2023, 07:54:43 PM
Since, to the wiki folks, just saying "AARoads" is ambiguous (do you mean the wiki or the forum?) they always have to call this place "AARoads Forum". But that's a lot of typing, so now some people are just typing "aarf". 🐶

AARF (forum)
AARW (wiki)
AAR (actual website)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on September 20, 2023, 08:32:44 PM
 Do we have one for people?  :bigass:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on September 21, 2023, 08:19:31 AM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on September 20, 2023, 08:09:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 20, 2023, 07:54:43 PM
Since, to the wiki folks, just saying "AARoads" is ambiguous (do you mean the wiki or the forum?) they always have to call this place "AARoads Forum". But that's a lot of typing, so now some people are just typing "aarf". 🐶

AARF (forum)
AARW (wiki)
AAR (actual website)

Too bad - you missed "Talk Like A Pirate Day" by only 1 day.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on September 29, 2023, 04:44:56 PM
Some guy in our neighborhood posted this question. He hasn't responded to everyone who replied with the very obvious question.

(https://virginia.sportswar.com/post_images/general/00/00/00/18/67/61/49/18676149_0.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 29, 2023, 10:16:24 PM
Evidently, New York State wants to tear down the dam that makes Woodlands Lake in Ardsley;
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Woodlands_Dam_Removal_sign_2023_jeh.jpg
I took pictures of that place in 2021 because of the former rest area/restaurant pff the Saw Mill River Parkway that's located in the park next to that lake, and I also wrote a major expansion on the Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodlands_Lake) on it. 

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.032156,-73.8459588,3a,75y,44.18h,89.92t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipOaI5_C6BoBvkTyf186VoFJwPVXEb97Gu6OoTdh!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOaI5_C6BoBvkTyf186VoFJwPVXEb97Gu6OoTdh%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya246.42227-ro-0-fo100!7i7168!8i3584?hl=en&entry=ttu

See the ducks in the link above? They're not going to be able to swim there for long.

The City of Yonkers and Town of Greenburgh had better prepare themselves for more flooding in the future.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on October 03, 2023, 07:03:37 AM
One of the now-deleted (it contained a quote by the user™) posts by Bobby5280 had him using Wallethub to rank states all the way back in 2017.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 03, 2023, 08:33:56 AM
Quote from: 1 on October 03, 2023, 07:03:37 AM
One of the now-deleted (it contained a quote by the user™) posts by Bobby5280 had him using Wallethub to rank states all the way back in 2017.

How flat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 03, 2023, 11:08:44 PM
I've been in Florida for over 24 years, and for some reason I only realized in recent months how seldom I hear the music of Zebra on any local album-oriented rock radio stations.

I tried to think of other similar bands I don't hear about that often in Florida as opposed to Long Island and other segments of the New York Tri-State Area, but I still don't remember any.

In the alternative scene, one band I don't hear too much of in the south is Lush. In fact, I swear the only time anyone else in the Tampa Bay Metro Area hears this band is when I play their tunes on my PC, my car stereo, or some personal music device.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 04, 2023, 12:03:58 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on October 03, 2023, 11:08:44 PM
I've been in Florida for over 24 years, and for some reason I only realized in recent months how seldom I hear the music of Zebra on any local album-oriented rock radio stations.

I tried to think of other similar bands I don't hear about that often in Florida as opposed to Long Island and other segments of the New York Tri-State Area, but I still don't remember any.

In the alternative scene, one band I don't hear too much of in the south is Lush. In fact, I swear the only time anyone else in the Tampa Bay Metro Area hears this band is when I play their tunes on my PC, my car stereo, or some personal music device.

Zebra had a few classic hair-metal near-prog hits, especially "Who's Behind the Door".

But Lush... I had 2 of their CDs/EPs back in the day. Shoegaze in its prime.

Here's "Sweetness and Light":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YarHCFGFYg
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 04, 2023, 10:09:02 AM
Birds are dinosaurs.
Birds are reptiles.

How did I not find out about this earth-shaking revolution in scientific thought until yesterday?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 04, 2023, 10:32:17 AM
Never seen the original Jurassic Park?  Quaint to recall a time when "birds are dinosaurs" was a controversial theory.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 04, 2023, 11:52:21 AM
I heard that Busch Gardens in Tampa is an overrated tourist attraction. After being there I agree. But I was there in 1995 so not anytime recently but I remember it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 04, 2023, 12:48:10 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 04, 2023, 11:52:21 AM
I heard that Busch Gardens in Tampa is an overrated tourist attraction. After being there I agree.

But don't they have birds? So ... dinosaurs?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 06, 2023, 07:41:51 PM
I-70 and US 6 just need to get a room already.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on October 06, 2023, 11:31:34 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 06, 2023, 07:41:51 PM
I-70 and US 6 just need to get a room already.

I don't think they're committed to each other enough... US 6 is going steady with I-80 as well.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on October 06, 2023, 11:42:39 PM
US 6 just has a colorful marital history.  There's also an element of "the odds are good, but the goods are odd" because I-70 and I-80 tomcat around with US 40 and US 30 respectively.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 07, 2023, 06:31:17 AM
There was actually a commercial for Busch Gardens in Tampa that I saw 23-24 years ago that I'm trying to find.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 07, 2023, 08:31:27 AM
US-6 has a lot of dates with Interstate's.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 07, 2023, 09:47:43 PM
I'm currently testing this page to see if I'm still signed in. Microsoft just kicked me out of a whole bunch of websites I was on in their latest forced update.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on October 08, 2023, 10:26:12 AM
Every time I hit the deck of the Mackinac Bridge I make my car radio play, The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by the late great Gordon Lightfoot it sends a pretty good vibe.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 08, 2023, 12:07:33 PM
When I knew that I was gong use I-105 during my wife's birthday trip to Santa Monica Pier I put on the main background theme from Speed.  Sure livened up what otherwise is the most boring freeway in the Los Angeles area.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on October 08, 2023, 12:30:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2023, 10:09:02 AM
Birds are dinosaurs.
Birds are reptiles.

How did I not find out about this earth-shaking revolution in scientific thought until yesterday?

Dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets are their missing link.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on October 08, 2023, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 08, 2023, 12:30:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2023, 10:09:02 AM
Birds are dinosaurs.
Birds are reptiles.

How did I not find out about this earth-shaking revolution in scientific thought until yesterday?

Dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets are their missing link.

I'll have a Bronto Burger!

:D

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 08, 2023, 01:28:58 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on October 08, 2023, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 08, 2023, 12:30:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2023, 10:09:02 AM
Birds are dinosaurs.
Birds are reptiles.

How did I not find out about this earth-shaking revolution in scientific thought until yesterday?

Dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets are their missing link.

I'll have a Bronto Burger!

:D

Mike

Don't get the ribs, it will tip your car over.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on October 09, 2023, 02:53:23 AM
Are a zombie and an enderman admins of this forum too?

(This stems from the fact the admins of this forum are Steve and Alex, and in Super Smash Bros Ultimate the alternate costumes for Steve from Minecraft include Alex, Zombie and Enderman)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on October 13, 2023, 08:41:15 AM
I don't want to start a new thread for this because I think it's too trivial a topic, but I figured some of you might enjoy the tweets Elon Musk has been posting (I note he failed to include Rome, New York).

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1712342306597065001

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1712628323455545852

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1712653024454230260
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 13, 2023, 11:02:21 AM
I just found out today is the 14th anniversary of my registration on the AARoads Forum.


I'm not sure if this means anything, but what the hell.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on October 13, 2023, 02:10:32 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 13, 2023, 02:08:55 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 13, 2023, 08:41:15 AM
I don't want to start a new thread for this because I think it's too trivial a topic, but I figured some of you might enjoy the tweets Elon Musk has been posting (I note he failed to include Rome, New York).

I see the melon doesn't know there's no village named Fucking anymore, it has been Fugging since 2021.

I doubt he gives a fug.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on October 13, 2023, 04:46:33 PM
That post now doesn't make sense, I deleted the quoted one after I saw the melon acknowleged one of the places is now named Fugging instead.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on October 13, 2023, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 13, 2023, 04:46:33 PM
That post now doesn't make sense, I deleted the quoted one after I saw the melon acknowleged one of the places is now named Fugging instead.

It still makes sense because the quotation from the deleted post is still there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on October 15, 2023, 02:03:07 AM
I thought I'd pass on this sign-related cartoon:

https://xkcd.com/2841
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on October 15, 2023, 02:49:41 AM
Make a K or Y turn.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 17, 2023, 02:35:51 PM
I just had to buy a mousepad last night, and now my mouse keeps getting stuck on it, and shutting down various windows on my PC against my will.


Actually, I should've posted this in the "Minor things that bother you" thread. I also have a harder time cutting, copying and pasting thanks to this new mousepad.


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on October 18, 2023, 10:30:32 AM
Counties I've taken thousandth pictures in:

1000: Augusta County, VA - 12/10/22
2000: (Deleted)
3000: Guilford County, NC - 5/18/23
4000: (Deleted) City of Richmond, VA - 6/4/23
5000: Rockingham County, VA - 6/25/23
6000: (Deleted)
7000: Montgomery County, MD - 8/9/23
8000: Queen Anne's County, MD - 8/13/23
9000: Davidson County, NC - 8/25/23
10000: McIntosh County, GA - 8/27/23
11000: Clay County, FL - 8/27/23
12000: Spartanburg County, SC - 8/28/23
13000: Wythe County, VA - 8/28/23
14000: Madison County, VA - 10/13/23
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Music nerd time...

The notion that "B♯ is really C, so they should just write it as a C" only makes any sense from a pianist's perspective, and only because of the layout of the white and black keys.  It makes no sense, though, from the perspective of playing any other type of instrument.  For example, a bass guitarist should have no different concept of playing a B♯ on the 3rd fret of the A string than he does of playing an A♯ on the 3rd fret of the G string.  Or, B♯ and C having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent shouldn't phase a clarinet player any more than F♯ and G♭ having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 7/8 on October 19, 2023, 04:42:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Music nerd time...

The notion that "B♯ is really C, so they should just write it as a C" only makes any sense from a pianist's perspective, and only because of the layout of the white and black keys.  It makes no sense, though, from the perspective of playing any other type of instrument.  For example, a bass guitarist should have no different concept of playing a B♯ on the 3rd fret of the A string than he does of playing an A♯ on the 3rd fret of the G string.  Or, B♯ and C having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent shouldn't phase a clarinet player any more than F♯ and G♭ having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent.

As a clarinet player, B♯ does phase me, to the point that by the time I process it, it's probably too late to get the note right. :-D G♭ is also less intuitive than F♯ for me, but not as bad as B♯.

My preferred accidentals: A♭/G♯ (equal preference), B♭, C♯, E♭, F♯

More practice would help with identifying my less preferred notations, but I'm lazy. :)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on October 19, 2023, 05:09:27 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 13, 2023, 08:41:15 AM
I don't want to start a new thread for this because I think it's too trivial a topic, but I figured some of you might enjoy the tweets Elon Musk has been posting (I note he failed to include Rome, New York).

Not including the pictures (in what I quoted).

I immediately thought of Rome NY because I am watching VHS tapes I recorded on pay-per-view from Woodstock '99, which was at a closed AFB in Rome NY.

I have decided, almost 25 years after the fact, and after having spent some time these last couple months with Woodstock '69 and Monterey, to make some audio recordings of Woodstock '99 performances I like (yes, there are a few, although a much much larger percentage of it is trash IMO). I also realize that what I have is less than 1/2 of what went down, since there were two stages and they could only show one stage at a time. Not sure if YouTube has anything I don't already have; will have to look. There are certain groups I know played there which I like that I do not have video of.

I want to keep audio only because I can't really look at the videos anymore; to put it cleanly, the raw video has a LOT of camera shots taken by camerapeople (men most likely) with voyeuristic intent. If you know anything about this festival, you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 05:12:31 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on October 19, 2023, 04:42:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Music nerd time...

The notion that "B♯ is really C, so they should just write it as a C" only makes any sense from a pianist's perspective, and only because of the layout of the white and black keys.  It makes no sense, though, from the perspective of playing any other type of instrument.  For example, a bass guitarist should have no different concept of playing a B♯ on the 3rd fret of the A string than he does of playing an A♯ on the 3rd fret of the G string.  Or, B♯ and C having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent shouldn't phase a clarinet player any more than F♯ and G♭ having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent.

As a clarinet player, B♯ does phase me, to the point that by the time I process it, it's probably too late to get the note right. :-D G♭ is also less intuitive than F♯ for me, but not as bad as B♯.

My preferred accidentals: A♭/G♯ (equal preference), B♭, C♯, E♭, F♯

More practice would help with identifying my less preferred notations, but I'm lazy. :)

I'm not saying they don't phase you.  I'm saying there's no logical reason they should phase you, because your instrument is not tied to the black and white key layout of the piano.  The only reason they phase you is that music is rarely written to include that notation, but the only reason for that ultimately boils down to the layout of the piano (or harpsichord, probably).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on October 19, 2023, 05:14:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Music nerd time...

The notion that "B♯ is really C, so they should just write it as a C" only makes any sense from a pianist's perspective, and only because of the layout of the white and black keys.  It makes no sense, though, from the perspective of playing any other type of instrument.  For example, a bass guitarist should have no different concept of playing a B♯ on the 3rd fret of the A string than he does of playing an A♯ on the 3rd fret of the G string.  Or, B♯ and C having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent shouldn't phase a clarinet player any more than F♯ and G♭ having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent.

I thought that when there are enharmonic notes, how those notes get notated is contextual; has to do with the key signature.
C major would be C-D-E-F-G-A-B, not C-D-E-F-G-A-Cb (you can't have two different notes beginning with C).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 19, 2023, 05:25:52 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on October 19, 2023, 05:14:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Music nerd time...

The notion that "B♯ is really C, so they should just write it as a C" only makes any sense from a pianist's perspective, and only because of the layout of the white and black keys.  It makes no sense, though, from the perspective of playing any other type of instrument.  For example, a bass guitarist should have no different concept of playing a B♯ on the 3rd fret of the A string than he does of playing an A♯ on the 3rd fret of the G string.  Or, B♯ and C having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent shouldn't phase a clarinet player any more than F♯ and G♭ having the same fingering because they're enharmonically equivalent.

I thought that when there are enharmonic notes, how those notes get notated is contextual; has to do with the key signature.
C major would be C-D-E-F-G-A-B, not C-D-E-F-G-A-Cb (you can't have two different notes beginning with C).

Yep, it's all because of freakin' music theory rules.

We've got a piece in choir right now that switches from 4 flats to 2 flats. And then starting 1 measure later, every flat is accidentaled in, even G flat. If you wanted 5 flats, why not put 5 flats in the key signature? I gather it's because it's some different mode, so the tonic is really B flat, even though it's not a regular B flat scale.

From a singing point of view, C flats don't faze me - they're almost always "blue" notes.

Oh, and word nerd time - faze, not phase.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Music nerd time...

The notion that "B♯ is really C, so they should just write it as a C" only makes any sense from a pianist's perspective, and only because of the layout of the white and black keys.  It makes no sense, though, from the perspective of playing any other type of instrument.

B♯ annoys me as a trombone player, but only because
D♭ = 5
C = 6
B = 7

Having another note to remember in there that's equal to C is annoying, because my thought process is "okay, that's one up from B, which is 7, so it's in 6... wait, but 6 is C? Oh yeah, there's not a C♭, they're just playing games with the notation."

(Then again, sharps annoy me in general, since music for trombone is not often written with them; the most common key signatures for music which would call for a trombone to be around at all tend to have one to three flats.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on October 19, 2023, 11:10:31 PM
See, I used to play piano and I far preferred sharps. Mostly because in all keys that have flats other than F, one of the flats is the root note of the key, and for whatever reason I had a hell of a time wrapping my brain around that. Also, those root notes often get played with your pinkie or thumb in chords because they tend to be at the ends, and it isn't easy to play black keys with those fingers. (Yeah, I'm sure there are better ways, but I wasn't that good.)

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
(Then again, sharps annoy me in general, since music for trombone is not often written with them; the most common key signatures for music which would call for a trombone to be around at all tend to have one to three flats.)

Doesn't written trombone music automatically transpose down from C to B-flat anyway?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 20, 2023, 01:40:43 AM
As another trombonist (concert B♭) I tend to prefer / be familiar with flats -- but when playing keyboards with bass and guitar, I'm more used to keys like E, D, G, so on.

I have this other synesthetic thing where modulating up the circle of fourths (E, A, D, G) seems like advancing and getting stronger, while moving along the circle of fifths (E, B, F♯) seems like retreating.

And, in other temperaments like 17edo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17_equal_temperament), D♭ and C♯ are not identical (and D♭ is lower than C♯).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 06:45:50 AM
Quote from: US 89 on October 19, 2023, 11:10:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
(Then again, sharps annoy me in general, since music for trombone is not often written with them; the most common key signatures for music which would call for a trombone to be around at all tend to have one to three flats.)

Doesn't written trombone music automatically transpose down from C to B-flat anyway?

Truth be told, I have no idea—I went to school in Oklahoma, so music education didn't actually cover anything beyond how to play the notes on the page. They never told us how transposition works or even what a chord was since none of our instruments could play more than one note at a time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 10:48:20 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
B♯ annoys me as a trombone player, but only because
D♭ = 5
C = 6
B = 7

But does B♯ annoy you more than C♯ annoys you?  My point is that it shouldn't.

Quote from: tmoore952 on October 19, 2023, 05:14:59 PM
I thought that when there are enharmonic notes, how those notes get notated is contextual; has to do with the key signature.
C major would be C-D-E-F-G-A-B, not C-D-E-F-G-A-Cb (you can't have two different notes beginning with C).

Correct.  But the actual performer doesn't necessarily care about that.  They just want a dot on the page to tell them what note to play.  There are therefore plenty of musicians out there would still prefer to write a G♭-minor triad as G♭ A D♭ rather than the theoretically correct G♭ B♭♭ D♭.  It sounds the same, and it's arguably easier to play.  Likewise, an A♭-minor triad as A♭ B E♭ rather than the theoretically correct A♭ C♭ E♭.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: paulthemapguy on October 20, 2023, 10:50:46 AM
Quote from: kurumi on October 20, 2023, 01:40:43 AM
As another trombonist (concert B♭) I tend to prefer / be familiar with flats -- but when playing keyboards with bass and guitar, I'm more used to keys like E, D, G, so on.

I have this other synesthetic thing where modulating up the circle of fourths (E, A, D, G) seems like advancing and getting stronger, while moving along the circle of fifths (E, B, F♯) seems like retreating.

I don't know if that's synesthesia; that just makes sense to me.  Fourths create fanfare and positive boldness.  They indicate a charge forward!  Fifths are usually subservient to the dominant chord; when a fifth is played, the natural next move is for it to be taken over by the dominant chord.

I have played piano on and off since I was 4, and I did percussion (usually pitched percussion) in band and orchestra from grades 6-12.  I also write music and am very into music theory.  It's great to see other musically-trained people on the forums.

Guitars are sharpy; flutes and other instruments in concert pitch are flatty (my xylophone and timpani parts were usually flatty).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: paulthemapguy on October 20, 2023, 11:06:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 19, 2023, 05:12:31 PM
I'm not saying they don't phase you.  I'm saying there's no logical reason they should phase you, because your instrument is not tied to the black and white key layout of the piano.  The only reason they phase you is that music is rarely written to include that notation, but the only reason for that ultimately boils down to the layout of the piano (or harpsichord, probably).

People who play a lot of other instruments fall back on visualizing a piano keyboard.  Often, this is because people learn piano before they learn another instrument.  But sometimes, this isn't even true--visual thinkers will use this visual layout to understand pitches; then they translate their fingering, etc. from that. 

Moreover, telling other people how they should feel about things is really cringeworthy.  Whatever logic you use to get to the right answer is valid, so long as it consistently gets you to the right answer.  There is no point in acting like the Beholder of the One True Understanding of Music when there are multiple ways to enjoy, rationalize, and approach the language of music.  Nobody is stupid for having their own strengths and struggles.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 20, 2023, 11:15:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 10:48:20 AM
G♭-minor triad
A♭-minor triad
While those are theoretically possible, they would really be written in F sharp and G sharp minor key signatures (same key signatures as A and B natural).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 11:39:28 AM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on October 20, 2023, 11:06:45 AM
People who play a lot of other instruments fall back on visualizing a piano keyboard.  Often, this is because people learn piano before they learn another instrument.  But sometimes, this isn't even true--visual thinkers will use this visual layout to understand pitches; then they translate their fingering, etc. from that.

Yes, I considered this.  I'm not even sure I can think of a single musician who doesn't at least know something of the piano, to ask how they conceptualize notes like E♯.  Piano is just so ingrained in our musical vocabulary.

Quote from: paulthemapguy on October 20, 2023, 11:06:45 AM
Moreover, telling other people how they should feel about things is really cringeworthy.  Whatever logic you use to get to the right answer is valid, so long as it consistently gets you to the right answer.  There is no point in acting like the Beholder of the One True Understanding of Music when there are multiple ways to enjoy, rationalize, and approach the language of music.  Nobody is stupid for having their own strengths and struggles.

I'm sorry if that's how it came across.  To be clear, I struggle (playing piano) if there are a lot of accidentals.  And I'm not very good at playing melody lines on any other instrument at all.  So, if I sounded like I was calling you stupid, then please realize that I must also be calling myself even stupider.  It's just a random thought I had the other day.

Quote from: GaryV on October 20, 2023, 11:15:09 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 10:48:20 AM
G♭-minor triad
A♭-minor triad

While those are theoretically possible, they would really be written in F sharp and G sharp minor key signatures (same key signatures as A and B natural).

Depends.  I don't have the sheet music in front of me, but I believe Dvořák's "Na Starém Hradě" (In the Old Castle) is written in the key of E♭-major, but every so often he uses the ♭iii chord—which is G♭-minor.  In my opinion, it would be really weird to be playing a piece in E♭-major and then come across an F♯-minor chord.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 01:24:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 10:48:20 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
B♯ annoys me as a trombone player, but only because
D♭ = 5
C = 6
B = 7

But does B♯ annoy you more than C♯ annoys you?  My point is that it shouldn't.

Yes, because C♯ is an actual note and B♯ isn't, it's a pointer to a note. Indirection puzzles should be limited to C the programming language, and not involve C the musical note.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 01:37:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
B♯ annoys me as a trombone player, but only because
D♭ = 5
C = 6
B = 7

Having another note to remember in there that's equal to C is annoying, because my thought process is "okay, that's one up from B, which is 7, so it's in 6...

And that's correct, right?  Just as your thought process for C♯ is probably "okay, that's one up from C, which is 6, so it's in 5..."  (I don't play any brass instruments, so I'm making sure I understand correctly.)

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 01:24:04 PM
C♯ is an actual note and B♯ isn't, it's a pointer to a note.

To which I say, C♯ isn't an actual note, it's a pointer to E♭♭.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 01:50:26 PM
The problem is that by the time I've dereferenced the pointer, I was supposed to have already played the note.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 01:53:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 01:37:19 PM
To which I say, C♯ isn't an actual note, it's a pointer to E♭♭.

Shit.  That doesn't even work out, does it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 01:57:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 01:53:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 01:37:19 PM
To which I say, C♯ isn't an actual note, it's a pointer to E♭♭.

Shit.  That doesn't even work out, does it?

Ain't pointer arithmetic fun?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on October 20, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I miss assembly language sometimes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on October 20, 2023, 02:08:12 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 20, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I miss assembly language sometimes.

or C++
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on October 20, 2023, 02:08:12 PM
C++

That should be spelled C E G𝄪 ...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 06:43:20 PM
OK, so I just whipped up an arrangement of the second line of "Christmas Time Is Here" by Vince Guaraldi (A Charlie Brown Christmas).

The two lines of music shown below are identical, except for the third beat of the second measure.  Only the highlighted note is different:  the C♭ and B♮ are enharmonically equivalent.

Piano players:  which spelling makes the most sense to you in that A♭m6 chord?  Does spelling it as a C♭ help you conceptualize it as the third of the chord?  Do you even care that it's the third of the chord?

(https://i.imgur.com/oL901Oi.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on October 20, 2023, 09:09:29 PM
NY's change to the move over law to apply to all vehicles, not just those with flashing lights, will make it really easy to enforce with sting operations.  Just park and unmarked police car on the shoulder with its lights off, and then pull over anyone who doesn't move over.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 10:27:03 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on October 20, 2023, 02:08:12 PM
C++

That should be spelled C E G𝄪 ...

In C and its derivative languages, c++; is a shortening of c = c+1; So the musical equivalent of C++ would be C♯...which is also the name of a programming language (though it's usually written C# because that's easier to type).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 10:37:27 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 10:27:03 PM
In C and its derivative languages, c++; is a shortening of c = c+1; So the musical equivalent of C++ would be C♯...which is also the name of a programming language (though it's usually written C# because that's easier to type).

It sounds to me like you're trying to assert that C is actually C♯ ...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 10:56:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 10:37:27 PM
It sounds to me like you're trying to assert that C is actually C♯ ...

Oh, no, far from it. For one thing, with each of them, strings are handled completely differently.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on October 20, 2023, 11:40:16 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on October 20, 2023, 02:08:12 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 20, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I miss assembly language sometimes.

or C++

No, I definitely miss assembly language a lot more than I miss C++.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 20, 2023, 11:49:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 06:43:20 PM
OK, so I just whipped up an arrangement of the second line of "Christmas Time Is Here" by Vince Guaraldi (A Charlie Brown Christmas).

The two lines of music shown below are identical, except for the third beat of the second measure.  Only the highlighted note is different:  the C♭ and B♮ are enharmonically equivalent.

Piano players:  which spelling makes the most sense to you in that A♭m6 chord?  Does spelling it as a C♭ help you conceptualize it as the third of the chord?  Do you even care that it's the third of the chord?

(https://i.imgur.com/oL901Oi.png)

I do care; chords help explain structure and modulation, and help group together what would otherwise be a bunch of accidentals. The A minor to A♭ minor echoes the B minor to B♭ minor one measure earlier, and the consistent notation does help.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on October 21, 2023, 10:12:43 AM
Total amount of time spent in states this year, at 10/21/23, 10:10 AM Eastern:

Virginia: 9 Months, 12 Days, 23 Hours, 54 Minutes
Maryland: 3 Days, 20 Hours
Georgia: 2 Days, 5 Hours, 8 Minutes
North Carolina: 12 Hours, 13 Minutes
Florida: 10 Hours, 36 Minutes
South Carolina: 8 Hours, 48 Minutes
Tennessee: 1 Hour, 17 Minutes
Delaware: 13 Minutes
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 27, 2023, 04:25:50 PM
Sealand has never lost a soccer match against Seborga.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 27, 2023, 04:38:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 06:45:50 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 19, 2023, 11:10:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
(Then again, sharps annoy me in general, since music for trombone is not often written with them; the most common key signatures for music which would call for a trombone to be around at all tend to have one to three flats.)

Doesn't written trombone music automatically transpose down from C to B-flat anyway?

Truth be told, I have no idea—I went to school in Oklahoma, so music education didn't actually cover anything beyond how to play the notes on the page. They never told us how transposition works or even what a chord was since none of our instruments could play more than one note at a time.

No, it doesn't.  Trombone music is written in concert pitch.

His confusion lies in the fact that it is a B♭ instrument.  But that just means first position is a B♭, not that your sheet music is written a whole-step off.  What is written on a trombonist's sheet music as a G is actually a G.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on October 27, 2023, 07:06:53 PM
Also musically related but in a different way.

The Jefferson Airplane song "3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds"  -- computes to 216 MPH.

Why the song is called that I have no idea. Lyrics are not about speed, either velocity-related or drug-related.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on October 28, 2023, 03:18:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 27, 2023, 04:38:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 06:45:50 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 19, 2023, 11:10:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
(Then again, sharps annoy me in general, since music for trombone is not often written with them; the most common key signatures for music which would call for a trombone to be around at all tend to have one to three flats.)

Doesn't written trombone music automatically transpose down from C to B-flat anyway?

Truth be told, I have no idea—I went to school in Oklahoma, so music education didn't actually cover anything beyond how to play the notes on the page. They never told us how transposition works or even what a chord was since none of our instruments could play more than one note at a time.

No, it doesn't.  Trombone music is written in concert pitch.

His confusion lies in the fact that it is a B♭ instrument.  But that just means first position is a B♭, not that your sheet music is written a whole-step off.  What is written on a trombonist's sheet music as a G is actually a G.

Heh - I knew many of the usual band brass and woodwind instruments transpose to B-flat, so I assumed the trombone would also be among those. Today I learned.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on October 28, 2023, 04:58:09 PM
Quote from: US 89 on October 28, 2023, 03:18:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 27, 2023, 04:38:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 20, 2023, 06:45:50 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 19, 2023, 11:10:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 19, 2023, 05:32:41 PM
(Then again, sharps annoy me in general, since music for trombone is not often written with them; the most common key signatures for music which would call for a trombone to be around at all tend to have one to three flats.)

Doesn't written trombone music automatically transpose down from C to B-flat anyway?

Truth be told, I have no idea—I went to school in Oklahoma, so music education didn't actually cover anything beyond how to play the notes on the page. They never told us how transposition works or even what a chord was since none of our instruments could play more than one note at a time.

No, it doesn't.  Trombone music is written in concert pitch.

His confusion lies in the fact that it is a B♭ instrument.  But that just means first position is a B♭, not that your sheet music is written a whole-step off.  What is written on a trombonist's sheet music as a G is actually a G.

Heh - I knew many of the usual band brass and woodwind instruments transpose to B-flat, so I assumed the trombone would also be among those. Today I learned.

And trombone is written in bass clef too.

Now French Horn - that's a whole nuther animal. Some music concert pitch is written in F, some in E flat.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 28, 2023, 07:49:24 PM
When I was in marching band, a neat trick (as a trombone player) was to just sightread an alto saxophone player's part. Trombones are concert C (as in, same as a piano) in bass clef, and alto sax is E♭ in treble clef.

The lowest line of bass clef is G, and the lowest line of treble is E. However, an alto sax E sounds like a G. If you play the sax part as if it were bass clef, and do the right thing regarding accidentals, the differences cancel out (you're just 2 octaves lower).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 08:16:37 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 28, 2023, 07:49:24 PM
When I was in marching band, a neat trick (as a trombone player) was to just sightread an alto saxophone player's part. Trombones are concert C (as in, same as a piano) in bass clef, and alto sax is E♭ in treble clef.

The lowest line of bass clef is G, and the lowest line of treble is E. However, an alto sax E sounds like a G. If you play the sax part as if it were bass clef, and do the right thing regarding accidentals, the differences cancel out (you're just 2 octaves lower).
But then you're playing the alto saxophone's part and not your own?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on October 28, 2023, 08:37:56 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 28, 2023, 07:49:24 PM
When I was in marching band, a neat trick (as a trombone player) was to just sightread an alto saxophone player's part. Trombones are concert C (as in, same as a piano) in bass clef, and alto sax is E♭ in treble clef.

The lowest line of bass clef is G, and the lowest line of treble is E. However, an alto sax E sounds like a G. If you play the sax part as if it were bass clef, and do the right thing regarding accidentals, the differences cancel out (you're just 2 octaves lower).

Having been a trombonist in marching & symphonic bands during junior high & high school, that never occurred to me!  But I see how it could work.  As you said, just have to watch what key you're in and the accidentals.  (I'm assuming this trick would also work with the euphonium or baritone).

Although, having a high school band director who definitely favored the brass side over the woodwind side and made his own arrangements of (most) of our marching music, I of course would want to stick with the trombone part, as it was likely more interesting than the alto sax part.

Quote from: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 08:16:37 PM
But then you're playing the alto saxophone's part and not your own?

I see this as more of a "parlor trick" than something you would make a habit of doing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on October 29, 2023, 03:05:10 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on October 28, 2023, 08:37:56 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 28, 2023, 07:49:24 PM
When I was in marching band, a neat trick (as a trombone player) was to just sightread an alto saxophone player's part. Trombones are concert C (as in, same as a piano) in bass clef, and alto sax is E♭ in treble clef.

The lowest line of bass clef is G, and the lowest line of treble is E. However, an alto sax E sounds like a G. If you play the sax part as if it were bass clef, and do the right thing regarding accidentals, the differences cancel out (you're just 2 octaves lower).

Having been a trombonist in marching & symphonic bands during junior high & high school, that never occurred to me!  But I see how it could work.  As you said, just have to watch what key you're in and the accidentals.  (I'm assuming this trick would also work with the euphonium or baritone).

Although, having a high school band director who definitely favored the brass side over the woodwind side and made his own arrangements of (most) of our marching music, I of course would want to stick with the trombone part, as it was likely more interesting than the alto sax part.

Quote from: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 08:16:37 PM
But then you're playing the alto saxophone's part and not your own?

I see this as more of a "parlor trick" than something you would make a habit of doing.

Yeah, this was during the occasional "downtimes" between practice, performance, etc. but people are standing around with their instruments ou.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on October 30, 2023, 11:42:46 AM
Top 506 by post count, minus the unknowns of FritzOwl, ixnay, johndoe, and RoadMaster09. 475 are within the 50 states.





















































StateForum membersRepresentatives
Alabama67
Alaska01
Arizona119
Arkansas114
California3352
Colorado98
Connecticut145
Delaware41
Florida1528
Georgia1214
Hawaii02
Idaho12
Illinois2217
Indiana199
Iowa54
Kansas54
Kentucky76
Louisiana116
Maine22
Maryland118
Massachusetts209
Michigan1913
Minnesota58
Mississippi44
Missouri78
Montana22
Nebraska13
Nevada44
New Hampshire32
New Jersey1912
New Mexico23
New York2226
North Carolina1614
North Dakota01
Ohio1815
Oklahoma95
Oregon106
Pennsylvania2317
Rhode Island12
South Carolina37
South Dakota31
Tennessee59
Texas2338
Utah44
Vermont11
Virginia1711
Washington1010
West Virginia42
Wisconsin228
Wyoming01

US territories and Canada. I'm not doing other countries because this is primarily a US/Canada forum.








Other locationForum membersTheoretical representatives
Washington DC31
Puerto Rico04
Ontario919
Quebec411
Nova Scotia11
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 30, 2023, 11:45:16 AM
Right off the get go, looks like Wisconsin is the outlier.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on October 30, 2023, 01:45:26 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on October 30, 2023, 11:45:16 AM
Right off the get go, looks like Wisconsin is the outlier.

Yep, LOTS of us proud cheeseheads in here!   :D

Mike

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 30, 2023, 02:45:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 30, 2023, 11:42:46 AM
Top 506 by post count, minus the unknowns of FritzOwl, ixnay, johndoe, and RoadMaster09. 475 are within the 50 states.

If you're going to compare against the US House, shouldn't you take the top 435 by post count?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on October 31, 2023, 11:10:02 AM
Quote from: kurumi on October 28, 2023, 07:49:24 PM
When I was in marching band, a neat trick (as a trombone player) was to just sightread an alto saxophone player's part. Trombones are concert C (as in, same as a piano) in bass clef, and alto sax is E♭ in treble clef.

The lowest line of bass clef is G, and the lowest line of treble is E. However, an alto sax E sounds like a G. If you play the sax part as if it were bass clef, and do the right thing regarding accidentals, the differences cancel out (you're just 2 octaves lower).

Late to the party, but it's also worth mentioning the other trombone party trick: you can get away with reading music written in Bb treble clef (like for trumpet or British trombone music) by reading it as it were in tenor clef. The B in the middle of the staff for Bb treble clef sounds the same as concert A, right in the middle of tenor clef.

I actually do this backwards to read tenor clef. I started on trombone, but picked up trumpet for my college's pep band before actually having to learn tenor clef to a reasonable extent.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on October 31, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
People actually use tenor clef?????
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on October 31, 2023, 02:45:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 31, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
People actually use tenor clef?????

Usually just cello and bassoon players, though that doesn't mean they're happy about it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: paulthemapguy on October 31, 2023, 03:04:45 PM
If Wawa expands to Wisconsin, they will have to rebrand as WauWau.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on November 01, 2023, 01:21:53 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 31, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
People actually use tenor clef?????

In addition to bassoon and cello mentioned before, most orchestral pieces usually write the tenor (first and second) trombone parts in tenor clef, with the clef shifting to bass or alto if range dictates. This is extremely rare in concert band music, but happens there as well. I recall most of my excerpts for the Chicago Youth Symphony being in tenor clef (though I never actually auditioned).

Bass trombone generally never reads tenor clef (though there may be odd one-off exceptions), and jazz trombone people fear anything besides bass clef, even if it means writing five ledger lines above the staff.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on November 01, 2023, 11:44:20 AM
Quote from: Hobart on November 01, 2023, 01:21:53 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 31, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
People actually use tenor clef?????

In addition to bassoon and cello mentioned before, most orchestral pieces usually write the tenor (first and second) trombone parts in tenor clef, with the clef shifting to bass or alto if range dictates. This is extremely rare in concert band music, but happens there as well. I recall most of my excerpts for the Chicago Youth Symphony being in tenor clef (though I never actually auditioned).

Bass trombone generally never reads tenor clef (though there may be odd one-off exceptions), and jazz trombone people fear anything besides bass clef, even if it means writing five ledger lines above the staff.

I've done jazz, marching, and symphonic, and was always bass clef. Regarding 5 ledger lines: my "one rep max" was a D5 (9 notes above middle C) which I think was exactly five lines. I couldn't reliably hit it (thankfully never came up in performance), and there's no way I could get close to that now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on November 01, 2023, 03:08:46 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on October 31, 2023, 03:04:45 PM
If Wawa expands to Wisconsin, they will have to rebrand as WauWau.

With their first outlet o be Wausau, WI?

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2023, 03:13:27 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 01, 2023, 03:08:46 PM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on October 31, 2023, 03:04:45 PM
If Wawa expands to Wisconsin, they will have to rebrand as WauWau.

With their first outlet o be Wausau, WI?

If only Barbara Walters were still alive, she could get a temp job as Baba Wawa of the Wausau WauWau.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 02, 2023, 12:49:23 AM
Quote from: kurumi on October 20, 2023, 11:49:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 06:43:20 PM
OK, so I just whipped up an arrangement of the second line of "Christmas Time Is Here" by Vince Guaraldi (A Charlie Brown Christmas).

The two lines of music shown below are identical, except for the third beat of the second measure.  Only the highlighted note is different:  the C♭ and B♮ are enharmonically equivalent.

Piano players:  which spelling makes the most sense to you in that A♭m6 chord?  Does spelling it as a C♭ help you conceptualize it as the third of the chord?  Do you even care that it's the third of the chord?

(https://i.imgur.com/oL901Oi.png)

I do care; chords help explain structure and modulation, and help group together what would otherwise be a bunch of accidentals. The A minor to A♭ minor echoes the B minor to B♭ minor one measure earlier, and the consistent notation does help.
Can you get sheet music for "Starlust," by Lush, or the opening theme from "Up the Down Staircase" by Fred Karlin?

Anyway, this "mom" in some of the Winn-Dixie TV commercials looks like a shorter version of Brooke Shields:
https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1HCf/winn-dixie-winn-and-save-with-winning-prices



Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: DriverDave on November 02, 2023, 01:01:48 AM
How many inhabited planets do you think exist within 100 light years of Earth? That's about 50,000 stars in total.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on November 02, 2023, 02:34:32 AM
Quote from: DriverDave on November 02, 2023, 01:01:48 AM
How many inhabited planets do you think exist within 100 light years of Earth? That's about 50,000 stars in total.

Probably some at least some might be at least partially  inhabitable.  In recent years I have found it a bit amazing that the idea of planetary systems orbiting stars other than Sol is now proven to be the norm rather than the exception, this was the exclusive realm of the sci-fi writers as recently as only a couple of decades ago.  Hurry it up with those warp field calculations, willya!

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on November 02, 2023, 11:30:40 AM
If there are multiple habitable planetary systems and civilizations, do you think humans would be the first to develop FTL tech? My WAG is that someone would find us first.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 02, 2023, 11:55:25 AM
There is a considerable difference between "inhabited" and "civilized."  Given the lack of clear indicators coming from background noise in space the number of local civilizations is probably just one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: algorerhythms on November 02, 2023, 01:23:35 PM
I'd argue that the number of civilized species is zero.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 11:10:31 AM
I've finally reached that point.  For the first time, I received junk mail addressed to me at work.  No last name, though, just Kyle.

Now I just have to decide if I want to buy a forklift from them or not...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on November 03, 2023, 11:13:26 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 11:10:31 AM
I've finally reached that point.  For the first time, I received junk mail addressed to me at work.  No last name, though, just Kyle.

Now I just have to decide if I want to buy a forklift from them or not...
What is the business justification? Does your role at work even remotely require a forklift?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 11:14:52 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 03, 2023, 11:13:26 AM
Does your role at work even remotely require a forklift?

Yes, up until...  oh...  about eight or nine years ago or so.   :spin:

Nowadays, I'm not even allowed to drive one at work.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on November 03, 2023, 11:15:42 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 03, 2023, 11:13:26 AM
What is the business justification? Does your role at work even remotely require a forklift?
Wait, there are jobs that don't require a forklift?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 11:16:24 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 03, 2023, 11:15:42 AM
Wait, there are jobs that don't require a forklift?

Bank teller.  Telemarketing.

Those are the only two I can think of.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on November 03, 2023, 11:17:15 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 11:16:24 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 03, 2023, 11:15:42 AM
Wait, there are jobs that don't require a forklift?

Bank teller.  Telemarketing.

Those are the only two I can think of.
I don't know about you, but my bank teller is forklift certified.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on November 03, 2023, 11:18:08 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 11:16:24 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 03, 2023, 11:15:42 AM
Wait, there are jobs that don't require a forklift?

Bank teller.  Telemarketing.

Those are the only two I can think of.
engineering
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 11:23:20 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 03, 2023, 11:17:15 AM
I don't know about you, but my bank teller is forklift certified.

All told, at three different companies in two states, I've probably spent ten years at jobs that included driving forklifts.  I think I was only ever "certified" at one of those companies.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on November 03, 2023, 11:47:25 AM
I haven't driven a forklift since I stopped being a machinist in a family-owned machine shop in 1999. It was nicknamed the "B1 Bomber" because it was a used forklift acquired from a closed cannery and had "B1" painted on the side. Also, it smoked.

Thank goodness I work in a much cleaner job in IT customer support. I am also much happier.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:07:11 PM
At first, I thought this was wrong.

(https://i.imgur.com/woNoI9r.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:19:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:07:11 PM
At first, I thought this was wrong.

How is it not? First thing you do is parentheses, which resolves to .5. Then multiplication of 220 x .5 is 110. 230-110=120.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:22:01 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:19:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:07:11 PM
At first, I thought this was wrong.

How is it not? First thing you do is parentheses, which resolves to .5. Then multiplication of 220 x .5 is 110. 230-110=120.

I see you made the same mistake I did.

Waiting to see who gets why it's correct...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:24:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:22:01 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:19:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:07:11 PM
At first, I thought this was wrong.

How is it not? First thing you do is parentheses, which resolves to .5. Then multiplication of 220 x .5 is 110. 230-110=120.

I see you made the same mistake I did.

Waiting to see who gets why it's correct...

Oh. Blah.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:25:53 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:24:24 PM
Oh. Blah.

That's like the riddle:

What has 4 letters, sometimes has 9 letters, but never has 5 letters.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:29:30 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:25:53 PM
That's like the riddle:

What has 4 letters, sometimes has 9 letters, but never has 5 letters.

That one, on the other hand, only took me a few seconds to figure out.

I love getting people with the classic "How Long Is a Chinaman" riddle.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:41:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:29:30 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 03, 2023, 02:25:53 PM
That's like the riddle:

What has 4 letters, sometimes has 9 letters, but never has 5 letters.

That one, on the other hand, only took me a few seconds to figure out.

I love getting people with the classic "How Long Is a Chinaman" riddle.

Also didn't take me more than a second, but I know some people that don't get it.

Reminds me of "What is the center of gravity?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on November 03, 2023, 07:57:37 PM
If we're doing math jokes, how about these Pythagorean triples:

basic: 3, 4, 5
intermediate: 20, 21, 29
advanced: 1, i, 0
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on November 03, 2023, 08:12:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:07:11 PMAt first, I thought this was wrong.

(https://i.imgur.com/woNoI9r.jpg)

It is indeed wrong.  PEMDAS.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on November 03, 2023, 08:25:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 02:22:01 PM
Waiting to see who gets why it's correct...

If you do the parentheses, then multiply, then subtract, it's 120.
If you do the parentheses, then subtract, then multiply, it's 5.

Is there another way that 5 is correct?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 08:45:53 PM
I think Chris is the only one who figured it out.

Allow me to explain:

5! = 120
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on November 03, 2023, 09:16:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 08:45:53 PMI think Chris is the only one who figured it out.

Allow me to explain:

5! = 120

Thanks for the explanation--I certainly wasn't expecting the mathematics equivalent of a dad joke.  This spares me digging myself into a trench with a reference to the (gleefully obnoxious) Steven Crowder "Change my mind" meme.

I plead overexposure to PEMDAS gotcha memes on Facebook.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on November 03, 2023, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 08:45:53 PM
I think Chris is the only one who figured it out.

Allow me to explain:

5! = 120

Well, this is embarrassing because I had no idea an exclamation mark had a meaning in mathematics, or if I ever learned it, I'd completely forgotten.  :crazy:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 03, 2023, 11:29:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on November 03, 2023, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 08:45:53 PM
I think Chris is the only one who figured it out.

Allow me to explain:

5! = 120

Well, this is embarrassing because I had no idea an exclamation mark had a meaning in mathematics, or if I ever learned it, I'd completely forgotten.  :crazy:

Yeah, it means to multiply it by all the smaller positive whole numbers. So,
5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 03, 2023, 11:34:32 PM
Can't believe Facebook math memes have infected the forum.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 04, 2023, 10:11:44 AM
Quote from: Rothman on November 03, 2023, 11:34:32 PM
Can't believe Facebook math memes have infected the forum.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/76/54/ab/7654ab0fcf1945627473da194e0ab5ef.jpg)

Better?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 04, 2023, 11:28:41 AM
Quote from: kurumi on November 03, 2023, 07:57:37 PM
If we're doing math jokes, how about these Pythagorean triples:

advanced: 1, i, 0

I wonder if you could make that work geometrically by considering the i side to be rotated 90 degrees so that it lines up with the 1 side.

Not a joke, but a fun fact: If a + bi is a Gaussian integer with a and b not equal to each other or to 0, then the absolute values of the real and imaginary parts of (a + bi)2 form the shorter two sides of a Pythagorean triple. For example, (4 + 5i)2 = − 9 + 40i, and 92 + 402 = 1,681 = 412.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 04, 2023, 04:55:43 PM
Quote from: webny99 on November 03, 2023, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 08:45:53 PM
I think Chris is the only one who figured it out.

Allow me to explain:

5! = 120

Well, this is embarrassing because I had no idea an exclamation mark had a meaning in mathematics, or if I ever learned it, I'd completely forgotten.  :crazy:
I'm kicking myself for not having thought of it even though I do recall factorials.  The lack of punctuation on "it's 120" should have been a clue.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on November 04, 2023, 09:37:22 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 04, 2023, 04:55:43 PM
Quote from: webny99 on November 03, 2023, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 08:45:53 PM
I think Chris is the only one who figured it out.

Allow me to explain:

5! = 120

Well, this is embarrassing because I had no idea an exclamation mark had a meaning in mathematics, or if I ever learned it, I'd completely forgotten.  :crazy:
I'm kicking myself for not having thought of it even though I do recall factorials.  The lack of punctuation on "it's 120" should have been a clue.

Do you remember approximately what grade you learned about factorials? I'm thinking it must have been sometime in grades 3-6 and either it was a lesson we missed or it was covered so briefly that it never settled in my brain.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 04, 2023, 10:11:16 PM
We covered factorials in 7th or 8th, and then again in 9th and 11th.  Many applications in counting combinations of things and probability.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on November 04, 2023, 10:14:19 PM
Fractions are taught from grades 3-6.  Factorials are more introduced in high school.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 04, 2023, 10:23:11 PM
I just showed my 15-year-old son and my wife, separately, and neither one of them had even heard of factorials.  So obviously they didn't get the meme.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on November 05, 2023, 01:05:29 AM
Once you take courses in statistics and probability (likely college level), you will become very acquainted with factorials.  Such as computing how many possible 5-card poker hands can be drawn from a standard deck of cards.

For those who care:     52! / (52-5)!   (about 312 million)     (hopefully I remembered that right - it was a long time ago!)

My first exposure to factorials was probably high school.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on November 05, 2023, 11:39:44 AM
Quote from: Big John on November 04, 2023, 10:14:19 PM
Fractions are taught from grades 3-6.  Factorials are more introduced in high school.

European school kids (as well as those in many other parts of the world) are not subjected to fractions until at least high school algebra classes (that's one of the many beauties of the SI/Metric measuring system).  The USA also eliminated one of the few other remaining other reasons to teach fractions in grade school when the NYSE went to dollars and cents per share market pricing in the (late 1980s?).

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 05, 2023, 11:41:53 AM
I know of an old traffic signal box on North Main Street/Howell Avenue (Hernando CR 445) in Brooksville, Florida that has been a frequent target of neo-Nazi graffiti for a good 25+ years. I'll bet those fucking assholes are going to try it again in reaction to the current war between Israel and Hamas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on November 05, 2023, 11:49:40 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 05, 2023, 11:39:44 AMThe USA also eliminated one of the few other remaining other reasons to teach fractions in grade school when the NYSE went to dollars and cents per share market pricing in the (late 1980s?).

https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/why-nyse-switch-fractions-to-decimals/
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on November 05, 2023, 01:19:50 PM
I remember my second-grade teacher being absolutely adamant that fractions were to be written vertically at all times and that it was unacceptable to write them in a diagonal format under any circumstances (notwithstanding that typewriters had diagonal fractions). I wonder how she'd react to today's widespread custom of typing them horizontally using a slash.

I do understand why, from an educational standpoint, vertical fractions probably make it easier for students to visualize equations properly.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on November 05, 2023, 02:17:35 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 04, 2023, 04:55:43 PMI'm kicking myself for not having thought of it even though I do recall factorials.  The lack of punctuation on "it's 120" should have been a clue.

That doesn't help as much as it might seem on first glance, because there are contexts such as titles, short items on bullet-point lists, etc. where the period is omitted as sentence-final punctuation but question and exclamation marks are still used.

This meme is just full of misdirection, starting with unblocked fist associated with one expression and blocked fist with the other even though the two are mathematically equal.  IMV, it's a totally reasonable response to feel that it doesn't play fair.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 06, 2023, 10:51:56 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 05, 2023, 01:19:50 PM
I remember my second-grade teacher being absolutely adamant that fractions were to be written vertically at all times and that it was unacceptable to write them in a diagonal format under any circumstances (notwithstanding that typewriters had diagonal fractions). I wonder how she'd react to today's widespread custom of typing them horizontally using a slash.

I'd be more interested to know her reaction to the UK's treatment of fractions on highway signs:

(https://i.stack.imgur.com/fpJ7k.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kirbykart on November 08, 2023, 11:30:41 AM
This morning I gagged on my own snot so badly it made me puke.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:34:52 PM
'Fun Size' candy bars just aren't as fun as the regular ones.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on November 08, 2023, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:34:52 PM
'Fun Size' candy bars just aren't as fun as the regular ones.
They're funning with you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 08, 2023, 07:27:57 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 04, 2023, 12:03:58 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on October 03, 2023, 11:08:44 PM
I've been in Florida for over 24 years, and for some reason I only realized in recent months how seldom I hear the music of Zebra on any local album-oriented rock radio stations.

I tried to think of other similar bands I don't hear about that often in Florida as opposed to Long Island and other segments of the New York Tri-State Area, but I still don't remember any.

In the alternative scene, one band I don't hear too much of in the south is Lush. In fact, I swear the only time anyone else in the Tampa Bay Metro Area hears this band is when I play their tunes on my PC, my car stereo, or some personal music device.

Zebra had a few classic hair-metal near-prog hits, especially "Who's Behind the Door".

But Lush... I had 2 of their CDs/EPs back in the day. Shoegaze in its prime.

Here's "Sweetness and Light":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YarHCFGFYg

And here's a video for "Out of Control" during their brief reunion several years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD4O20ePnXo

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: bm7 on November 08, 2023, 11:52:16 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on October 03, 2023, 11:08:44 PM
I've been in Florida for over 24 years, and for some reason I only realized in recent months how seldom I hear the music of Zebra on any local album-oriented rock radio stations.
You have not only multiple rock radio stations, but multiple album-oriented rock stations? Where I live you either get the classic rock station, or the station that plays half classic, half modern rock. Such variety!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on November 11, 2023, 06:10:43 PM
I have tons of AARoads tabs open on my iPhone, most of which have under construction posts...


List of threads that have possible future posts on my iPhone, if you're interested:

Clinching every county a long distance route is in, but not clinching the route
Fictional Municipality/County Changes
Lowest-numbered route you haven't been on
Place names that should be spelt differently according to pronounciation
Random Thoughts (not this post)
Ranking the counties in your state
US County Photo Challenge
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 11, 2023, 07:15:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:34:52 PM
'Fun Size' candy bars just aren't as fun as the regular ones.

I guess they're fun if you like to destroy tiny packaging multiple times for same amount of food.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 11, 2023, 07:30:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on November 11, 2023, 07:15:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:34:52 PM
'Fun Size' candy bars just aren't as fun as the regular ones.

I guess they're fun if you like to destroy tiny packaging multiple times for same amount of food.

They're fun compared to dropping a $2 candy bar in the bag of every trick or treater you get on halloween.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 09:39:29 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:34:52 PM
'Fun Size' candy bars just aren't as fun as the regular ones.

Quote from: kkt on November 11, 2023, 07:30:36 PM
They're fun compared to dropping a $2 candy bar in the bag of every trick or treater you get on halloween.

I'd have more fun dropping a $2 candy bar in the bag of every trick-or-treater I got on Halloween.  (We don't hand out candy on Halloween because our family does trick-or-treating in my parents' neighborhood, and my wife and mother and I tag along with the boys.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on November 14, 2023, 11:01:57 AM
I just got a pop-up ad (in a game app) for pumpkin spice cannabis.
:confused:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 15, 2023, 12:20:49 PM
Strange things that happen. There are two lakes in Cadillac, MI and they have a man made canal between them. In the winter the canal freezes while the two lakes are unfrozen, then when the two lakes freeze the canal unfreezes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 15, 2023, 03:16:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 15, 2023, 12:20:49 PM
Strange things that happen. There are two lakes in Cadillac, MI and they have a man made canal between them. In the winter the canal freezes while the two lakes are unfrozen, then when the two lakes freeze the canal unfreezes.

That makes sense to me. The smaller, shallower body of water is going to freeze faster and thaw faster than the two larger, deeper ones.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 15, 2023, 03:48:56 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 15, 2023, 03:16:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 15, 2023, 12:20:49 PM
Strange things that happen. There are two lakes in Cadillac, MI and they have a man made canal between them. In the winter the canal freezes while the two lakes are unfrozen, then when the two lakes freeze the canal unfreezes.

That makes sense to me. The smaller, shallower body of water is going to freeze faster and thaw faster than the two larger, deeper ones.
But would it unthaw at below freezing temperatures? For the entire month of January and February some winters in Michigan it doesn't get above freezing at all so I'm wondering how the canal could unthaw.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on November 15, 2023, 04:41:42 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 15, 2023, 03:48:56 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 15, 2023, 03:16:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 15, 2023, 12:20:49 PM
Strange things that happen. There are two lakes in Cadillac, MI and they have a man made canal between them. In the winter the canal freezes while the two lakes are unfrozen, then when the two lakes freeze the canal unfreezes.

That makes sense to me. The smaller, shallower body of water is going to freeze faster and thaw faster than the two larger, deeper ones.
But would it unthaw at below freezing temperatures? For the entire month of January and February some winters in Michigan it doesn't get above freezing at all so I'm wondering how the canal could unthaw.
Unthaw = freeze? Unfreeze = thaw?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 15, 2023, 10:29:40 PM
Quote from: bm7 on November 08, 2023, 11:52:16 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on October 03, 2023, 11:08:44 PM
I've been in Florida for over 24 years, and for some reason I only realized in recent months how seldom I hear the music of Zebra on any local album-oriented rock radio stations.
You have not only multiple rock radio stations, but multiple album-oriented rock stations? Where I live you either get the classic rock station, or the station that plays half classic, half modern rock. Such variety!
Yeah, and as I recall, Jethro Tull seems to get a little more airplay than Zebra on the rock stations in this area. However somehow, I don't think too many stations will be playing this song this year;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCxCaK83pOo
Of course, I could be wrong.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 16, 2023, 07:35:58 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 15, 2023, 03:16:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 15, 2023, 12:20:49 PM
Strange things that happen. There are two lakes in Cadillac, MI and they have a man made canal between them. In the winter the canal freezes while the two lakes are unfrozen, then when the two lakes freeze the canal unfreezes.

That makes sense to me. The smaller, shallower body of water is going to freeze faster and thaw faster than the two larger, deeper ones.
I figured out that both Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac are 28 feet at their deepest point. I believe the canal is only a few feet deep so that would support the reason it freezes first but what I don't understand is how does it unthaw with the temps still below freezing and the two lakes are still frozen?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 01:40:10 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 15, 2023, 04:41:42 PM
Unthaw = freeze? Unfreeze = thaw?

TIL unthaw is a synonym for thaw, as used for more than 400 years.  The OED only has one definition for unthaw, and it is defined as a variation of thaw.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 16, 2023, 01:55:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 01:40:10 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 15, 2023, 04:41:42 PM
Unthaw = freeze? Unfreeze = thaw?

TIL unthaw is a synonym for thaw, as used for more than 400 years.  The OED only has one definition for unthaw, and it is defined as a variation of thaw.
*rips page out of the OED*

Nope.  We're not accepting that any longer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on November 16, 2023, 02:54:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 01:40:10 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 15, 2023, 04:41:42 PM
Unthaw = freeze? Unfreeze = thaw?

TIL unthaw is a synonym for thaw, as used for more than 400 years.  The OED only has one definition for unthaw, and it is defined as a variation of thaw.
It's like inflammable and flammable.  Both mean the same thing but the prefix makes it sound it is the opposite. So it is usually preferred to use the word without the prefix to prevent confusion.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 03:19:03 PM
Quote from: Big John on November 16, 2023, 02:54:56 PM
It's like inflammable and flammable.  Both mean the same thing but the prefix makes it sound it is the opposite. So it is usually preferred to use the word without the prefix to prevent confusion.

The word inflammable means that it can be inflamed.  In fact, centuries ago, that verb was spelled enflame.

Rather, it's more like how the de- prefix can actually reinforce the root word rather than signifying its opposite, and thereby denoted meaning the same as noted, and dissever meaning the same as sever, and a defrauding being the existence of actual fraud, and delimiting meaning the setting of limits, etc, etc.  Of course, nobody has a problem with those...

However, it's most like the word unraveling meaning that the thing is being raveled.  This one has just become so commonplace that hardly anyone uses the un-prefixed word anymore.

(I fully expect Rothman to start using the word raveled now.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 03:43:05 PM
This one doesn't involve a prefix, but I'm always kind of amazed that 'sanction' can have literally opposite meanings. It either means approval or punishment.

Bill is kind of the same. Either it means money or it means document that says you owe money.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 04:01:43 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 03:43:05 PM
This one doesn't involve a prefix, but I'm always kind of amazed that 'sanction' can have literally opposite meanings. It either means approval or punishment.

Bill is kind of the same. Either it means money or it means document that says you owe money.

The biblical contronym is this:  "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2.24)

Now, I don't generally reach for my meat cleaver when I want to join to pieces of meat (flesh) together...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 04:04:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 04:01:43 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 03:43:05 PM
This one doesn't involve a prefix, but I'm always kind of amazed that 'sanction' can have literally opposite meanings. It either means approval or punishment.

Bill is kind of the same. Either it means money or it means document that says you owe money.

The biblical contronym is this:  "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2.24)

Now, I don't generally reach for my meat cleaver when I want to join to pieces of meat (flesh) together...

Not to be gross, but you are kind of separating flesh in the former as well.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 04:45:52 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 04:04:18 PM
Not to be gross, but you are kind of separating flesh in the former as well.

For what it's worth...  ancient Hebrew tended to use very concrete terms for abstract ideas.  (Maybe modern Hebrew does too, I don't know.)  Thus, the phrase "become one flesh" likely referred to a reality that was much broader in scope than—but not exclusive of—sexual union.  It was a way of expressing the overall marriage union of man and woman, a union that certainly included sex but also so much more than that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 04:49:13 PM
Sure, but was the term for meat cleaver related to the same word as 'to cleave' in Ancient Hebrew? Or is 'meat cleaver' an Anglicism?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 05:06:56 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 04:49:13 PM
Sure, but was the term for meat cleaver related to the same word as 'to cleave' in Ancient Hebrew? Or is 'meat cleaver' an Anglicism?

I have no clue what the ancient Hebrew word for meat cleaver is.  My point is only that the biblical phrase "cleave unto his wife" used to throw me off because that verb is its own antonym in English.  That word and your "sanction" are the two words I always think of first when I think of contronyms.

Also...

Someday, your house might burn down by burning up.
At that point, your smoke alarm might go on by going off.
Afterward, you'll probably need to fill in a bunch of forms by filling them out.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 05:06:56 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 04:49:13 PM
Sure, but was the term for meat cleaver related to the same word as 'to cleave' in Ancient Hebrew? Or is 'meat cleaver' an Anglicism?

I have no clue what the ancient Hebrew word for meat cleaver is.  My point is only that the biblical phrase "cleave unto his wife" used to throw me off because that verb is its own antonym in English.  That word and your "sanction" are the two words I always think of first when I think of contronyms.

Also...

Someday, your house might burn down by burning up.
At that point, your smoke alarm might go on by going off.
Afterward, you'll probably need to fill in a bunch of forms by filling them out.

And this is why English is among the hardest languages to learn. Certain words have zero meaning, such as 'get':

Get out
Get off
Get on
Get off on
Get away
Get away with
Get around
Get in
Get across
Get after
Get at
Get behind
Get between
Get by
Get down
Get into
Get through
Get to
Get with
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 16, 2023, 06:48:53 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 05:06:56 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 04:49:13 PM
Sure, but was the term for meat cleaver related to the same word as 'to cleave' in Ancient Hebrew? Or is 'meat cleaver' an Anglicism?

I have no clue what the ancient Hebrew word for meat cleaver is.  My point is only that the biblical phrase "cleave unto his wife" used to throw me off because that verb is its own antonym in English.  That word and your "sanction" are the two words I always think of first when I think of contronyms.

Also...

Someday, your house might burn down by burning up.
At that point, your smoke alarm might go on by going off.
Afterward, you'll probably need to fill in a bunch of forms by filling them out.

And this is why English is among the hardest languages to learn.

This is not really true. English is not known as a particularly difficult language to learn, although it does have its rough patches. And while it can take some time to get comfortable with phrasal verbs, other languages also have them and many languages that don't have similar structures with prefixes and suffixes, including English as well:
abject
conjecture
eject
object
project
subject
etc.

On the whole, this is just vocabulary, and familiarity with it will come sooner or later.

If you want a complicated language, try Fula, as described by John McWhorter:

Quote from: John McWhorter. The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language. 2003. 188–190.
For my money, there are few better examples than Fula of West Africa of how astoundingly baroque, arbitrary, and utterly useless to communication a language's grammar can become over the millennia and yet still be passed on intact to innocent children. Fula has as many as sixteen genders in the sense that we parse the concept in Indo-European languages, and which gender a noun belongs to is only roughly predictable beyond the one gender that contains humans. Moreover, within each gender, the marker varies arbitrarily according to the noun: leemuu-re "orange" but in the same gender class is loo-nde "jar." Adjectives, instead of taking a copy of the marker variant its noun takes, take their own particular marker variant, which must be learned with the adjective. Thus a big orange is not leemuu-re mau-re, but leemuu-re mau-nde.

Fula is even more elaborated than this. There are often not just two, or even three, but four variants of the gender marker. Thus in our gender that contains oranges and jars, the marker turns up as -re in leemuu-re "orange," as -nde in loo-nde "jar," but as -de in tummu-de "calabash"; in another gender, a strip is lepp-ol, a feather is lilli-wol, a belt is taador-gol, whereas a leather armlet is boor-ngol. Besides this, like any language, Fula has its irregulars: in one gender, you have to know not only that a noun will take either -u, -wu, -gu, or -ngu as its marker, but also that the occasional noun will go its own way and take -ku instead. On top of all this, Fula also has an additional complexification, of a sort found only occasionally among the world's languages. One of its genders is for diminutive versions of things, such as little boy versus boy, and another is for the opposite, augmentative versions, such as big rock or boulder versus just rock. By giving a "neutral" Fula word the marker for one of these classes, we create a diminutive or augmentative version of that noun—thus, there is a diminutive "gender" and an augmentative "gender."... That alone is no big deal, but Fula can't just leave it at that (the way its distantly related Bantu cousins such as Swahili do).

To wit: for most Fula nouns, when we tack a new diminutive or augmentative gender marker onto the end of the word, simultaneously the consonant at the beginning of the word changes in some way—and as often as not there are two different consonants that it might become, depending on which of the genders we are switching to. A man is gor-ko. The article for the augmentative gender is -ga (this is actually one of four variants for this gender plus an additional one that pops up irregularly!), but one says not gor-ga but ngor-ga. There is another consonant change to make gor plural: the plural article (like French les or Spanish los/las) is be, but one says not gor-be but wor-be.

All that is regular in this process, then, is that the consonant will change if the noun is given an article for diminutive, augmentative, or plural. But each consonant makes its own particular changes; a monkey, waa-ndu; some monkeys, baa-di (di rather than the be of gor because the singular genders each have their corresponding plural ones!); big monkey, mbaa-nga. And then some consonants have only one other consonant that they change into across the board instead of two; some consonants just don't change at all; and finally there are many nouns beginning with consonants that just refuse to change on these words even though they do on others; as with so much in Fula, you just have to know.

And finally back to those adjectives: not only does an adjective take its own gender marker instead of copycatting its noun, but an adjective also undergoes its own consonant mutation according to whatever its first consonant is. If you thought the occasional little ripple in Spanish like la mano blanca "the white hand" was bad, where masculine-suffixed mano is counterintuitively followed by a feminine-marked adjective, then imagine having to make your way in Fula where "a living monkey" is waa-ndu yeet-uru, but "a little living monkey," because of consonant mutations proceeding independently in the noun and the adjective, is baa-ngel geet-el, and this sort of thing is par for the course, central to almost any sustained communication in the language!

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:04:38 PM
Given that Doctor Who is resetting its season count yet again, does that mean we now have Disney Who in addition to Classic Who and Modern Who?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on November 19, 2023, 01:03:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 16, 2023, 04:01:43 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 03:43:05 PM
This one doesn't involve a prefix, but I'm always kind of amazed that 'sanction' can have literally opposite meanings. It either means approval or punishment.

Bill is kind of the same. Either it means money or it means document that says you owe money.

The biblical contronym is this:  "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2.24)

Now, I don't generally reach for my meat cleaver when I want to join to pieces of meat (flesh) together...

It also depends on the translation of that scripture that you are using, they can vary greatly from each other and even have completely different meanings.  Case in point, which is correct - "Thou shalt not kill" or "Thou shalt not commit murder"?  Those are completely different meanings in English.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 19, 2023, 06:58:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:04:38 PM
Given that Doctor Who is resetting its season count yet again, does that mean we now have Disney Who in addition to Classic Who and Modern Who?
Wait...what?  Linky please.

It was just fine with Classic Who being seasons and NuWho bring series.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on November 19, 2023, 08:32:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on November 19, 2023, 06:58:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:04:38 PM
Given that Doctor Who is resetting its season count yet again, does that mean we now have Disney Who in addition to Classic Who and Modern Who?
Wait...what?  Linky please.

https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/doctor-who-season-1-reset-is-confusing-but-makes-sense-2366975/
https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-season-14-ncuti-gatwa-numbering-change/
https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/russell-t-davies-confirms-that-doctor-who-series-14-will-be-rebranded-season-1-2362786/

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 20, 2023, 07:04:20 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 19, 2023, 08:32:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on November 19, 2023, 06:58:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:04:38 PM
Given that Doctor Who is resetting its season count yet again, does that mean we now have Disney Who in addition to Classic Who and Modern Who?
Wait...what?  Linky please.

https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/doctor-who-season-1-reset-is-confusing-but-makes-sense-2366975/
https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-season-14-ncuti-gatwa-numbering-change/
https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/russell-t-davies-confirms-that-doctor-who-series-14-will-be-rebranded-season-1-2362786/
Ugh.  What a poor decision by RTD.

I was hoping that Timeless Child nonsense would be retconned.  Oh well.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on November 20, 2023, 09:06:08 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 09:39:29 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:34:52 PM
'Fun Size' candy bars just aren't as fun as the regular ones.

Quote from: kkt on November 11, 2023, 07:30:36 PM
They're fun compared to dropping a $2 candy bar in the bag of every trick or treater you get on halloween.

I'd have more fun dropping a $2 candy bar in the bag of every trick-or-treater I got on Halloween.  (We don't hand out candy on Halloween because our family does trick-or-treating in my parents' neighborhood, and my wife and mother and I tag along with the boys.)

There was a FoxTrot comic strip installment one year where Jason and his friend Marcus were at the grocery store a few days before Halloween, with a pair of binoculars, scoping out what candy their neighbors were buying, so they could plan their trick-or-treating route.  I wonder if any kids did/do that in real life.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 20, 2023, 12:41:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on November 20, 2023, 07:04:20 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 19, 2023, 08:32:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on November 19, 2023, 06:58:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:04:38 PM
Given that Doctor Who is resetting its season count yet again, does that mean we now have Disney Who in addition to Classic Who and Modern Who?
Wait...what?  Linky please.

https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/doctor-who-season-1-reset-is-confusing-but-makes-sense-2366975/
https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-season-14-ncuti-gatwa-numbering-change/
https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/russell-t-davies-confirms-that-doctor-who-series-14-will-be-rebranded-season-1-2362786/
Ugh.  What a poor decision by RTD.

I was hoping that Timeless Child nonsense would be retconned.  Oh well.
It's basically for Disney's benefit since the older seasons are remaining on Max for now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 20, 2023, 06:32:44 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 20, 2023, 12:41:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on November 20, 2023, 07:04:20 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 19, 2023, 08:32:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on November 19, 2023, 06:58:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:04:38 PM
Given that Doctor Who is resetting its season count yet again, does that mean we now have Disney Who in addition to Classic Who and Modern Who?
Wait...what?  Linky please.

https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/doctor-who-season-1-reset-is-confusing-but-makes-sense-2366975/
https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-season-14-ncuti-gatwa-numbering-change/
https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/russell-t-davies-confirms-that-doctor-who-series-14-will-be-rebranded-season-1-2362786/
Ugh.  What a poor decision by RTD.

I was hoping that Timeless Child nonsense would be retconned.  Oh well.
It's basically for Disney's benefit since the older seasons are remaining on Max for now.
Ugh ugh.

Despite BBC's assurances that Disney would act as a distributor alone, it really is seeming like my fears are being realized about Doctor Who being Disney-fied despite the return of RTD.

No one can resist the Mouse's money, no matter what destruction it wreaks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on November 21, 2023, 07:20:26 AM
2016, a number of relatively recent year, has many factors, a total of 36. When dividing 2016 by 2, you eventually reach number 63.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on November 21, 2023, 01:19:50 PM
Only just now I realized that Canada was founded in same year (1867) as Alaska was transferred to US.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 22, 2023, 09:33:29 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:34:52 PM
'Fun Size' candy bars just aren't as fun as the regular ones.
Should be called 'P--s me off' size..
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 22, 2023, 01:31:12 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
English is among the hardest languages to learn.

English pronunciation is difficult, and we have a lot of vocabulary, but English grammar and conjugations are su-u-u-uper simple.

Example:  write, writes, wrote, written, writing . . . that's basically it.  Everything else just adds helping verbs.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
Certain words have zero meaning, such as 'get'

Get some more milk while you're out.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 22, 2023, 01:41:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2023, 01:31:12 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
English is among the hardest languages to learn.

English pronunciation is difficult, and we have a lot of vocabulary, but English grammar and conjugations are su-u-u-uper simple.

Example:  write, writes, wrote, written, writing . . . that's basically it.  Everything else just adds helping verbs.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
Certain words have zero meaning, such as 'get'

Get some more milk while you're out.

Sure, but if the addition of a preposition makes that "base" meaning completely moot, does "get" really mean "acquire"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 22, 2023, 01:56:11 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 22, 2023, 01:41:21 PM
Sure, but if the addition of a preposition makes that "base" meaning completely moot, does "get" really mean "acquire"?

Several of your examples merely highlight a second meaning of 'get':  to move or go somewhere else.  Your list would be a lot shorter if we were to remove all of the cases where "get" simply means "go/move" instead of "acquire".

"Get out" is functionally equivalent to "Go out", just as "I got there in eight minutes" is equivalent to "It took me eight minutes to go there".

"Get down" means to move your body.  "Get behind" means to go/move behind something.

To "get away with" something is a non-literal way of referring to robbery, wherein a person is able to escape (to go away from the scene of the crime) with whatever he stole.

To "get around" is to go here and there—whether in the sense of "can't get around anymore in his old age" or that of "she sure gets around".

Et cetera.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 22, 2023, 03:21:11 PM


Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2023, 01:31:12 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
English is among the hardest languages to learn.

English pronunciation is difficult, and we have a lot of vocabulary, but English grammar and conjugations are su-u-u-uper simple.

Example:  write, writes, wrote, written, writing . . . that's basically it.  Everything else just adds helping verbs.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 16, 2023, 05:22:14 PM
Certain words have zero meaning, such as 'get'

Get some more milk while you're out.

"have written"
"had written"

Conjugations certainly aren't limited to the ones you've listed...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on November 22, 2023, 03:53:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2023, 01:31:12 PM
English pronunciation is difficult, and we have a lot of vocabulary, but English grammar and conjugations are su-u-u-uper simple.

Example:  write, writes, wrote, written, writing . . . that's basically it.  Everything else just adds helping verbs.

Quote from: Rothman on November 22, 2023, 03:21:11 PM
"have written"
"had written"

Conjugations certainly aren't limited to the ones you've listed...

All you did was add helping verbs.

Once you've learned the "have ____" construction once, you're good to use it for every verb.

And there are fewer forms to learn than in most languages, too:  I/They/We/You/Y'all have written, or else He/She/It has written.  And that covers the present perfect indicative:  just two forms of the helping verb to learn.  In contrast, Spanish has five to seven conjugations of that helping verb (depending on how you count the vos and vosotros conjugations).

And the pluperfect is even easier in English:  it's "had written" no matter what the subject is.  Just a single form to learn.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on November 22, 2023, 06:52:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2023, 03:53:50 PM
And the pluperfect is even easier in English:  it's "had written" no matter what the subject is.  Just a single form to learn.

I find it interesting that you pick an irregular past tense word form to illustrate how "simple" English is.

Most verbs take an "ed" (or "d" if the word already ended in e) to make their past tense.

"I visited this site."
"I have visited the site many times."
"I had visited this site yesterday before I was on YouTube."

And then there's plurals. A couple simple rules - s, es, y changes to ies, etc.
Except: house/mouse, moose/goose, sheep, deer ...

English has so many irregular word formations which makes it difficult for people to learn. Plus the fact that words have come from many different language backgrounds, so the spelling rules are not consistent either. Weird.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on November 22, 2023, 07:02:56 PM
^^ Plural of house is houses.  For mouse, the rodent is mice, but for computers it is mouses.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on November 22, 2023, 08:26:27 PM
Joe's 500-foot homer flew out of the stadium. Then Dave flied out to end the inning.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 22, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: Big John on November 22, 2023, 07:02:56 PM
^^ Plural of house is houses.  For mouse, the rodent is mice, but for computers it is mouses.
I don't think I have ever heard someone use "mouses" for referring to computer mice.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 25, 2023, 12:00:50 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 22, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: Big John on November 22, 2023, 07:02:56 PM
^^ Plural of house is houses.  For mouse, the rodent is mice, but for computers it is mouses.
I don't think I have ever heard someone use "mouses" for referring to computer mice.

It was common usage in Silicon Valley by 1980 or so...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 25, 2023, 12:41:24 AM
Quote from: kkt on November 25, 2023, 12:00:50 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 22, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: Big John on November 22, 2023, 07:02:56 PM
^^ Plural of house is houses.  For mouse, the rodent is mice, but for computers it is mouses.
I don't think I have ever heard someone use "mouses" for referring to computer mice.

It was common usage in Silicon Valley by 1980 or so...
1980?  Ancient times, given how often the jargon changes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 25, 2023, 03:36:19 PM
I think "mouses" was dropped once computers started being marketed to people who weren't professionals or amateur computer geeks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 26, 2023, 05:17:00 AM
I was trying to find out if an old picture I had of a Florida Division of Forestry fire truck many have been in my Flickr account before the jerkoffs at Flickr took my password away and still showed up in public, when I stumbled upon this collection of vintage ambulance apparatus on Ogden, North Carolina;
https://legeros.com/blog/vintage-vehicles-of-ogden-rescue-squad/
I like that Chevy Impala sedan they've got that was obviously used by a supervisor. You don't see too many actual ambulance sedans these days.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on November 27, 2023, 09:14:50 PM
If you've ever wondered about the impact of the Great Lakes snow machine on travel conditions, look no further than the I-90 corridor between PA and Buffalo's Southtowns right now. Almost solid red bars for traffic, and that's no congestion. Just an absolute torrent of snow blowing in off Lake Erie.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 27, 2023, 09:44:14 PM
Quote from: webny99 on November 27, 2023, 09:14:50 PM
If you've ever wondered about the impact of the Great Lakes snow machine on travel conditions, look no further than the I-90 corridor between PA and Buffalo's Southtowns right now. Almost solid red bars for traffic, and that's no congestion. Just an absolute torrent of snow blowing in off Lake Erie.
Meh.  They've seen worse out there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Molandfreak on November 29, 2023, 01:02:13 AM
(https://sf.ezoiccdn.com/ezoimgfmt/www.borninspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/worst-attraction-in-each-state-map.jpg?ezimgfmt=ng:webp/ngcb1)
Just saw this posted on Facebook and immediately thought "but Route 66 didn't go through Nevada..."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on November 29, 2023, 01:05:19 AM
^^ and New Hampshire's crumbled and no longer exists. Alaska has such a city name in it, but not the intended answer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 02:34:20 AM
Quote from: Molandfreak on November 29, 2023, 01:02:13 AM
Just saw this posted on Facebook and immediately thought "but Route 66 didn't go through Nevada..."

That's why it's the worst attraction.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 07:47:30 AM
Mystery Spot? How about Sea Shell City?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 29, 2023, 10:42:54 AM
The Mystery Spot is an absolutely stupid tourist attraction of nothing. I see it all the time when I'm on US-2 coming out of St Ignace and have always wondered what the hell that place is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 29, 2023, 11:04:37 AM
How Arizona's isn't The Thing is beyond me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on November 29, 2023, 11:14:00 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 29, 2023, 11:04:37 AM
How Arizona's isn't The Thing is beyond me.

It's probably based on number of complaints, not like:dislike ratio.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 29, 2023, 11:15:33 AM
Quote from: 1 on November 29, 2023, 11:14:00 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 29, 2023, 11:04:37 AM
How Arizona's isn't The Thing is beyond me.

It's probably based on number of complaints, not like:dislike ratio.

But what is to complain about the Grand Canyon? The South Rim is a little overrated, but the North Rim is very underrated.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 11:32:20 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 29, 2023, 10:42:54 AM
The Mystery Spot is an absolutely stupid tourist attraction of nothing. I see it all the time when I'm on US-2 coming out of St Ignace and have always wondered what the hell that place is.

I agree, I went there once as a kid. It's one of those optical illusion things with structures on the side of a hill that make you look bigger or smaller as you move from one side of the room to the other, or that water flows uphill.

If you've passed Mystery Spot, you've passed Sea Shell City. Why in the world would people stop to by sea shells in northern Michigan? Plus the hokey signs about "man eating clam" and such. (Just like "See Rock City", many of them have gone away over the past couple decades.) Although my mother loved it, but that probably says something more about her than about the store.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 29, 2023, 01:04:03 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 11:32:20 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 29, 2023, 10:42:54 AM
The Mystery Spot is an absolutely stupid tourist attraction of nothing. I see it all the time when I'm on US-2 coming out of St Ignace and have always wondered what the hell that place is.

I agree, I went there once as a kid. It's one of those optical illusion things with structures on the side of a hill that make you look bigger or smaller as you move from one side of the room to the other, or that water flows uphill.

If you've passed Mystery Spot, you've passed Sea Shell City. Why in the world would people stop to by sea shells in northern Michigan? Plus the hokey signs about "man eating clam" and such. (Just like "See Rock City", many of them have gone away over the past couple decades.) Although my mother loved it, but that probably says something more about her than about the store.
I never even stopped. I tried to go past it but all the road does is dead ends about a half mile past the Mystery Spot. On Google Maps it looks as if Martin Lake Road loops back to US-2, it doesn't. And like a lot of places that have dead ends in Michigan it lacks a No Outlet or Dead End sign at both places north of US-2. Speaking of that area, I've often wanted to go north and ended up going back east to St. Ignace instead not even remembering that US-2 goes in more of a NW-SE direction instead of straight E-W.

As far as Sea Shell City, yeah I know where that place is too and that is a rather dumb place as well.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on November 29, 2023, 01:31:45 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 07:47:30 AM
Mystery Spot? How about Sea Shell City?

Not Da Yoopers' Tourist Trap???

Sheesh!

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on November 29, 2023, 01:35:52 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 29, 2023, 01:31:45 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 07:47:30 AM
Mystery Spot? How about Sea Shell City?

Not Da Yoopers' Tourist Trap???

Sheesh!

Mike
Top one in every state. It's the mystery spot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 29, 2023, 01:46:23 PM
Surprised South Dakota's isn't Wall Drug.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on November 29, 2023, 01:57:17 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 29, 2023, 01:46:23 PM
Surprised South Dakota's isn't Wall Drug.

The Corn Palace is worse.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:15:14 PM
Dollar-per-hour spent, I think Coral Castle is slightly more "why did I do this" than Disney World but obviously less well-known. But I guess you're not roped into spending a thousand bucks per head after a few days.

It's probably more irritating when they remind you constantly that the love-sick owner once charged ten cents to get in on his private property....it was about 100 times more than that when I visited.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on November 29, 2023, 04:31:09 PM
I'm not going to knock the Corn Palace--it was a pretty decent tourist information center when I visited in the mid-1990's, with official state maps from multiple states.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 29, 2023, 05:25:25 PM
Yeah, I like the Corn Palace.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on November 29, 2023, 05:27:27 PM
Mildly surprised South of the Border isn't listed for South Carolina.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on November 29, 2023, 05:33:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 02:34:20 AM
Quote from: Molandfreak on November 29, 2023, 01:02:13 AM
Just saw this posted on Facebook and immediately thought "but Route 66 didn't go through Nevada..."

That's why it's the worst attraction.

I see.  Kind of like Washington State's worst attraction is the Washington Monument.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 29, 2023, 07:40:40 PM
I've been to 8 of those, with plans for a ninth abandoned.

MOA
Times Square
Wisconsin Dells
Disney (FL)
Rock and Roll HOF
The bean in Chicago
Ocean City
Bourbon St

The Alamo was the one I dropped plans to visit. I've also driven through Dyersville but didn't see the Field of Dreams.

Is there actually some physical Mothman site to visit in WV? Or does it just draw a bunch of kooks to check out the history?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 29, 2023, 07:49:31 PM
Gum Wall
Voodoo Doughnuts
Hollywood
North Pole (assuming they mean the town)
Route 66
Grand Canyon
Mormon Temple
Casa Bonita
Corn Palace
Biggest Ball of Twine
Alamo
Mall of America
Branson
Bourbon Street
Wisconsin Dells
The Bean
Disney
Williamsburg
Times Square
Old Man of the Mountain (RIP)

20 of 50
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on November 29, 2023, 10:51:49 PM
Old Man in the Mountain
Plymouth Rock
Rocky Statue
Jersey Shore
Ocean City
Williamsburg
Mothman (Silver Bridge :D)
Myrtle Beach
Disney World
Helen Keller's Birthplace
Elvis' Birthplace
The Bean
Wisconsin Dells
Mall of America
Bourbon Street
Alamo
Carhenge
Corn Palace
Grand Canyon
"Mormon Temple"? Pfft.  There are a whole lot of them in Utah.  I have been to Temple Square, but not inside the Salt Lake Temple.  Got married in another temple in Utah, though.
Voodoo Donuts
Gum Wall

So...22?  Not sure how to be on Route 66 in NV.  Sort of a lousy list, anyway.

Had near misses -- drove right by:

Dover Downs
Holiday World
Waikiki
Hollywood
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CoreySamson on November 30, 2023, 01:29:19 PM
Oklahoma's entry is absolutely correct. Such a dumb attraction.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 30, 2023, 01:35:21 PM
How does most states get a single place or attraction, and NJ gets 100 miles of coastline as their worst?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on November 30, 2023, 01:38:18 PM
If one is complaining of the "free attractions", then a need to reevaluate whether you're terminally online or not is the answer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheCatalyst31 on November 30, 2023, 05:39:19 PM
While Wisconsin Dells probably deserves the collective listing, I kinda wish they had picked a specific attraction, because some of its attractions are definitely worse than others. My pick would be Top Secret, aka the upside-down White House, which apparently has almost nothing to see once you've paid to get inside. It's just an efficient way to separate tourists from their money.

The Dells actually used to have their own version of the Mystery Spot, called the Wonder Spot. I convinced my parents to take me there as a kid, and thought it was kinda fun, but in hindsight it was pretty hokey.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on November 30, 2023, 05:43:13 PM
^^ They keep everything a secret there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: drebbin37 on November 30, 2023, 08:06:41 PM
Quassy holds a special place in my heart.  Yes, it's a sad little amusement park on a leech-infested lake, but its arcade was fantastic to a kid growing up there in the 80s.  I have fond memories of those machines where you drop a quarter onto a shelf and it gets pushed toward the piles of quarters on the edge, and you win any that fall off.  At some point, they switched from paying real quarters to useless tokens, but those early days surely laid the foundation for my lifelong gambling hobby.  I probably made close to a dollar an hour on those things as a 10-year-old.

By the way, if you ever build a mini golf course, don't put it underneath a bunch of maple trees (like Quassy did).  Those little helicopter things cover the course, wreaking havoc on the path of a rolling golf ball.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 08:22:09 PM
Anyone ever notice that pretty much every thread relating to New Jersey devolves into control city arguments again and again?  I wonder why that is.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on December 01, 2023, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 08:22:09 PM
Anyone ever notice that pretty much every thread relating to New Jersey devolves into control city arguments again and again?  I wonder why that is.
Some people find arguing pointlessly over subjective minutiae to be addictive it seems.  Such discussions reduce the quality of the main regional and state threads.

Same goes for people who make statements like, "Route X should obviously be Route Y instead, because that's how the numbering system works in my mind and therefore everyone else should think my way, too."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on December 01, 2023, 12:51:45 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 01, 2023, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 08:22:09 PM
Anyone ever notice that pretty much every thread relating to New Jersey devolves into control city arguments again and again?  I wonder why that is.
Some people find arguing pointlessly over subjective minutiae to be addictive it seems.  Such discussions reduce the quality of the main regional and state threads.

Same goes for people who make statements like, "Route X should obviously be Route Y instead, because that's how the numbering system works in my mind and therefore everyone else should think my way, too."
Still, it seems to happen to New Jersey-related discussion a LOT, much more than for any other state.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on December 01, 2023, 01:27:26 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 01, 2023, 12:51:45 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 01, 2023, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 08:22:09 PM
Anyone ever notice that pretty much every thread relating to New Jersey devolves into control city arguments again and again?  I wonder why that is.
Some people find arguing pointlessly over subjective minutiae to be addictive it seems.  Such discussions reduce the quality of the main regional and state threads.

Same goes for people who make statements like, "Route X should obviously be Route Y instead, because that's how the numbering system works in my mind and therefore everyone else should think my way, too."
Still, it seems to happen to New Jersey-related discussion a LOT, much more than for any other state.
True.  A lot of people travel the Turnpike, though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2023, 01:42:31 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 01, 2023, 01:27:26 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 01, 2023, 12:51:45 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 01, 2023, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 08:22:09 PM
Anyone ever notice that pretty much every thread relating to New Jersey devolves into control city arguments again and again?  I wonder why that is.
Some people find arguing pointlessly over subjective minutiae to be addictive it seems.  Such discussions reduce the quality of the main regional and state threads.

Same goes for people who make statements like, "Route X should obviously be Route Y instead, because that's how the numbering system works in my mind and therefore everyone else should think my way, too."
Still, it seems to happen to New Jersey-related discussion a LOT, much more than for any other state.
True.  A lot of people travel the Turnpike, though.

Every inch of NJ is a municipality, many of those munis have significant population or business/commercial areas, and there's 3 other states which have significantly large cities bordering NJ. 

Unlike in most other states where there are significant distances between populated areas, and even more significant distances between heavily populated areas, in NJ one can go from town to borough to city to village to town and consistently hit populated, important municipalities. 

There's about 560 municipal entities in NJ, in which their 9 million residents reside.  Yet, only 7 have populations over 100,000, which shows how large many of the munis tend to be in this state.

And many highways also tend to not exactly enter the municipality mentioned.  Or end or traverse in sections of municipalities whose names are more well known than the municipality name itself, which screws with people's mindset of how Control Cities should be used.

When I recently posted the videos of the new route, I thought nothing of the control cities used and thought they were reasonable, and didn't conflict with any other recent decision or signage used elsewhere.  Yet, here we go again.

So, to sum it up: It's 'Complicated'. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on December 01, 2023, 04:17:20 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2023, 01:42:31 PM
Every inch of NJ is a municipality, many of those munis have significant population or business/commercial areas, and there's 3 other states which have significantly large cities bordering NJ. 

In each case the large city in the neighboring state is the largest city in that state, and all within a total distance of about 135 miles (this is [or at least used to be] the mileage on the sign that is on northbound 295 in Delaware just after it splits from 95 north). I believe that is the distance (via NJ Turnpike) from there to the beginning of the George Washington Bridge, as I remember seeing a "131 [and change]" milepost there.

I did live in NJ for a year or so (1996). But for all the other years (with the notable exception of going to then-Continental Arena to see the NHL NJ Devils) the only time I drove on the turnpike was to get to someplace in another state.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 03, 2023, 09:28:24 PM
Traffic jam in Copper Harbor, Michigan yesterday.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231204/7372e149dfac8fb855d9cbc72e041fc4.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on December 04, 2023, 01:32:46 AM
^^ Plus I thought the Great Lakes Circle Route signs were green.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on December 04, 2023, 02:58:15 AM
Hmmm, survivors of the latest Michigan gun season.   :-o

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 04, 2023, 08:38:41 AM
Quote from: Big John on December 04, 2023, 01:32:46 AM
^^ Plus I thought the Great Lakes Circle Route signs were green.
It's because the loop and spur routes of the GLCT have white on brown signs, the rest of them have white on green signs.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 04, 2023, 12:45:29 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 04, 2023, 02:58:15 AM
Hmmm, survivors of the latest Michigan gun season.   :-o

Mike
Lol yeah and at least they are crossing the highway by the deer crossing sign.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on December 04, 2023, 03:02:56 PM
Minnesota replaced a lot of the aging green LSCT signs on Highway 61 with brown ones in the last couple years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 09, 2023, 11:35:18 AM
When you have a choice.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231209/75eea47140bd9b28180431598e9575d9.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on December 09, 2023, 12:10:50 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 09, 2023, 11:35:18 AM
When you have a choice.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231209/75eea47140bd9b28180431598e9575d9.jpg)

I would get the sauerkraut dog, every time.

Although, I'm not sure why that is more expensive (13% more [gotten by ~34/30]) than the options with chili added, or ground beef added.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 09, 2023, 01:27:22 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on December 09, 2023, 12:10:50 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 09, 2023, 11:35:18 AM
When you have a choice.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231209/75eea47140bd9b28180431598e9575d9.jpg)

I would get the sauerkraut dog, every time.

Although, I'm not sure why that is more expensive (13% more [gotten by ~34/30]) than the options with chili added, or ground beef added.
Flint style coney sauce is more than just ground beef I don't know why they advertise it that way. I get Flint style every time I have a choice, if I'm in Detroit and that's the only choice I'll throw down on a Detroit style too. I have never liked sauerkraut, dunno why really.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 12:14:57 PM
I was in Cheyenne the other day.

It occured to me that, the two exits, from the two main Interstates, to what many would consider to be the main drag ... of the capital city...

... the ramps end at rather unremarkable stop signs, on a rather unremarkable road.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on December 12, 2023, 03:37:44 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 12:14:57 PM
I was in Cheyenne the other day.

It occured to me that, the two exits, from the two main Interstates, to what many would consider to be the main drag ... of the capital city...

... the ramps end at rather unremarkable stop signs, on a rather unremarkable road.

That actually seems pretty stereotypical for the least-populated state in the country. It's a rare case where a roadgeek might actually be more surprised by it than the average person.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on December 12, 2023, 03:50:30 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 12:14:57 PM
I was in Cheyenne the other day.

It occured to me that, the two exits, from the two main Interstates, to what many would consider to be the main drag ... of the capital city...

... the ramps end at rather unremarkable stop signs, on a rather unremarkable road.

The population of Cheyenne is less than the population of the North Dallas suburb that I currently reside in.

The population of Wyoming at 578,803 is less than the population of the City of Dallas at 1.288 million. And, yes, in this instance, I'm not referring to the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

The population density (population divided by land area) of Wyoming is 49th. The only state with a lower population density is Alaska.

So, uh, what do people do for a living in that area?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on December 12, 2023, 06:42:22 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 12, 2023, 03:50:30 PM
The population of Cheyenne is less than the population of the North Dallas suburb that I currently reside in.

The population of Wyoming at 578,803 is less than the population of the City of Dallas at 1.288 million. And, yes, in this instance, I'm not referring to the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

The population density (population divided by land area) of Wyoming is 49th. The only state with a lower population density is Alaska.

So, uh, what do people do for a living in that area?

Mining, cattle ranching, and tourism/recreational industries, for starters.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 14, 2023, 08:25:10 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 12, 2023, 03:37:44 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 12:14:57 PM
I was in Cheyenne the other day.

It occured to me that, the two exits, from the two main Interstates, to what many would consider to be the main drag ... of the capital city...

... the ramps end at rather unremarkable stop signs, on a rather unremarkable road.

That actually seems pretty stereotypical for the least-populated state in the country. It's a rare case where a roadgeek might actually be more surprised by it than the average person.
I'm a smidge atypical (aren't we all?).

It just seemed really weird to me. Even Laramie has lights at their interchanges.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 14, 2023, 08:27:26 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 12, 2023, 06:42:22 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 12, 2023, 03:50:30 PM
The population of Cheyenne is less than the population of the North Dallas suburb that I currently reside in.

The population of Wyoming at 578,803 is less than the population of the City of Dallas at 1.288 million. And, yes, in this instance, I'm not referring to the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

The population density (population divided by land area) of Wyoming is 49th. The only state with a lower population density is Alaska.

So, uh, what do people do for a living in that area?

Mining, cattle ranching, and tourism/recreational industries, for starters.
A lot come to Fort Collins, I would imagine. FE Warren AFB, is another biggie up there. Once a week I catch a Bustang to Denver, and there's usually a couple of Cheyenneites, that drove to the park & ride for the same reason.

Unexpectedly, found a sushi joint downtown. Decent, even. Not the first thing I would expect to find in Wyoming, to be sure.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on December 14, 2023, 12:56:51 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 12:14:57 PM
I was in Cheyenne the other day.

It occured to me that, the two exits, from the two main Interstates, to what many would consider to be the main drag ... of the capital city...

... the ramps end at rather unremarkable stop signs, on a rather unremarkable road.
Which interchanges on these?  I've been poking around in street view, and the interchanges that would seem to meet the description otherwise have traffic lights. :confused:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2023, 03:40:45 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 14, 2023, 12:56:51 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 12:14:57 PM
I was in Cheyenne the other day.

It occured to me that, the two exits, from the two main Interstates, to what many would consider to be the main drag ... of the capital city...

... the ramps end at rather unremarkable stop signs, on a rather unremarkable road.
Which interchanges on these?  I've been poking around in street view, and the interchanges that would seem to meet the description otherwise have traffic lights. :confused:

Must be the two at either end of I-80 Business?

But thanks for pointing that out, as it is worth noting that there are at least 3 other interchanges that do have stoplights at their respective interstate junctions.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on December 14, 2023, 05:45:53 PM
Gilette says it is the best a man can get.  They never told us which one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 15, 2023, 06:33:44 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2023, 03:40:45 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 14, 2023, 12:56:51 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 12:14:57 PM
I was in Cheyenne the other day.

It occured to me that, the two exits, from the two main Interstates, to what many would consider to be the main drag ... of the capital city...

... the ramps end at rather unremarkable stop signs, on a rather unremarkable road.
Which interchanges on these?  I've been poking around in street view, and the interchanges that would seem to meet the description otherwise have traffic lights. :confused:

Must be the two at either end of I-80 Business?

But thanks for pointing that out, as it is worth noting that there are at least 3 other interchanges that do have stoplights at their respective interstate junctions.

Where I-25, and I-80 exit to Lincolnway Ave / US 30 / Otto Road. You're like a mile or so from the heart of downtown there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 15, 2023, 10:57:39 AM
Quote from: Big John on December 14, 2023, 05:45:53 PM
Gilette says it is the best a man can get.  They never told us which one.

I've also heard that you can't keep a good man down.  But you can keep an average man down for about three minutes.  You can keep Carl in a jar.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on December 15, 2023, 10:59:36 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 15, 2023, 10:57:39 AM
But you can keep an average man down for about three minutes.

Wouldn't the referee declare that you won within a few seconds and then ask you to stop keeping the "average man" down because the match is over?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 15, 2023, 12:13:03 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 15, 2023, 10:57:39 AM
Quote from: Big John on December 14, 2023, 05:45:53 PM
Gilette says it is the best a man can get.  They never told us which one.

I've also heard that you can't keep a good man down.  But you can keep an average man down for about three minutes.  You can keep Carl in a jar.

His son prefers a bag.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Flint1979 on December 16, 2023, 08:31:59 AM
There was a question that came up and the question was, what is the most popular street in Detroit? Woodward won by a lot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on December 17, 2023, 07:41:06 PM
From time to time, my wife will send me something and say, "Please post this to AARoads."

(https://i.imgur.com/xff4cH5.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 18, 2023, 12:05:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 17, 2023, 07:41:06 PM
From time to time, my wife will send me something and say, "Please post this to AARoads."

(https://i.imgur.com/xff4cH5.jpg)

Everyone else: looking for the hole

AARoads regulars: where's the D?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on December 19, 2023, 03:54:25 PM
Did y'all hear about this new band, "1023 Megabytes"?

They don't have a gig yet.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2023, 10:55:53 AM
The Annals of Quindaro (https://www.kshs.org/p/annals-of-quindaro-a-kansas-ghost-town/13128) were written by Alan Farley.

Hmmmmmm...  ;-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on December 20, 2023, 11:35:46 AM
This sentence contains exactly threee erors.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2023, 11:39:17 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 20, 2023, 11:35:46 AM
This sentence contains exactly threee erors.

Nice!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on December 20, 2023, 12:58:35 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 20, 2023, 11:35:46 AM
This sentence contains exactly threee erors.

You almost got me with that one, was about to embarrass myself asking what the third one is.  :sombrero:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on December 20, 2023, 01:02:33 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2023, 12:05:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 17, 2023, 07:41:06 PM
From time to time, my wife will send me something and say, "Please post this to AARoads."

(https://i.imgur.com/xff4cH5.jpg)

Everyone else: looking for the hole

AARoads regulars: where's the D?
Or Booger Queen?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2023, 03:16:50 PM
Quote from: Robert18000 on December 20, 2023, 02:52:25 PM
Not a bad way to get random quotes  https://www.spam.com/

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Spam_wall_-_Flickr_-_freezelight.jpg/320px-Spam_wall_-_Flickr_-_freezelight.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 21, 2023, 11:46:00 AM
Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 07:47:30 AM
Mystery Spot? How about Sea Shell City?

Speaking of "mystery spots," Spook Hill in Lake Wales, Florida is way worse than Disney. A supposed legend about nothing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on December 22, 2023, 10:11:18 AM
SEPTA, OCTA, and NOVA are all buses. (Southeast PA, Orange County [CA], and the third is a manufacturer rather than a system)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on December 22, 2023, 10:54:56 AM
A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas.

After hearing about this extravagant gift, a friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one of those sporty four-wheel-drive vehicles."

"She did," he replied. "But where was I going to find a fake Jeep?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 22, 2023, 11:30:56 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2023, 10:54:56 AM
A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas.

After hearing about this extravagant gift, a friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one of those sporty four-wheel-drive vehicles."

"She did," he replied. "But where was I going to find a fake Jeep?"

A Cybertruck?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on December 23, 2023, 07:07:55 AM
Some thoughts regarding Santa....

(https://i.ibb.co/d2q9fTP/World-s-Greatest-Logistics-Manager.jpg) (https://i.ibb.co/gwKg0yH/I-ve-got-Elves-for-that.jpg) (https://i.ibb.co/0nXh68K/Counterfeiter.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on December 23, 2023, 02:33:12 PM
Don't forget the instrument rating on Rudolf's pilot license!

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on December 26, 2023, 04:02:42 PM
My brother sent this to me:

(https://virginia.sportswar.com/uploads/2023/12/583746296868.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on December 27, 2023, 10:05:14 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".

Some grocery stores are even better: they truncate it to eight characters (including the space).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on December 27, 2023, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVWQYeiB6JI
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 28, 2023, 07:10:34 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 27, 2023, 10:05:14 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".

Some grocery stores are even better: they truncate it to eight characters (including the space).

Rachael Ray, cooks with generic "Butter Crackers" a lot. And I swear they do it on purpose, framing the shot so all you see is the first 4-5 letters of each word on the box.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 28, 2023, 07:18:24 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 28, 2023, 07:10:34 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 27, 2023, 10:05:14 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".

Some grocery stores are even better: they truncate it to eight characters (including the space).

Rachael Ray, cooks with generic "Butter Crackers" a lot. And I swear they do it on purpose, framing the shot so all you see is the first 4-5 letters of each word on the box.

In case anyone was wondering how the town in Florida sometimes shortens the name...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51113819170_7912f63a3e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSKFEj)

Quote from: Big John on December 27, 2023, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVWQYeiB6JI

I used to giggle at those ads when I was a kid.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on December 28, 2023, 07:45:42 AM
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".

Land O Lakes butter. If we buy their spreadable butter at Wegmans (which we usually don't; we buy the store brand), the receipt says "LOL LIT BUTT."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on December 28, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 28, 2023, 07:45:42 AM
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2023, 10:04:29 PM
There must be something hilarious about buying butter.  Every time I do, the receipt says "LOL BUTTER".

Land O Lakes butter. If we buy their spreadable butter at Wegmans (which we usually don't; we buy the store brand), the receipt says "LOL LIT BUTT."

Imagining the response from the 'wokies' if someone flies a route from Fresno, CA to Sioux Falls, SD (hint, check the airport codes that would be on the baggage tags).

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on December 28, 2023, 01:14:27 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 28, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Imagining the response from the 'wokies' if someone flies a route from Fresno, CA to Sioux Falls, SD (hint, check the airport codes that would be on the baggage tags).

Sioux City? I'm not seeing anything wrong with the Sioux Falls airport code.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on December 28, 2023, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 28, 2023, 01:14:27 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 28, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Imagining the response from the 'wokies' if someone flies a route from Fresno, CA to Sioux Falls, SD (hint, check the airport codes that would be on the baggage tags).

Sioux City? I'm not seeing anything wrong with the Sioux Falls airport code.
FAT FSD
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 7/8 on December 28, 2023, 10:29:07 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 28, 2023, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 28, 2023, 01:14:27 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 28, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Imagining the response from the 'wokies' if someone flies a route from Fresno, CA to Sioux Falls, SD (hint, check the airport codes that would be on the baggage tags).

Sioux City? I'm not seeing anything wrong with the Sioux Falls airport code.
FAT FSD

I still don't get the joke with FSD, Google results are mostly "full self-driving". :hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on December 29, 2023, 01:04:45 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 28, 2023, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 28, 2023, 01:14:27 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 28, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Imagining the response from the 'wokies' if someone flies a route from Fresno, CA to Sioux Falls, SD (hint, check the airport codes that would be on the baggage tags).

Sioux City? I'm not seeing anything wrong with the Sioux Falls airport code.
FAT FSD

Years ago it was SUX

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 29, 2023, 01:41:00 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 29, 2023, 01:04:45 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 28, 2023, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 28, 2023, 01:14:27 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 28, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Imagining the response from the 'wokies' if someone flies a route from Fresno, CA to Sioux Falls, SD (hint, check the airport codes that would be on the baggage tags).

Sioux City? I'm not seeing anything wrong with the Sioux Falls airport code.
FAT FSD

Years ago it was SUX

Mike

Still is (assuming you're talking about Sioux City, which is what I think you meant).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on December 29, 2023, 02:27:39 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 28, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Imagining the response from the 'wokies' if someone flies a route from Fresno, CA to Sioux Falls, SD (hint, check the airport codes that would be on the baggage tags).

Quote from: 1 on December 28, 2023, 01:14:27 PM
Sioux City? I'm not seeing anything wrong with the Sioux Falls airport code.

Quote from: mgk920 on December 29, 2023, 01:04:45 PM
Years ago it was SUX

Quote from: JayhawkCO on December 29, 2023, 01:41:00 PM
(assuming you're talking about Sioux City, which is what I think you meant)

And this is why one of the cities needs to change its name.

(In case anyone missed it, Sioux City isn't even in South Dakota.)  (Well, almost, though.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on December 29, 2023, 06:33:26 PM
(Oops, my mistake) <cower>

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
- kphoger
- Wouldn't windshield wipers be unnecessary in self-driving cars?
- Live is evil backwards. Or vice-versa
- Who sits there and says I want meatloaf.. or biscuits and gravy?
- formulanone
- What happened to the chat lol?
- JayhawkCO really be on aaroads.com typing.
- If life is unfair to everyone.. then that makes it fair right?
- Garbage cans be making all that noise and why.
- I realized rather recently that most blind people don't constantly see a bunch of black.
- How do mermaids give birth??
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on December 30, 2023, 01:20:41 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
- How do mermaids give birth??

Same way as humans do.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on December 30, 2023, 10:13:26 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
If life is unfair to everyone.. then that makes it fair right?
No
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on December 30, 2023, 11:11:40 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
...
- I realized rather recently that most blind people don't constantly see a bunch of black.
...

This is something about which I've never really thought. What do blind people see?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on December 30, 2023, 01:05:45 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 30, 2023, 11:11:40 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
...
- I realized rather recently that most blind people don't constantly see a bunch of black.
...

This is something about which I've never really thought. What do blind people see?

My understanding is that is depends on the individual's type of blindness. Not every blind person is deprived of light, color, and value in the same ways.

Some are no color nor light (total darkness), some see very dimly, some have varying levels of light perception, and others have no visual focus (can detect color, hue, shade, tint, but everything is blurred).

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 30, 2023, 01:22:00 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
- JayhawkCO really be on aaroads.com typing.

I'm confused.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on December 31, 2023, 01:42:37 PM
It's over 4 hours to the annual thread from the future
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 7/8 on December 31, 2023, 01:58:17 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 31, 2023, 01:42:37 PM
It's over 4 hours to the annual thread from the future

Poiponen13 could post it an hour before you. :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on December 31, 2023, 02:38:59 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 31, 2023, 01:58:17 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 31, 2023, 01:42:37 PM
It's over 4 hours to the annual thread from the future

Poiponen13 could post it an hour before you. :evilgrin:
What does that mean?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2023, 02:46:22 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on December 31, 2023, 02:38:59 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 31, 2023, 01:58:17 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 31, 2023, 01:42:37 PM
It's over 4 hours to the annual thread from the future

Poiponen13 could post it an hour before you. :evilgrin:
What does that mean?

It means "no."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 04:53:26 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on December 31, 2023, 02:38:59 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 31, 2023, 01:58:17 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 31, 2023, 01:42:37 PM
It's over 4 hours to the annual thread from the future

Poiponen13 could post it an hour before you. :evilgrin:
What does that mean?
CNGL-Leudimin likes to post the Happy New Year thread once his time zone (CET, since he's from Spain) enters the new year.  But since you're in EET, you could ninja him in 7 minutes...

Quote from: 7/8 on December 31, 2023, 01:58:17 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 31, 2023, 01:42:37 PM
It's over 4 hours to the annual thread from the future

Poiponen13 could post it an hour before you. :evilgrin:
I feel this is needed.  :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on December 31, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
jakeroot could have already done it in JST
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 05:01:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
jakeroot could have already done it in JST
For a second there I thought JST was "Jake Standard Time".  Shouldn't have taken as long as it did to realize that the J was for "Japan".  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on December 31, 2023, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 05:01:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
jakeroot could have already done it in JST
For a second there I thought JST was "Jake Standard Time".  Shouldn't have taken as long as it did to realize that the J was for "Japan".  :-D

What time does Sydney (as in 'Australia') use?

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on December 31, 2023, 05:38:24 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 31, 2023, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 05:01:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
jakeroot could have already done it in JST
For a second there I thought JST was "Jake Standard Time".  Shouldn't have taken as long as it did to realize that the J was for "Japan".  :-D

What time does Sydney (as in 'Australia') use?

Mike
Australian Eastern Time (AET - UTC+11)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on December 31, 2023, 06:20:43 PM
Well, I haven't got beaten by that troll, or anyone else, really. I've been able to continue the tradition.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 01, 2024, 12:52:26 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 05:38:24 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 31, 2023, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 05:01:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
jakeroot could have already done it in JST
For a second there I thought JST was "Jake Standard Time".  Shouldn't have taken as long as it did to realize that the J was for "Japan".  :-D

What time does Sydney (as in 'Australia') use?

Mike
Australian Eastern Time (AET - UTC+11)
And remember that it is UTC+11 only in local summer when it uses DST, otherwise it is on UTC+10.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2024, 01:13:22 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 01, 2024, 12:52:26 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 05:38:24 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 31, 2023, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 05:01:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
jakeroot could have already done it in JST
For a second there I thought JST was "Jake Standard Time".  Shouldn't have taken as long as it did to realize that the J was for "Japan".  :-D

What time does Sydney (as in 'Australia') use?

Mike
Australian Eastern Time (AET - UTC+11)
And remember that it is UTC+11 only in local summer when it uses DST, otherwise it is on UTC+10.

Here is a "no" for you to break in the New Year with.  Please apply it as the default response to your next "proposal."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 01, 2024, 02:28:49 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 05:38:24 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 31, 2023, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 05:01:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
jakeroot could have already done it in JST
For a second there I thought JST was "Jake Standard Time".  Shouldn't have taken as long as it did to realize that the J was for "Japan".  :-D

What time does Sydney (as in 'Australia') use?

Mike
Australian Eastern Time (AET - UTC+11)

Bzzt, nope, thanks for playing.

Australia is divided into three separate time zones:
It gets really fun when Daylight Saving Time comes into play. As part of working "overnight shift" for several years, I did Asia-Pacific (APAC) support.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on December 30, 2023, 01:22:00 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
JayhawkCO really be on aaroads.com typing.

I'm confused.

You think you're confused?

Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
kphoger

wut




Quote from: vdeane on December 30, 2023, 10:13:26 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
If life is unfair to everyone.. then that makes it fair right?

No

Life is hard.
Compared to what?
. . . . . .
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:56:10 PM
Talc, probably. Everything's hard compared to talc.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 04:06:15 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:56:10 PM
Talc, probably. Everything's hard compared to talc.

Graphene aerogel?
Technically, even butter is softer than talc.
Not quite what I was getting at, though...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 03, 2024, 06:08:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on December 30, 2023, 01:22:00 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
JayhawkCO really be on aaroads.com typing.

I'm confused.

You think you're confused?

Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
kphoger

wut


Quote from: kenarmy on December 30, 2023, 12:45:43 AM
- formulanone

Have a seat on the struggle bus with that post.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 04, 2024, 01:42:10 AM
Does anyone really pay for Internet connectivity while on a airplane? I know that several airlines have in-flight WiFi available so that you can watch or listen to the on-board entertainment (movies, TV shows, music) from your phone, laptop, or tablet, but unless you can charge it off as a business expense, can you do without Internet connectivity for a few hours? Some of the charges I see are as follows (https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/how-airplane-wi-fi-works/):
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 04, 2024, 06:52:42 AM


Quote from: ZLoth on January 04, 2024, 01:42:10 AM
Does anyone really pay for Internet connectivity while on a airplane?

Yes.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 04, 2024, 09:30:23 AM
The United prices aren't accurate. I paid $8 each way for my DEN-SJU flights. Well worth it for ~6 hour flights.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 12:45:11 PM
How far east within the US can you find Night Speed Limit signs?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 04, 2024, 12:50:33 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 04, 2024, 01:42:10 AM
Does anyone really pay for Internet connectivity while on a airplane? I know that several airlines have in-flight WiFi available so that you can watch or listen to the on-board entertainment (movies, TV shows, music) from your phone, laptop, or tablet, but unless you can charge it off as a business expense, can you do without Internet connectivity for a few hours?

The question isn't "can you do with Internet for a few hours if you have to?", the question is "will spending a few bucks make the next few hours less painful?". 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 04, 2024, 01:00:01 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 04, 2024, 12:50:33 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 04, 2024, 01:42:10 AM
Does anyone really pay for Internet connectivity while on a airplane? I know that several airlines have in-flight WiFi available so that you can watch or listen to the on-board entertainment (movies, TV shows, music) from your phone, laptop, or tablet, but unless you can charge it off as a business expense, can you do without Internet connectivity for a few hours?

The question isn't "can you do with Internet for a few hours if you have to?", the question is "will spending a few bucks make the next few hours less painful?".

Yep. I watched a live soccer match on the outbound to Puerto Rico. It was nice and cost me very little. I was also playing an online board game against my friends and didn't have to make them wait for my turn.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 04, 2024, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 12:45:11 PM
How far east within the US can you find Night Speed Limit signs?
Serious (non-joking) answer.

You can find them on Shady Grove Road between Piney Meetinghouse Road and Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg, MD. (I believe this is still Gaithersburg although it is very close to both Rockville and Potomac)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 02:52:49 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 04, 2024, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 12:45:11 PM
How far east within the US can you find Night Speed Limit signs?
Serious (non-joking) answer.

You can find them on Shady Grove Road between Piney Meetinghouse Road and Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg, MD. (I believe this is still Gaithersburg although it is very close to both Rockville and Potomac)
Ahh, yes. Here's one:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0833204,-77.2162935,3a,37.5y,58.18h,94.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4G9IWc9EBOjiNkvOHou6vQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on January 04, 2024, 05:18:31 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 02:52:49 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 04, 2024, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 12:45:11 PM
How far east within the US can you find Night Speed Limit signs?
Serious (non-joking) answer.

You can find them on Shady Grove Road between Piney Meetinghouse Road and Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg, MD. (I believe this is still Gaithersburg although it is very close to both Rockville and Potomac)
Ahh, yes. Here's one:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0833204,-77.2162935,3a,37.5y,58.18h,94.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4G9IWc9EBOjiNkvOHou6vQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu
Another one, just a tad further east.  It's on St. Charles Parkway between La Plata and Waldorf in Maryland, on the "semi secret" Waldorf bypass.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yypFjyFjJqmNT9dp6 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/yypFjyFjJqmNT9dp6)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 04, 2024, 06:20:34 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 04, 2024, 01:42:10 AM
Does anyone really pay for Internet connectivity while on a airplane? I know that several airlines have in-flight WiFi available so that you can watch or listen to the on-board entertainment (movies, TV shows, music) from your phone, laptop, or tablet, but unless you can charge it off as a business expense, can you do without Internet connectivity for a few hours? Some of the charges I see are as follows (https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/how-airplane-wi-fi-works/):

  • Delta Airlines - $16 for 24 hours in North America, $28 for Global Pass

It's free on about 40-50% of the flights within the continental US, if you have a SkyMiles account. It depends on the aircraft type (mainline planes only, not a regional jet) and whether they've upgraded the features on the individual aircraft. Or if it's not buggy that day.

It was like a 3G connection about 10 years ago. Not so bad now, but not amazing; good enough to get some work done, but forget about uploading 40-50 photos to Flickr.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: bm7 on January 05, 2024, 01:07:20 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 04, 2024, 01:42:10 AM
Does anyone really pay for Internet connectivity while on a airplane? I know that several airlines have in-flight WiFi available so that you can watch or listen to the on-board entertainment (movies, TV shows, music) from your phone, laptop, or tablet, but unless you can charge it off as a business expense, can you do without Internet connectivity for a few hours?

I've never flown but I wouldn't pay for internet. I have plenty of offline entertainment sources on my phone if needed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hunty2022 on January 05, 2024, 10:56:42 PM
In 2023, I took a grand total of 13,287 (!!) photos. The month with the most photos was August, having nearly half the total count.

The county with the most photos was somehow Greene County, VA, but the photo count includes screenshots.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 09, 2024, 10:15:51 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 04, 2024, 05:18:31 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 02:52:49 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 04, 2024, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 12:45:11 PM
How far east within the US can you find Night Speed Limit signs?
Serious (non-joking) answer.

You can find them on Shady Grove Road between Piney Meetinghouse Road and Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg, MD. (I believe this is still Gaithersburg although it is very close to both Rockville and Potomac)
Ahh, yes. Here's one:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0833204,-77.2162935,3a,37.5y,58.18h,94.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4G9IWc9EBOjiNkvOHou6vQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu
Another one, just a tad further east.  It's on St. Charles Parkway between La Plata and Waldorf in Maryland, on the "semi secret" Waldorf bypass.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yypFjyFjJqmNT9dp6 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/yypFjyFjJqmNT9dp6)
Hey, how is St. Charles Parkway as a bypass for US 301 in Waldorf?

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on January 09, 2024, 11:49:03 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 09, 2024, 10:15:51 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 04, 2024, 05:18:31 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 02:52:49 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 04, 2024, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 04, 2024, 12:45:11 PM
How far east within the US can you find Night Speed Limit signs?
Serious (non-joking) answer.

You can find them on Shady Grove Road between Piney Meetinghouse Road and Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg, MD. (I believe this is still Gaithersburg although it is very close to both Rockville and Potomac)
Ahh, yes. Here's one:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0833204,-77.2162935,3a,37.5y,58.18h,94.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4G9IWc9EBOjiNkvOHou6vQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu
Another one, just a tad further east.  It's on St. Charles Parkway between La Plata and Waldorf in Maryland, on the "semi secret" Waldorf bypass.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yypFjyFjJqmNT9dp6 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/yypFjyFjJqmNT9dp6)
Hey, how is St. Charles Parkway as a bypass for US 301 in Waldorf?
Not too bad.  It's still going to be somewhat slow because of lower speed limits and traffic lights, but I find it less stressful, which is a plus in my book.  Plus many times less traffic.  The US 301 / MD 5 concurrency can still have heavy traffic at times, but I normally bear east on US 301 towards Bowie whereas most traffic bears left on MD 5 towards Washington.

I haven't had the opportunity to time it to see which way is faster.  But fastest isn't always best IMHO.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 10, 2024, 06:35:11 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 09, 2024, 11:49:03 PM
Not too bad.  It's still going to be somewhat slow because of lower speed limits and trafficights, but I find it less stressful, which is a plus in my book.  Plus many times less traffic.  The US 301 / MD 5 concurrency can still have heavy traffic at times, but I normally bear east on US 301 towards Bowie whereas most traffic bears left on MD 5 towards Washington.
Hey, I do that too. What I also find is that MD 3 is another traffic nightmare. I used to take US 301 to MD 3 in Bowie so I could catch I-97. Not anymore. Now I take MD 197 to MD 198, and cut through Laurel to get to I-95. Plus it gives me a chance to get to one of my favorite I-95 rest areas.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on January 11, 2024, 11:26:38 AM
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on January 12, 2024, 08:05:41 PM
Was afraid to eat Chunky soup as I thought it was some kind of mutant food that ate things from its slogan "soup that eats like a meal."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kenarmy on January 12, 2024, 10:03:59 PM
-When is the US 98 realignment gonna be complete?
-The title of the thread is random thoughts so like?? I'm just sharing random thoughts.
-Becoming lactose intolerant must be one of the hardest things to experience.
-Onych means nail..
-People wake up and crave olive mix?
-Rip to the people that have to fill out all those W-2s.
-I just can't see.. or taste the appeal of watermelon.
-Are there any US 96 fans?
-I really feel like Bad is better than Thriller. Song and album.
-Do any of yall go to auto shows?
-I know time flys, but last year felt really long to me.
-Chargers really get used and abused.. and then get disregarded when they've finally had enough.
-bye.  :-P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 13, 2024, 09:16:22 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 12, 2024, 10:03:59 PM
-Rip to the people that have to fill out all those W-2s.

Most of the time this is done by a program that's hooked up to the payroll database these days. It did probably really suck when you had to fill them out on a typewriter and mail a copy off to the IRS.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 15, 2024, 01:28:06 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 12, 2024, 10:03:59 PM
I just can't see.. or taste the appeal of watermelon.

One of my sons says it tastes like cucumber to him.

Quote from: kenarmy on January 12, 2024, 10:03:59 PM
Do any of yall go to auto shows?

I went to the Chicago auto show once, back in... umm... I think it was 2002.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 01:56:43 PM
I used to go to the Detroit Auto Show every year.  But that was back in an era when automakers still had to put effort into stuff like that. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:08:28 PM
2028 still feels like the far future, but it's actually the same time from this year as 2020.  :wow:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 15, 2024, 03:17:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:08:28 PM
2028 still feels like the far future, but it's actually the same time from this year as 2020.  :wow:

2028 is 30% further away.

(https://i.imgur.com/h5pnWnQ.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:28:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2024, 03:17:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:08:28 PM
2028 still feels like the far future, but it's actually the same time from this year as 2020.  :wow:

2028 is 30% further away.

(https://i.imgur.com/h5pnWnQ.jpg)
Yeah, that's why I changed my original thought of "today" to "this year".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 15, 2024, 03:40:36 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.
I remember my father pointing out how old I would be in 2000 and I thought it was an eternity away.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:43:13 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.

The way I look at everything now more or less is:

-  The future is nowhere interesting as thought it would be.
-  The present isn't as bad as everyone says.
-  The past was way more interesting than I gave it credit for. 

In particular during my adult life I've found myself way more interested in the 1850-1960 era.  A lot of it as far as infrastructure goes feels so detached from what things are now that I find it fascinating.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 04:04:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:43:13 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.

-  The past was way more interesting than I gave it credit for. 


I tend to agree, but I will say that living through the 1970s was an interesting experience, even at the time. Between Nixon and the Bicentennial stuff especially for me. And there were many young people whose behavior and dress I got to witness, for better or worse.

The 1960s would have been interesting to live through to, but that wasn't in the cards for me. In the '80s I was angry about this, but I do not feel that way anymore.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 15, 2024, 06:07:18 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 04:04:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:43:13 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.

-  The past was way more interesting than I gave it credit for. 


I tend to agree, but I will say that living through the 1970s was an interesting experience, even at the time. Between Nixon and the Bicentennial stuff especially for me. And there were many young people whose behavior and dress I got to witness, for better or worse.

The 1960s would have been interesting to live through to, but that wasn't in the cards for me. In the '80s I was angry about this, but I do not feel that way anymore.
Angry that you weren't born earlier? :D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on January 15, 2024, 06:12:46 PM
If you remember living in the 60s, you wern't there.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 11:43:35 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 15, 2024, 06:07:18 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 04:04:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:43:13 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.

-  The past was way more interesting than I gave it credit for. 


I tend to agree, but I will say that living through the 1970s was an interesting experience, even at the time. Between Nixon and the Bicentennial stuff especially for me. And there were many young people whose behavior and dress I got to witness, for better or worse.

The 1960s would have been interesting to live through to, but that wasn't in the cards for me. In the '80s I was angry about this, but I do not feel that way anymore.
Angry that you weren't born earlier? :D

I hope you are sincerely asking the question. Your emoji makes me wonder about that. Nevertheless, I will give a serious answer.

There's context here.

I am the youngest of 8. Siblings 5 to 15 years older than me. I have always found the '60s interesting for a lot of reasons, (music, culture, politics, the general vibe) and wished I had been around to experience it, especially the British Invasion -- so, say 1964 on. Six of my seven siblings are old enough to remember back to the beginning 1964 (one was a baby), and some told me of their experiences back at that time (some of which I experienced as a baby, and which I do not remember).

With 7 siblings that much older than you, and jumping forward to the '80s, it was difficult to see them all going off and doing things while you are stuck in school -- which was the case for 5 years (see the above paragraph). And I internalized a lot of that. I may have spoken about it to two people.

I also believed (naively, as it turned out), when the '80s began, that somehow the '80s would be a repeat of the '60s. Looking back now, that was silly, but I really believed that at the time.

As far as my siblings are concerned, they did their time (education and careers) before me, and I did my education and am still doing my career. Ironically, things are the same now as they were in the '80s but in a different way. I'm the only one of the 8 who are still working.

Unlike then, however, I know that 3 or 4 years will go by relatively quickly. I also have a lot more to care about now -- raising teenagers being one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 11:45:58 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 15, 2024, 06:12:46 PM
If you remember living in the 60s, you wern't there.
I turned 3 in early 1970.

I remember two things from the '60s. When I say this, I always have to add "it was not due to drugs". The two things I remember are both family related.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 10:21:17 AM
-kenarmy

(https://i.imgur.com/t4NweRn.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:28:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2024, 03:17:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:08:28 PM
2028 still feels like the far future, but it's actually the same time from this year as 2020.  :wow:

2028 is 30% further away.

(https://i.imgur.com/h5pnWnQ.jpg)
Yeah, that's why I changed my original thought of "today" to "this year".
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2024, 01:41:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 10:21:17 AM
-kenarmy

(https://i.imgur.com/t4NweRn.jpg)

No kenspaceforce or kencoastguard editions?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on January 17, 2024, 02:00:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?

No, getting old is when all your kids are over 30.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.
2. I consider 28 years a special anniversary, since calendar repeats itself every 28 years. That is so because the leap day occurs every four years and there are seven days in a week (thus seven possible weekdays for leap day), and 4*7=28. A calendar like 2008 wll not occur again until 2036, and this year's calendar was last used in 1996 and will not be used again in 2052.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 02:45:12 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13-du-Ha!-Ha! on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
I consider 28 years a special anniversary, since calendar repeats itself every 28 years. That is so because the leap day occurs every four years and there are seven days in a week (thus seven possible weekdays for leap day), and 4*7=28. A calendar like 2008 wll not occur again until 2036, and this year's calendar was last used in 1996 and will not be used again in 2052.

From 2080 to 2120, it's 40 years—not 28 years.  Your system doesn't work.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: frankenroad on January 17, 2024, 03:38:46 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 12, 2024, 10:03:59 PM
Do any of yall go to auto shows?

I went a few years ago when I was in the market for a new vehicle.  I wanted to look at and sit in several before deciding which ones I wanted to test drive.  I was in the market for a small SUV, and one of the things I was specifically looking at was how high the liftgate would go.  Being a tall person, I did not want one where the lift-gate did not clear my head.  As a consequence, I was able to quickly eliminate several models from any further consideration.

The funny thing is, one of the models that I could fit under was a Nissan Rogue.  So a few days later, I test drove one at my local dealer - I was telling the salesman about my need to clear the liftgate, and after the drive, we went around to the back to look in.  Bam -- I hit my head!   I told him that the car that was at the auto show did not have that problem.  He brought out the service manager to see if there was some kind of adjustment that could be made, but they could not figure out any way to get the liftgate higher.  Then the service manager mentioned that the car that had been at the auto show was actually in their shop getting prepped to be put into inventory.  So he brought that one around, and sure enough, I cleared the liftgate.  So I ended up buying that particular one (which had all the features I wanted).  8 years and 105,000 miles later, and I sill haven't bumped my head!   I also haven't been to the Auto Show since!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 04:23:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 02:45:12 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13-du-Ha!-Ha! on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
I consider 28 years a special anniversary, since calendar repeats itself every 28 years. That is so because the leap day occurs every four years and there are seven days in a week (thus seven possible weekdays for leap day), and 4*7=28. A calendar like 2008 wll not occur again until 2036, and this year's calendar was last used in 1996 and will not be used again in 2052.

From 2080 to 2120, it's 40 years—not 28 years.  Your system doesn't work.
The 28-year cycle is broken by a year that is divisible by 100 but not by 400 (such as 1800, 1900, 2100, 2200). 2000 is divisible by 400, so it is a leap year, but 1900 and 2100 aren't. After 2120, the cycle of "2024-like years" restarts and goes 2120, 2148, 2176. The Gregorian calendar repeats itself after 400 years, so Jan 17, 1624 was also a Wednesday, like the ones in 2424, 2824, 3224 etc. will also be.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 04:28:31 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 04:23:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 02:45:12 PM

Quote from: Poiponen13-du-Ha!-Ha! on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
I consider 28 years a special anniversary, since calendar repeats itself every 28 years. That is so because the leap day occurs every four years and there are seven days in a week (thus seven possible weekdays for leap day), and 4*7=28. A calendar like 2008 wll not occur again until 2036, and this year's calendar was last used in 1996 and will not be used again in 2052.

From 2080 to 2120, it's 40 years—not 28 years.  Your system doesn't work.

The 28-year cycle is broken by a year that is divisible by 100 but not by 400 (such as 1800, 1900, 2100, 2200). 2000 is divisible by 400, so it is a leap year, but 1900 and 2100 aren't. After 2120, the cycle of "2024-like years" restarts and goes 2120, 2148, 2176. The Gregorian calendar repeats itself after 400 years, so Jan 17, 1624 was also a Wednesday, like the ones in 2424, 2824, 3224 etc. will also be.

Yeah, that's what I said.  Your system doesn't work.  The calendar only "repeats itself every 28 years" a few times in a row before it doesn't do that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.

Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 04:33:02 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?

See below.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 17, 2023, 08:56:10 PM

QuoteSault Sainte John Madden, colloquially known as "Saint Madden," is a unique figure representing an intriguing fusion of place and persona. Born out of a metaphorical merging between the historic city of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, and renowned football legend John Madden, Saint Madden embodies the hearty spirit of Midwestern America and the passionate dedication of professional sports.

With the natural beauty of the Soo Locks and the St. Marys River coursing through his veins, Sault part of Saint Madden is imbued with a love for nature and a deep attachment to his militaristic history, tracing back to the War of 1812. His enthralling tales of battles fought and victories won are drawn from the city's rich history and resolute spirit.

The John Madden element brings a hefty sport spirit to the table. This side of Saint Madden is persistently heard through his thunderous voice, and his impassioned speeches are known to shake the very bedrock of Marie. Known for his uncanny ability to simplify the complexities of football strategy, Madden's influence makes Saint Madden a walking playbook and a popular pundit in football circles.

Combining Sault Sainte Marie's resilience, based in its fight against harsh winters and its status as a critical transportation hub, and John Madden's indomitable sports spirit nurtures a harmony, resulting in a being with a love for nature, a warrior's spirit, a rich appreciation for history, and a knack for football. And that, dear friend, is the legacy of Sault Sainte John Madden, living steadfast in the hearts of both football enthusiasts and residents of Michigan alike.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 17, 2024, 04:38:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 04:33:02 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?

See below.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 17, 2023, 08:56:10 PM

QuoteSault Sainte John Madden, colloquially known as "Saint Madden," is a unique figure representing an intriguing fusion of place and persona. Born out of a metaphorical merging between the historic city of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, and renowned football legend John Madden, Saint Madden embodies the hearty spirit of Midwestern America and the passionate dedication of professional sports.

With the natural beauty of the Soo Locks and the St. Marys River coursing through his veins, Sault part of Saint Madden is imbued with a love for nature and a deep attachment to his militaristic history, tracing back to the War of 1812. His enthralling tales of battles fought and victories won are drawn from the city's rich history and resolute spirit.

The John Madden element brings a hefty sport spirit to the table. This side of Saint Madden is persistently heard through his thunderous voice, and his impassioned speeches are known to shake the very bedrock of Marie. Known for his uncanny ability to simplify the complexities of football strategy, Madden's influence makes Saint Madden a walking playbook and a popular pundit in football circles.

Combining Sault Sainte Marie's resilience, based in its fight against harsh winters and its status as a critical transportation hub, and John Madden's indomitable sports spirit nurtures a harmony, resulting in a being with a love for nature, a warrior's spirit, a rich appreciation for history, and a knack for football. And that, dear friend, is the legacy of Sault Sainte John Madden, living steadfast in the hearts of both football enthusiasts and residents of Michigan alike.


The locals pronounce it Salt Shanty Yon Midden, for those unsure or over-confident.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 17, 2024, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.

Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?

(This may sound ridiculous, but I'm not joking here.)

P13 was previously obsessed with a certain "girlfriend" (I'm not sure how far in the relationship they are if at all). She has a name that is common in Finnish but not in the English-speaking world, and it doesn't conflict with any town names. Since this name was getting plastered everywhere in his fictional ideas, a forum filter was added to change it first to "John Madden", then to what you see now. I am a bit surprised, though; P13 hasn't mentioned her in a few months.

P13 has the filter off on his end.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 04:44:47 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 17, 2024, 04:38:07 PM
The locals pronounce it Salt Shanty Yon Midden

Oh wow, I didn't know, and I'd pronouncing it wrong all this time!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 17, 2024, 04:49:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 04:44:47 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 17, 2024, 04:38:07 PM
The locals pronounce it Salt Shanty Yon Midden

Oh wow, I didn't know, and I'd pronouncing it wrong all this time!

Clan Putzner and Clan Ibbledich which settled each side of the parking lot have their differences on pronunciations, however. One side pronounces both y's, but I always forget which.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 04:52:04 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 17, 2024, 04:49:33 PM
Clan Putzner and Clan Ibbledich which settled each side of the parking lot have their differences on pronunciations, however. One side pronounces both y's, but I always forget which.

Well, whichever one pronounces it differently—how does that one pronounce it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 17, 2024, 08:58:39 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 04:28:31 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 04:23:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 02:45:12 PM

Quote from: Poiponen13-du-Ha!-Ha! on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
I consider 28 years a special anniversary, since calendar repeats itself every 28 years. That is so because the leap day occurs every four years and there are seven days in a week (thus seven possible weekdays for leap day), and 4*7=28. A calendar like 2008 wll not occur again until 2036, and this year's calendar was last used in 1996 and will not be used again in 2052.

From 2080 to 2120, it's 40 years—not 28 years.  Your system doesn't work.

The 28-year cycle is broken by a year that is divisible by 100 but not by 400 (such as 1800, 1900, 2100, 2200). 2000 is divisible by 400, so it is a leap year, but 1900 and 2100 aren't. After 2120, the cycle of "2024-like years" restarts and goes 2120, 2148, 2176. The Gregorian calendar repeats itself after 400 years, so Jan 17, 1624 was also a Wednesday, like the ones in 2424, 2824, 3224 etc. will also be.

Yeah, that's what I said.  Your system doesn't work.  The calendar only "repeats itself every 28 years" a few times in a row before it doesn't do that.

It does work for practically all of the 20th and 21st centuries, which is 99.9999% of what I care about. ("practically all" and not just "all" because of how centuries are defined).

I use this "28 year rule" as part of a larger technique to help me quickly figure out what day of the week a particular date is.

For example, today -- January 17, 2024 is a Wednesday. If for some reason I wanted to figure out what day of the week January 17 was in 1976 -- via this 28 year rule I know that January 17, 1968 was also a Wednesday since that was 56 years ago.
Then (since in this case we are going forward in time), you go forward either one day or two days -- depending on whether you jump over a leap day when you go forward a year.
So January 17 was a Weds. in '68, a Friday in '69, a Saturday in '70, a Sunday in '71, a Monday in '72, a Wednesday in '73, a Thursday in '74, a Friday in '75, and therefore a Saturday in '76.

To go backwards in time, you need to go backwards through the days of the week.

This sounds complicated, but it really isn't in practice -- I can do this mentally in my head quite easily. Looking for a date for a year that is near a multiple of 28 years behind or ahead is an easier task, since the second step is short in those cases.

And if doing this calculation, you hit a year like 1900 or 2100 (or any other century year not divisible by 400) you don't jump two days since you aren't jumping over a leap day. That's also not difficult mentally if you are aware of that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2024, 09:10:37 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.
2. I consider 28 years a special anniversary, since calendar repeats itself every 28 years. That is so because the leap day occurs every four years and there are seven days in a week (thus seven possible weekdays for leap day), and 4*7=28. A calendar like 2008 wll not occur again until 2036, and this year's calendar was last used in 1996 and will not be used again in 2052.

You aren't going to be win the heart of Sault Sainte John Madden by being a math nerd and having no personality other than "I like numbers."

Quote from: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.

Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?

A girl with a masked name who Poop13 has an unhealthy and creepy obsession with.

Quote from: 1 on January 17, 2024, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.

Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?

(This may sound ridiculous, but I'm not joking here.)

P13 was previously obsessed with a certain "girlfriend" (I'm not sure how far in the relationship they are if at all). She has a name that is common in Finnish but not in the English-speaking world, and it doesn't conflict with any town names. Since this name was getting plastered everywhere in his fictional ideas, a forum filter was added to change it first to "John Madden", then to what you see now. I am a bit surprised, though; P13 hasn't mentioned her in a few months.

P13 has the filter off on his end.

Has he actually indicated that there is a relationship?  I was under the impression that she only has a passing know of his existence?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 17, 2024, 09:57:36 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 17, 2024, 08:58:39 PM
I use this "28 year rule" as part of a larger technique to help me quickly figure out what day of the week a particular date is.

For example, today -- January 17, 2024 is a Wednesday. If for some reason I wanted to figure out what day of the week January 17 was in 1976 ...

See, I just bring up my shell, and—

scott@alton:~$ cal 1 1976
    January 1976   
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
             1  2  3
4  5  6  7  8  9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
                   
scott@alton:~$
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 17, 2024, 10:04:48 PM
Ugggggggggggggh to this thread, I say.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 17, 2024, 10:19:38 PM
For fun and games, type cal 9 1752
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 17, 2024, 11:09:46 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 17, 2024, 10:19:38 PM
For fun and games, type cal 9 1752


Pfft. Don't know why I'd never thought to try that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 18, 2024, 05:32:56 AM
Quote from: 1 on January 17, 2024, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.

Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?

(This may sound ridiculous, but I'm not joking here.)

P13 was previously obsessed with a certain "girlfriend" (I'm not sure how far in the relationship they are if at all). She has a name that is common in Finnish but not in the English-speaking world, and it doesn't conflict with any town names. Since this name was getting plastered everywhere in his fictional ideas, a forum filter was added to change it first to "John Madden", then to what you see now. I am a bit surprised, though; P13 hasn't mentioned her in a few months.

P13 has the filter off on his end.
Other things related to this:
Do you know what is "Llanfaisa", a name that could be Welsh. It has similar formation as Llanfair, which is derived from "Mair" and the M changes to F (pronounced as English V) as a result of so-called consonant mutation, and means "Mary's place".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2024, 05:42:33 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/5MqgbML.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on January 18, 2024, 09:55:50 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 18, 2024, 05:32:56 AM
Quote from: 1 on January 17, 2024, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 17, 2024, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Wow, crap.  My eldest son was born in '08.  He'll turn 28 years old in 2036.  Is this what getting old is like?
Two things you may know have known:
1. Sault Sainte John Madden was also born in that year.

Who's Sault Sainte John Madden?

(This may sound ridiculous, but I'm not joking here.)

P13 was previously obsessed with a certain "girlfriend" (I'm not sure how far in the relationship they are if at all). She has a name that is common in Finnish but not in the English-speaking world, and it doesn't conflict with any town names. Since this name was getting plastered everywhere in his fictional ideas, a forum filter was added to change it first to "John Madden", then to what you see now. I am a bit surprised, though; P13 hasn't mentioned her in a few months.

P13 has the filter off on his end.
Other things related to this:
Do you know what is "Llanfaisa", a name that could be Welsh. It has similar formation as Llanfair, which is derived from "Mair" and the M changes to F (pronounced as English V) as a result of so-called consonant mutation, and means "Mary Hannah's place".

FTFY
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 18, 2024, 12:10:19 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 17, 2024, 08:58:39 PM
I use this "28 year rule" as part of a larger technique to help me quickly figure out what day of the week a particular date is.

For example, today -- January 17, 2024 is a Wednesday. If for some reason I wanted to figure out what day of the week January 17 was in 1976 -- via this 28 year rule I know that January 17, 1968 was also a Wednesday since that was 56 years ago.
Then (since in this case we are going forward in time), you go forward either one day or two days -- depending on whether you jump over a leap day when you go forward a year.
So January 17 was a Weds. in '68, a Friday in '69, a Saturday in '70, a Sunday in '71, a Monday in '72, a Wednesday in '73, a Thursday in '74, a Friday in '75, and therefore a Saturday in '76.

To go backwards in time, you need to go backwards through the days of the week.

This sounds complicated, but it really isn't in practice -- I can do this mentally in my head quite easily. Looking for a date for a year that is near a multiple of 28 years behind or ahead is an easier task, since the second step is short in those cases.

And if doing this calculation, you hit a year like 1900 or 2100 (or any other century year not divisible by 400) you don't jump two days since you aren't jumping over a leap day. That's also not difficult mentally if you are aware of that.

I've never wondered what today's date was in a previous year—except for perhaps Christmas.

Just the other day, our family was wondering what day of the week 9/8/2010 was.  I could have used your method, I suppose, if I knew what day of the week 9/8/2024 will be.  But I don't.  And if I'm going to look that up, then I might as well just look up the Sept. 2010 calendar.

(Our solution was to shout, Alexa . . . what day of the week was September eighth, twenty-ten?)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2024, 12:26:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 18, 2024, 12:10:19 PM
I've never wondered what today's date was in a previous year—except for perhaps Christmas.

Just the other day, our family was wondering what day of the week 9/8/2010 was.  I could have used your method, I suppose, if I knew what day of the week 9/8/2024 will be.  But I don't.  And if I'm going to look that up, then I might as well just look up the Sept. 2010 calendar.

(Our solution was to shout, Alexa . . . what day of the week was September eighth, twenty-ten?)

I pay attention sometimes when you're typing a birthday into a website field and it automatically moves a visual calendar so you can see what day of the week it was. I learned the slightly weird coincidence that my wife, my son, and I were all born on Saturdays. My mom and her father were both born on Friday the 13th.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 18, 2024, 12:29:55 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 17, 2024, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:28:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2024, 03:17:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 15, 2024, 03:08:28 PM
2028 still feels like the far future, but it's actually the same time from this year as 2020.  :wow:

2028 is 30% further away.

(https://i.imgur.com/h5pnWnQ.jpg)
Yeah, that's why I changed my original thought of "today" to "this year".
And 2008 feels a relatively recent year, but actually it is further away from this year that 2036 is. And 2036 feels like far future.

Well, as we age, our perceptions of the passage of time also change.

Case in point, a few years ago when news outlets reported that the Berlin Wall been down for longer than it was up.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 01:04:25 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 17, 2024, 10:19:38 PMFor fun and games, type cal 9 1752

24 Geo. 2. c. 23. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_(New_Style)_Act_1750)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 18, 2024, 03:06:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 18, 2024, 12:10:19 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 17, 2024, 08:58:39 PM
I use this "28 year rule" as part of a larger technique to help me quickly figure out what day of the week a particular date is.

For example, today -- January 17, 2024 is a Wednesday. If for some reason I wanted to figure out what day of the week January 17 was in 1976 -- via this 28 year rule I know that January 17, 1968 was also a Wednesday since that was 56 years ago.
Then (since in this case we are going forward in time), you go forward either one day or two days -- depending on whether you jump over a leap day when you go forward a year.
So January 17 was a Weds. in '68, a Friday in '69, a Saturday in '70, a Sunday in '71, a Monday in '72, a Wednesday in '73, a Thursday in '74, a Friday in '75, and therefore a Saturday in '76.

To go backwards in time, you need to go backwards through the days of the week.

This sounds complicated, but it really isn't in practice -- I can do this mentally in my head quite easily. Looking for a date for a year that is near a multiple of 28 years behind or ahead is an easier task, since the second step is short in those cases.

And if doing this calculation, you hit a year like 1900 or 2100 (or any other century year not divisible by 400) you don't jump two days since you aren't jumping over a leap day. That's also not difficult mentally if you are aware of that.

I've never wondered what today's date was in a previous year—except for perhaps Christmas.

Just the other day, our family was wondering what day of the week 9/8/2010 was.  I could have used your method, I suppose, if I knew what day of the week 9/8/2024 will be.  But I don't.  And if I'm going to look that up, then I might as well just look up the Sept. 2010 calendar.

(Our solution was to shout, Alexa . . . what day of the week was September eighth, twenty-ten?)
9/8/2010 was a Wednesday, and even Gemerton's Day. And why was your family wondering that?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 18, 2024, 03:36:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 18, 2024, 12:10:19 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 17, 2024, 08:58:39 PM
I use this "28 year rule" as part of a larger technique to help me quickly figure out what day of the week a particular date is.

For example, today -- January 17, 2024 is a Wednesday. If for some reason I wanted to figure out what day of the week January 17 was in 1976 -- via this 28 year rule I know that January 17, 1968 was also a Wednesday since that was 56 years ago.
Then (since in this case we are going forward in time), you go forward either one day or two days -- depending on whether you jump over a leap day when you go forward a year.
So January 17 was a Weds. in '68, a Friday in '69, a Saturday in '70, a Sunday in '71, a Monday in '72, a Wednesday in '73, a Thursday in '74, a Friday in '75, and therefore a Saturday in '76.

To go backwards in time, you need to go backwards through the days of the week.

This sounds complicated, but it really isn't in practice -- I can do this mentally in my head quite easily. Looking for a date for a year that is near a multiple of 28 years behind or ahead is an easier task, since the second step is short in those cases.

And if doing this calculation, you hit a year like 1900 or 2100 (or any other century year not divisible by 400) you don't jump two days since you aren't jumping over a leap day. That's also not difficult mentally if you are aware of that.

I've never wondered what today's date was in a previous year—except for perhaps Christmas.

Just the other day, our family was wondering what day of the week 9/8/2010 was.  I could have used your method, I suppose, if I knew what day of the week 9/8/2024 will be.  But I don't.  And if I'm going to look that up, then I might as well just look up the Sept. 2010 calendar.

(Our solution was to shout, Alexa . . . what day of the week was September eighth, twenty-ten?)
OK. I'm not sure why you think I care.

I also couldn't care less about today's date was in a previous year. It was just an illustrative example. But you may care about what day your birthday or someone else's birthday falls on in some other year.

I'm also not joined to the hip to my phone or computer, and I don't always want to be bothered with looking things things like that up. But that's just me. I'm not trying to denigrate anyone else's choices.

The point of my post was to show that the 28 year rule does apply for any dates in your or my lifetime.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2024, 03:42:31 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 18, 2024, 03:06:46 PM
9/8/2010 was a Wednesday, and even Gemerton's Day. And why was your family wondering that?

It was not Gemerton's Day because there is no such thing as Gemerton's Day.

Made up stuff stays in your Fictional Highways thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 18, 2024, 03:50:36 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 18, 2024, 03:36:54 PM
OK. I'm not sure why you think I care.

I also couldn't care less about today's date was in a previous year. It was just an illustrative example. But you may care about what day your birthday or someone else's birthday falls on in some other year.

I'm also not joined to the hip to my phone or computer, and I don't always want to be bothered with looking things things like that up. But that's just me. I'm not trying to denigrate anyone else's choices.

The point of my post was to show that the 28 year rule does apply for any dates in your or my lifetime.

OK, here's my point:

1a.  In order for the 28-year cycle to be useful me, then I must already know the day of the week for a specific date in the current (or some other) year.

1b.  I generally only know what day of the week the current date is.  Considering that I almost never find myself wondering what day of the week the current date landed on in some other year, this means the 28-year cycle will almost never be useful to me.

2a.  Usually, I'm only wondering what day of the week some other date fell on in past years.  Examples include when a holiday fell in a given year, what day of the week someone was born on, etc.

2b.  But I don't know what day of the week that date was on in the current year either.  Therefore, the 28-year cycle is useless to me in such a scenario, unless I first look up what day of the week the date falls on in the current year.

2c.  If I have to look that information up, then I might as well just look it up for the year of interest to begin with.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 18, 2024, 04:28:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 18, 2024, 03:50:36 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 18, 2024, 03:36:54 PM
OK. I'm not sure why you think I care.

I also couldn't care less about today's date was in a previous year. It was just an illustrative example. But you may care about what day your birthday or someone else's birthday falls on in some other year.

I'm also not joined to the hip to my phone or computer, and I don't always want to be bothered with looking things things like that up. But that's just me. I'm not trying to denigrate anyone else's choices.

The point of my post was to show that the 28 year rule does apply for any dates in your or my lifetime.

OK, here's my point:

1a.  In order for the 28-year cycle to be useful me, then I must already know the day of the week for a specific date in the current (or some other) year.

1b.  I generally only know what day of the week the current date is.  Considering that I almost never find myself wondering what day of the week the current date landed on in some other year, this means the 28-year cycle will almost never be useful to me.

2a.  Usually, I'm only wondering what day of the week some other date fell on in past years.  Examples include when a holiday fell in a given year, what day of the week someone was born on, etc.

2b.  But I don't know what day of the week that date was on in the current year either.  Therefore, the 28-year cycle is useless to me in such a scenario, unless I first look up what day of the week the date falls on in the current year.

2c.  If I have to look that information up, then I might as well just look it up for the year of interest to begin with.
Whatever. My original post was not intended to be that serious. Or that nit-picky.

And everyone else is not you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on January 18, 2024, 04:44:12 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 17, 2024, 04:38:49 PM
P13 has the filter off on his end.

Interesting.  Apparently I wasn't affected by the filter either.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 06:18:18 PM
There are two main reasons I'm interested in the day of the week of dates well in the past:

*  Understanding how historical events were timed in relation to the structure of an ordinary week.  For example, JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, which was a Friday.  This put in context a British friend's memory of that day, which was that she had just gotten off work and was getting ready for the weekend when the news broke (GMT was and still is six hours ahead of CST).

*  Building backstory for fictional characters.  If I know I have two protagonists born in 1980, one on March 15 and the other on July 4, then with the day of the week for those dates (Saturday and Friday respectively), I have pegs for their birth stories.

Generally I just pull the Wikipedia article for the year and follow the link (typically in the first sentence of the article) for the appropriate calendar.  (I do have GnuWin32, but it does not include a port of cal.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2024, 09:55:57 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 18, 2024, 04:28:08 PM
Whatever. My original post was not intended to be that serious. Or that nit-picky.

And everyone else is not you.

(https://i.imgur.com/Q7PKFRO.png)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 18, 2024, 10:32:16 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 01:04:25 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 17, 2024, 10:19:38 PMFor fun and games, type cal 9 1752

24 Geo. 2. c. 23. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_(New_Style)_Act_1750)

Am I weird for missing the use of the regnal year for citing statutes in the U.K.?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 18, 2024, 10:37:10 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 06:18:18 PM
There are two main reasons I'm interested in the day of the week of dates well in the past:

*  Understanding how historical events were timed in relation to the structure of an ordinary week.  For example, JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, which was a Friday.  This put in context a British friend's memory of that day, which was that she had just gotten off work and was getting ready for the weekend when the news broke (GMT was and still is six hours ahead of CST).

*  Building backstory for fictional characters.  If I know I have two protagonists born in 1980, one on March 15 and the other on July 4, then with the day of the week for those dates (Saturday and Friday respectively), I have pegs for their birth stories.

Generally I just pull the Wikipedia article for the year and follow the link (typically in the first sentence of the article) for the appropriate calendar.  (I do have GnuWin32, but it does not include a port of cal.)

They left out cal?  That's a shame.  It's only 168k.  Probably couldn't write "Hello, World" in Windowsland in less than a meg.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 11:58:21 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 18, 2024, 10:37:10 PMThey left out cal?  That's a shame.  It's only 168k.  Probably couldn't write "Hello, World" in Windowsland in less than a meg.

Actually, I checked more closely and it's there, but as gcal (presumably short for "GNU cal").

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3803]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

D:\downloads\deletables>gcal 9 1752

    September 1752
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
        1  2 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30




D:\downloads\deletables>
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 19, 2024, 12:10:05 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 11:58:21 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 18, 2024, 10:37:10 PMThey left out cal?  That's a shame.  It's only 168k.  Probably couldn't write "Hello, World" in Windowsland in less than a meg.

Actually, I checked more closely and it's there, but as gcal (presumably short for "GNU cal").

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3803]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

D:\downloads\deletables>gcal 9 1752

    September 1752
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
        1  2 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30




D:\downloads\deletables>


That's a relief!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 19, 2024, 12:25:12 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 18, 2024, 10:32:16 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 01:04:25 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 17, 2024, 10:19:38 PMFor fun and games, type cal 9 1752

24 Geo. 2. c. 23. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_(New_Style)_Act_1750)

Am I weird for missing the use of the regnal year for citing statutes in the U.K.?

I would say not, but the old system had some problematic features that are not well explained in the Wikipedia article on citations (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_of_United_Kingdom_legislation), such as restarting the numbering at a session break within a parliament (e.g., 13 Ann. and 1 Geo. 1. St. 1 were both sessions of the fourth parliament of Great Britain).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on January 19, 2024, 05:09:42 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 11:58:21 PM
Actually, I checked more closely and it's there, but as gcal (presumably short for "GNU cal").

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3803]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

D:\downloads\deletables>gcal 9 1752

    September 1752
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
        1  2 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30




D:\downloads\deletables>


That is surely British-centric (as the USA didn't exist back then). The Gregorian Calendar came into force in October 1582, so I guess cal/gcal will return anything between October 1582 and September 1752 "wrong" (at least from the perspective of someone living in the lands that adopted that calendar immediately).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 09:30:41 AM
The word filter catches other things as well. For example, one particular forum member insists on typing "should of" when he means to type either "should have" or "should've." The word filter changes what he types to "should have." (Those of you who have the word filter enabled should nevertheless see "should of" twice in this post because I circumvented the filter—if I hadn't done so, this post wouldn't make sense to people who have the filter enabled.)

I have not attempted to go through and figure out all the offensive terms the forum censors, though I am aware of at least two (and neither is a word I would normally use except in the context of specifically referring to one of those words as a word, or perhaps in a quotation).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 19, 2024, 09:38:29 AM
"Could" and "would" also get the "of" treatment.

Genius
Biscuit (previously bundle of sticks)
Lorry (previously cigarette)
Mezzanine
Sault Sainte John Madden
Booger Queen
And one that I won't say since it's that bad.

The filter also changes the default Tapatalk message to size-1 white font.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 09:50:53 AM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:29 AM
....

And one that I won't say since it's that bad.

....

I'm going to guess it's the word the forum censors to "hep cat."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 19, 2024, 10:04:58 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.

On the flip side, each "c" in "Pacific Ocean" is pronounced differently.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 10:06:48 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.

How did you think they were pronounced? (That's a serious question—at least for the moment, I'm not making fun of you or picking on you, as I'm just genuinely wondering how you thought they were pronounced.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 10:13:39 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 10:06:48 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.

How did you think they were pronounced? (That's a serious question—at least for the moment, I'm not making fun of you or picking on you, as I'm just genuinely wondering how you thought they were pronounced.)
I had suspected if they were pronounced as same, and I just confirmed that from Wiktionary. The thing that they are pronounced exactly same surprises me, as I have never previously seen a homophone pair differing in that one word uses "s" and the other word uses "c", with both pronounced as "s" sound.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 10:40:13 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.

I work in an area where the titles and the numbers of certain documents are recorded. Every year they need to be "sighted" (meaning "physically sighted") by certain personnel. When I first heard this term, I thought it was "cited" -- along the lines of -- I (only) had to provide a list of their titles.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 10:44:00 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 10:13:39 AM
I have never previously seen a homophone pair differing in that one word uses "s" and the other word uses "c", with both pronounced as "s" sound.

cede / seed
ceiling / sealing
cell / sell
census / senses (depending on the final letter)
cent / sent / scent
cereal / serial
cymbal / symbol
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 10:46:21 AM
Also, related to "cede," there's "cession" and "session."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 10:49:28 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 10:46:21 AM
Also, related to "cede," there's "cession" and "session."

And, related to "cent–sent–scent", there's "cents–sense–scents".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 10:54:33 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 19, 2024, 05:09:42 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 11:58:21 PM
Actually, I checked more closely and it's there, but as gcal (presumably short for "GNU cal").

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3803]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

D:\downloads\deletables>gcal 9 1752

    September 1752
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
        1  2 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30




D:\downloads\deletables>


That is surely British-centric (as the USA didn't exist back then). The Gregorian Calendar came into force in October 1582, so I guess cal/gcal will return anything between October 1582 and September 1752 "wrong" (at least from the perspective of someone living in the lands that adopted that calendar immediately).

Older almanacs (yes, I still have one or two) will show George Washington's birthday as Feb. 22, 1732 -- or Feb. 11, 1731 old style (or o.s.)  --- which is NOT a typo.

The Feb. 11 to Feb 22 change is discussed above.

The 1731 to 1732 change occurred because -- at the same time as the 11 day loss due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, -- New Year's Day was moved from March 25 to January 1. Under the old reckoning, March 24, 1700 was followed by March 25, 1701. (can you imagine that?).

========
Incidentally, for us road geeks, I remember that our old 1968 World Almanac had a table listing interstate highways and their mileage in each state. That table was one thing that got me interested in highways. Our old maps were another. Something to look for in a used book store, if you are so inclined (although a similarly dated road atlas would be better).
Unfortunately, I cannot elaborate more since I do not have that 1968 almanac at the present time, assuming my family still has it (long story). That was early enough that the list should have had the many more suffixed routes that existed before they were phased out in the 1970s.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 11:11:18 AM
October 1582 is also fun for calendar nerds.  People went to bed on Thursday, October 4, and woke up the next morning on October 15.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 11:39:03 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 11:11:18 AM
October 1582 is also fun for calendar nerds.  People went to bed on Thursday, October 4, and woke up the next morning on October 15.

Perhaps the most unique one is February 1712 in Sweden.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 11:59:38 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 11:39:03 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 11:11:18 AM
October 1582 is also fun for calendar nerds.  People went to bed on Thursday, October 4, and woke up the next morning on October 15.

Perhaps the most unique one is February 1712 in Sweden.
It had 30 days.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 19, 2024, 01:49:47 PM
That sounds like the establishment of standard time in North America.  Prior to then, each locality kept its own solar time, relying of a prominent local clock as the 'standard'.  That worked well for a looooong time, until the advent of railroads made that impractical.  Keeping timetable schedules for public use, as well as real 'life safety' issues relating to train dispatching, meant that something had to be done about it.  After much hemming and hawing and *without any legislative involvement*, the various railroad companies agreed to set up standardized time zones and at noon (local railroad time) on 1883-11-18, a general telegraph signal went out, whistles blew, clocks in the various cities and towns in each time zone in Canada and the USA were reset and the standard time went into effect.  It sounds like an interesting time indeed.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2024, 01:54:08 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 19, 2024, 01:49:47 PM
That sounds like the establishment of standard time in North America.  Prior to then, each locality kept its own solar time, relying of a prominent local clock as the 'standard'.  That worked well for a looooong time, until the advent of railroads made that impractical.  Keeping timetable schedules for public use, as well as real 'life safety' issues relating to train dispatching, meant that something had to be done about it.  After much hemming and hawing and *without any legislative involvement*, the various railroad companies agreed to set up standardized time zones and at noon (local railroad time) on 1883-11-18, a general telegraph signal went out, whistles blew, clocks in the various cities and towns in each time zone in Canada and the USA were reset and the standard time went into effect.  It sounds like an interesting time indeed.

Mike

And thus, long before most thought it could've happen, the advent of the digital clock always flashing 12:00 was born.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2024, 02:00:22 PM
VCRs were well known for that. I don't thinknany of my current electronics do that. Either they start keeping time like you mentioned, or don't display a time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 19, 2024, 02:09:24 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2024, 02:00:22 PM
VCRs were well known for that. I don't thinknany of my current electronics do that. Either they start keeping time like you mentioned, or don't display a time.

Especially if you keep a backup battery in it.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 02:40:42 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 19, 2024, 01:49:47 PM
After much hemming and hawing and *without any legislative involvement*, the various railroad companies agreed to set up standardized time zones

To be fair, at that time the railroads were arguably more powerful than the government.

Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.

It's hard to believe that you haven't been in a room with such a digital clock when the power came back on.

— power goes out, house goes dark
— digital clock doesn't have battery backup, shuts off
— power comes back on
— digital clock starts flashing 12:00, keeping time from that point on
— immediately look over at digital clock, see it flashing 12:00
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 19, 2024, 02:49:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 02:40:42 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.

It's hard to believe that you haven't been in a room with such a digital clock when the power came back on.

— power goes out, house goes dark
— digital clock doesn't have battery backup, shuts off
— power comes back on
— digital clock starts flashing 12:00, keeping time from that point on
— immediately look over at digital clock, see it flashing 12:00


You missed the word "always" in my initial post.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Is this 12 am or 12 pm?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 19, 2024, 03:04:43 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Is this 12 am or 12 pm?

12 AM, if the device even makes the distinction.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 03:08:15 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 02:49:29 PM
You missed the word "always" in my initial post.

Ha!  Yes!  I just wasted a bunch of thought on that post for no reason, didn't I?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 19, 2024, 03:19:21 PM
We have some appliances still in service (though none of recent manufacture) that continue to flash "12:00" after a power cut.

When I have no desire to keep the time up to date on a clock, but for sentimental reasons feel unready to put it out of sight, I remove the battery or allow the spring to wind down, and then turn the hands to 12:00 to signal that it is not actively being used to tell time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 03:20:40 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 19, 2024, 03:19:21 PM
We have some appliances still in service (though none of recent manufacture) that continue to flash "12:00" after a power cut.

Our microwave just shows 0:00.  I'm not sure what our stove does...  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on January 19, 2024, 03:28:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 19, 2024, 03:19:21 PM
We have some appliances still in service (though none of recent manufacture) that continue to flash "12:00" after a power cut.

The microwave and range both flash the time, but they start at 12:00 when power comes back on and go up from there.  The range doesn't differentiate between am or pm, just a 12-hour clock, but the microwave does.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 19, 2024, 03:31:20 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 19, 2024, 05:09:42 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 18, 2024, 11:58:21 PM
Actually, I checked more closely and it's there, but as gcal (presumably short for "GNU cal").

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3803]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

D:\downloads\deletables>gcal 9 1752

    September 1752
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
        1  2 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30




D:\downloads\deletables>


That is surely British-centric (as the USA didn't exist back then). The Gregorian Calendar came into force in October 1582, so I guess cal/gcal will return anything between October 1582 and September 1752 "wrong" (at least from the perspective of someone living in the lands that adopted that calendar immediately).

Yes, the officially Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar promptly.  Other countries adopted it later, at different times.  Russia didn't adopt it until 1918 - having different calendars was causing problems working with their allies in WW I.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 03:42:18 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 19, 2024, 05:09:42 AM
That is surely British-centric

Quote from: kkt on January 19, 2024, 03:31:20 PM
Yes, the officially Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar promptly.  Other countries adopted it later, at different times.  Russia didn't adopt it until 1918 - having different calendars was causing problems working with their allies in WW I.

Well, I suppose, if I were to come up with a list of countries who'd have the weakest pull toward conformity with the Roman Catholic Church, England (Henry VIII) and Russia (Great Schism) would likely top that list.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 19, 2024, 04:07:10 PM
I have to say this, but I actually like the Railroad-related portion of the most recent MUTCD update;
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part8.pdf#page=58

Yes, this message was originally in the fictional highways section by mistake.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 04:08:21 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 19, 2024, 03:28:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 19, 2024, 03:19:21 PM
We have some appliances still in service (though none of recent manufacture) that continue to flash "12:00" after a power cut.

The microwave and range both flash the time, but they start at 12:00 when power comes back on and go up from there.  The range doesn't differentiate between am or pm, just a 12-hour clock, but the microwave does.

Our microwave scrolls a message telling the user to set the clock. It's a fairly new microwave, not sure how old but I think within the past three or four years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on January 19, 2024, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Or 13 hours and 14 minutes. Or 3 weeks and an hour and 14 minutes.

I wish there was a good way of determining how long power was out and when it came back on, if you're not in the house. You come home, see the clocks flashing, and wonder if the food in the fridge and freezer is still good.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 19, 2024, 05:17:19 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 19, 2024, 04:10:17 PM
I wish there was a good way of determining how long power was out and when it came back on, if you're not in the house. You come home, see the clocks flashing, and wonder if the food in the fridge and freezer is still good.

I've never done it but I've heard some people use a test where they put a quarter on a frozen cup of water in the freezer. to monitor if their frozen food is still safe. If the power goes out and the water melts, the quarter sinks and re-freezes in the ice showing the food thawed out and re-froze.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 05:24:34 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 19, 2024, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Or 13 hours and 14 minutes. Or 3 weeks and an hour and 14 minutes.

I wish there was a good way of determining how long power was out and when it came back on, if you're not in the house. You come home, see the clocks flashing, and wonder if the food in the fridge and freezer is still good.

You could figure out how long the power was out if you had an analog clock that runs by electricity (and you are using it for its intended purpose). just figure out how far behind the clock is when the power comes back on. Method also works if there are cumulative power outages but you'll only get the total time the power was out. Works best, obviously, if the power has been out for a total of less than 12 hours. (the old person in me is coming out again, everyone is going to tell me they only use computers or digital clocks).

EDIT - we had a 1990s era stove that had an analog clock and it didn't get replaced until 2021. So that's how i did it for all those years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: fhmiii on January 19, 2024, 05:33:40 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 05:24:34 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 19, 2024, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Or 13 hours and 14 minutes. Or 3 weeks and an hour and 14 minutes.

I wish there was a good way of determining how long power was out and when it came back on, if you're not in the house. You come home, see the clocks flashing, and wonder if the food in the fridge and freezer is still good.

You could figure out how long the power was out if you had an analog clock that runs by electricity (and you are using it for its intended purpose). just figure out how far behind the clock is when the power comes back on. Method also works if there are cumulative power outages but you'll only get the total time the power was out. Works best, obviously, if the power has been out for a total of less than 12 hours. (the old person in me is coming out again, everyone is going to tell me they only use computers or digital clocks).

My oven has a digital clock that resets to 12:00 and then starts counting instead of continuing to blink 12:00.  So I know how long it was out by a simple calculation.  Same method as you mention, just an instance of it not being analog.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 05:37:15 PM
Quote from: fhmiii on January 19, 2024, 05:33:40 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 05:24:34 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 19, 2024, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Or 13 hours and 14 minutes. Or 3 weeks and an hour and 14 minutes.

I wish there was a good way of determining how long power was out and when it came back on, if you're not in the house. You come home, see the clocks flashing, and wonder if the food in the fridge and freezer is still good.

You could figure out how long the power was out if you had an analog clock that runs by electricity (and you are using it for its intended purpose). just figure out how far behind the clock is when the power comes back on. Method also works if there are cumulative power outages but you'll only get the total time the power was out. Works best, obviously, if the power has been out for a total of less than 12 hours. (the old person in me is coming out again, everyone is going to tell me they only use computers or digital clocks).

My oven has a digital clock that resets to 12:00 and then starts counting instead of continuing to blink 12:00.  So I know how long it was out by a simple calculation.  Same method as you mention, just an instance of it not being analog.
This does work for one outage. If I am understanding you correctly it wouldn't work if there were multiple outages -- we have had that happen on days when there have been constant thunderstorms, maybe due to a stationary weather front.

I edited my earlier post and will add what I edited here. We had a 1990s era stove that had an analog clock. Stove lasted until 2021 or so. So that's how I actually did what I describe.
That analog clock would only allow me to move the hands forward. I eventually got to the point where I only left it on standard time because moving it ahead 11 hours in October (in the old days) or November was a pain. So I had to take that into calculation with outage time computation (and then move the clock hands forward, since we did (sort of) use that clock even at the times it was an hour off).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 06:12:54 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 05:24:34 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 19, 2024, 04:10:17 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.

Or 13 hours and 14 minutes. Or 3 weeks and an hour and 14 minutes.

I wish there was a good way of determining how long power was out and when it came back on, if you're not in the house. You come home, see the clocks flashing, and wonder if the food in the fridge and freezer is still good.

You could figure out how long the power was out if you had an analog clock that runs by electricity (and you are using it for its intended purpose). just figure out how far behind the clock is when the power comes back on. Method also works if there are cumulative power outages but you'll only get the total time the power was out. Works best, obviously, if the power has been out for a total of less than 12 hours.

That does not solve the problem actually posed by |GaryV|.  How can you tell the difference between an outage lasting 1:14, 13:14, and 25:14?

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 05:37:15 PM

Quote from: fhmiii on January 19, 2024, 05:33:40 PM
My oven has a digital clock that resets to 12:00 and then starts counting instead of continuing to blink 12:00.  So I know how long it was out by a simple calculation.  Same method as you mention, just an instance of it not being analog.

This does work for one outage. If I am understanding you correctly it wouldn't work if there were multiple outages -- we have had that happen on days when there have been constant thunderstorms, maybe due to a stationary weather front.

Excellent point.  If the power goes out for ten hours one day, then twenty minutes that night, you'd never know about the ten hours.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 06:21:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 06:12:54 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 19, 2024, 05:24:34 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 19, 2024, 04:10:17 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.

Or 13 hours and 14 minutes. Or 3 weeks and an hour and 14 minutes.

I wish there was a good way of determining how long power was out and when it came back on, if you're not in the house. You come home, see the clocks flashing, and wonder if the food in the fridge and freezer is still good.

You could figure out how long the power was out if you had an analog clock that runs by electricity (and you are using it for its intended purpose). just figure out how far behind the clock is when the power comes back on. Method also works if there are cumulative power outages but you'll only get the total time the power was out. Works best, obviously, if the power has been out for a total of less than 12 hours.

That does not solve the problem actually posed by |GaryV|.  How can you tell the difference between an outage lasting 1:14, 13:14, and 25:14?

Good point. There were additional factors I forgot to add that limit the method's usefulness. It doesn't work for outages longer than 12 hours.

My only experiences with power outages are when I leave for work in the morning and come back in the evening (e.g., with thundertorms, or if the power company turns off the power for some reason in the middle of the day).

I think my method can only work 100% of the time --- if the longest time you are gone is for a few minutes less than 12 hours (e.g., the extreme case, suppose you left at 6 AM, the power went out at 6:01 AM, and you return at 5:45 PM. with the power still being out. The analog clock would say 6:01. Getting back any closer to 6:01 PM (but not EXACTLY at 6:01 PM) with the power still being out, one needs to be absolutely sure that the analog clock is keeping time correctly. Getting back at 6:30 PM with the power still being out will give you ambiguous results -- assuming analog clock is working right, was power out for 29 minutes or 12 hours 29 minutes?). I am almost always home from work by 12 hours after I leave, so my method has always worked for me.

If the power goes out several hours after you leave (say you leave at 6 AM, power goes out at 12 PM instead and comes back on at 2 PM), you could get back home by 7:45 PM and the analog clock would say 5:45, and you would know the power was out for 2 hours. But if you came back at 8:30 PM, the analog clock would say 6:30 and you have ambiguous results -- was power out for 2 hours or 14?).

I believe I got this right, after several revisions --- the power outage cannot be longer than "slightly less than 12 hours", otherwise the analog clock results are ambiguous. You can be away for no more than 12 hours longer than the length of the power outage, also for ambiguity reasons. Which means you can never be gone for any amount of time longer than "slightly less than 24 hours".

And so --- my method does not work for multi-day absences.

I have seen analog clocks with date and AM/PM functions, but they are a rarity. That WOULD work.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 19, 2024, 07:24:55 PM
My TrueNAS server is set so that if it goes on or off UPS power, I get a email notification. Problem is.... the backup power for that server is only two hours while the network switch, router, and wireless gateway are on their own UPS.

The good part is that I'm on the same circuit as a major medical enter and a police/fire station, so power outages are usually rare and treated with high priority.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on January 19, 2024, 07:36:17 PM
Fido and Rover are popular dog names in stories, and likely close to the top (at least of Americans of a certain age) when you're prompted to think of a general dog name.

But people don't seem to choose those names for their own dogs. I've never met a dog with either of those names, and they're not in the top 10 (https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-names/) (even though that website is named rover.com)

(For cats, it's a bit different: Felix and Sylvester belong to specific characters, but Fluff/Fluffy I've seen in both fiction and real life)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 19, 2024, 08:08:34 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 04:08:21 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 19, 2024, 03:28:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 19, 2024, 03:19:21 PM
We have some appliances still in service (though none of recent manufacture) that continue to flash "12:00" after a power cut.

The microwave and range both flash the time, but they start at 12:00 when power comes back on and go up from there.  The range doesn't differentiate between am or pm, just a 12-hour clock, but the microwave does.

Our microwave scrolls a message telling the user to set the clock. It's a fairly new microwave, not sure how old but I think within the past three or four years.

How annoying.  I like my microwave's clock because it can be set to just blank.  Don't have to set it and reset it if you've got another kitchen clock and just want to use the microwave as a microwave.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 12:34:42 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 03:04:43 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Is this 12 am or 12 pm?

12 AM, if the device even makes the distinction.

That is why the railroads converted to using 24h clocks for train dispatching in the late 1980s.  For them, ambiguity between am and pm is a critical life-safety issue.  I have been using 24h clocks where possible in my own life to prevent embarrassing (and possibly expensive) am v pm mix-ups and would love to see other businesses to do likewise (ie, placing a large pizza catering order for 11:30 (as in a half hour before midnight) delivery and getting it at 11:30 (as in a half hour before noon)).

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Then my question becomes --

What is 12 am - midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 0000.

What is 12 pm -- midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 1200.

Is there a standard? (meaning in the non-military and non 24-hour world, which obviously still exists)

I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

But I know, as well as anyone, that some systems probably can only say 12 am or 12 pm. So perhaps times like that are best avoided?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on January 20, 2024, 01:34:06 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Then my question becomes --

What is 12 am - midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 0000.

What is 12 pm -- midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 1200.

Is there a standard? (meaning in the non-military and non 24-hour world, which obviously still exists)

I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

But I know, as well as anyone, that some systems probably can only say 12 am or 12 pm. So perhaps times like that are best avoided?

Personally I've considered 12:00 am to be midnight, using the reasoning that 12:00:01 am would definitely be one second past midnight.  To avoid ambiguity, I would usually use the words "midnight" or "noon" instead.

I also remember a high school band trip (which involved overnight bus travel) having an itinerary which specified 11:59pm (rather than 12:00am) for a departure time, to avoid this problem.  All other times on the itinerary used "round" numbers for times - xx:00 or xx:30.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 20, 2024, 01:53:09 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 12:34:42 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 03:04:43 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Is this 12 am or 12 pm?

12 AM, if the device even makes the distinction.

That is why the railroads converted to using 24h clocks for train dispatching in the late 1980s.  For them, ambiguity between am and pm is a critical life-safety issue.  I have been using 24h clocks where possible in my own life to prevent embarrassing (and possibly expensive) am v pm mix-ups and would love to see other businesses to do likewise (ie, placing a large pizza catering order for 11:30 (as in a half hour before midnight) delivery and getting it at 11:30 (as in a half hour before noon)).

Mike

Do you perhaps mean "late 1880s"?

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

Strictly speaking, AM and PM are incorrect with 12.  AM stands for ante meridiem. PM stands for post meridiem.  Noon and midnight are exactly on the meridian, neither before it nor after it.  So it is better to say midnight or noon, both for clear understanding and to be correct.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 02:46:21 PM
I meant 'late 1980s'.  Prior to then they generally used the form '10:01am' or '3:07pm'.   Railroads also prohibit the use of 'even hours' (ie, '0659' is to be followed by '0701') in train dispatching.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 20, 2024, 02:47:02 PM
Why do you keep deleting and reposting your message rather than just editing it? I've gotten the "new" message indicator four times now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 20, 2024, 02:53:30 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 20, 2024, 01:53:09 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 12:34:42 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 03:04:43 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Is this 12 am or 12 pm?

12 AM, if the device even makes the distinction.

That is why the railroads converted to using 24h clocks for train dispatching in the late 1980s.  For them, ambiguity between am and pm is a critical life-safety issue.  I have been using 24h clocks where possible in my own life to prevent embarrassing (and possibly expensive) am v pm mix-ups and would love to see other businesses to do likewise (ie, placing a large pizza catering order for 11:30 (as in a half hour before midnight) delivery and getting it at 11:30 (as in a half hour before noon)).

Mike

Do you perhaps mean "late 1880s"?

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

Strictly speaking, AM and PM are incorrect with 12.  AM stands for ante meridiem. PM stands for post meridiem.  Noon and midnight are exactly on the meridian, neither before it nor after it.  So it is better to say midnight or noon, both for clear understanding and to be correct.


It's long been established that 12am = midnight, and 12pm = noon. 

If a store's hours were from 9am to 12am, they're probably not open 3 hours.  If a bar opens from 12pm to 2am, they're probably not open for 2 hours.  Unless there's a certain context that makes it a little unclear (a shift beginning at 12:00 at a 24 hour business and the employee is known for working both day and night shifts), 12am or 12pm are often clear enough to avoid any misunderstanding.

I had an elementary teacher once tell us that noon is 12am; 12:01 is pm.  I wanted to be the smartass to say what about the time between 12:00 and 12:01, but I didn't want to be that guy.  I was already laughed at enough at that age.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on January 20, 2024, 03:49:58 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2024, 02:47:02 PM
Why do you keep deleting and reposting your message rather than just editing it? I've gotten the "new" message indicator four times now.

It could have been four quick edits. I believe the "new" popup shows up for edits to the most recent post, but the "last edited by" doesn't appear for edits made during the first 60-90 seconds after posting.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on January 20, 2024, 04:05:49 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 20, 2024, 03:49:58 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2024, 02:47:02 PM
Why do you keep deleting and reposting your message rather than just editing it? I've gotten the "new" message indicator four times now.

It could have been four quick edits. I believe the "new" popup shows up for edits to the most recent post, but the "last edited by" doesn't appear for edits made during the first 60-90 seconds after posting.

Editing a post doesn't cause it to reappear on "recent unread topics", though. This did.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 20, 2024, 05:02:32 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 12:34:42 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 03:04:43 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 19, 2024, 01:57:40 PM
I've never seen a digital clock always flashing 12:00. When I see a clock flash after a power outage, time runs normally even though it begins at 12:00, so if it's flashing at 1:14, I know the power came back on an hour and 14 minutes ago.
Is this 12 am or 12 pm?

12 AM, if the device even makes the distinction.

That is why the railroads converted to using 24h clocks for train dispatching in the late 1980s.  For them, ambiguity between am and pm is a critical life-safety issue.  I have been using 24h clocks where possible in my own life to prevent embarrassing (and possibly expensive) am v pm mix-ups and would love to see other businesses to do likewise (ie, placing a large pizza catering order for 11:30 (as in a half hour before midnight) delivery and getting it at 11:30 (as in a half hour before noon)).

Mike

Heh. This post prompted me to remember an incident during my first year of college some 33 years ago when my RA asked if I could help him with his resume because my PC ran Windows 3.11 and I had a copy of WordPerfect for Windows, so he could see what it looked like as we revised it. Everyone else on the hall, as well as the university's computer labs, all had only DOS versions. We agreed we would do this at "10 o'clock." Problem: He meant AM, I assumed he meant PM. (I had a class at 10 AM, as did almost everyone else in our hall, so I figured no way did he mean AM.)

Weird how a random forum post can prompt a memory you hadn't thought of in years.

I've had most of my devices set to a 24-hour clock for a long time because when I was engaged in the private practice of law it made calculating billable hours considerably easier. It drives our nephew crazy when he sees my iPhone lock screen showing something like "17:02."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 20, 2024, 05:30:52 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.

Do a majority of Indians speak English? No. But enough former British inflience remains as well as modern-day interest in English as a worldwide lingua franca to keep a significant minority of English speakers alive at least among the educated.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:49:01 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 20, 2024, 05:30:52 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.

Do a majority of Indians speak English? No. But enough former British inflience remains as well as modern-day interest in English as a worldwide lingua franca to keep a significant minority of English speakers alive at least among the educated.
Why English is not mother tongue for majority of its people in India?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on January 20, 2024, 06:23:12 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:49:01 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 20, 2024, 05:30:52 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.

Do a majority of Indians speak English? No. But enough former British inflience remains as well as modern-day interest in English as a worldwide lingua franca to keep a significant minority of English speakers alive at least among the educated.
Why English is not mother tongue for majority of its people in India?

Because they didn't come from England. Duh.

Why isn't Hindi or Swahili the first language of people in Finland?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 20, 2024, 07:15:39 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:49:01 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 20, 2024, 05:30:52 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.

Do a majority of Indians speak English? No. But enough former British inflience remains as well as modern-day interest in English as a worldwide lingua franca to keep a significant minority of English speakers alive at least among the educated.
Why English is not mother tongue for majority of its people in India?

Why English is not mother tongue for all persons posting on AARoads forum?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 20, 2024, 08:02:19 PM
I worked third shift long enough that the reflexive followup question for any ambiguous time is still always "am or pm?". This gets a really funny reaction when the dentist asks if "two o'clock" would be a good time for an appointment.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 20, 2024, 08:26:19 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 02:46:21 PM
I meant 'late 1980s'.  Prior to then they generally used the form '10:01am' or '3:07pm'.   Railroads also prohibit the use of 'even hours' (ie, '0659' is to be followed by '0701') in train dispatching.

Mike

Reason I ask is that 1980s seemed late for that to me, and I looked it up and found:

QuoteIn 1886, the Canadian Pacific Railway train at Port Arthur began using the 24-hour clock. However, in 1893 Italy became the first to adopt the 24-hour clock nationally. The French Army began using the 24-hour clock in 1909 whereas the rest of France didn't start using this time system until 1912. The British Royal Navy began using this time system in 1915 during the First World War and the Allied forces would follow suit as well.

https://militarytimechart.net/history-24-hour-clock/#:~:text=In%201886%2C%20the%20Canadian%20Pacific,this%20time%20system%20until%201912.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on January 20, 2024, 09:13:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 20, 2024, 07:15:39 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:49:01 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 20, 2024, 05:30:52 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.

Do a majority of Indians speak English? No. But enough former British inflience remains as well as modern-day interest in English as a worldwide lingua franca to keep a significant minority of English speakers alive at least among the educated.
Why English is not mother tongue for majority of its people in India?

Why English is not mother tongue for all persons posting on AARoads forum?

Well done.  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 21, 2024, 12:10:32 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:49:01 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 20, 2024, 05:30:52 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.

Do a majority of Indians speak English? No. But enough former British inflience remains as well as modern-day interest in English as a worldwide lingua franca to keep a significant minority of English speakers alive at least among the educated.
Why English is not mother tongue for majority of its people in India?

Hindi is one of the top five native languages in the World, along with English, Arabic, Mandarin and Spanish.  English is the 'lingua Franca', regularly used by native speakers of other various languages to communicate with each other. MANY non-native speaking immigrants here in my home metro area are at least sufficiently conversant in English to be valuable contributing members  of the community.  English is a remarkably easy language to learn well enough to get along, but it takes a lifetime to truly master.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:20:56 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 02:46:21 PM
Railroads also prohibit the use of 'even hours' (ie, '0659' is to be followed by '0701') in train dispatching.

What is the rationale for this?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on January 21, 2024, 09:01:10 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 20, 2024, 05:30:52 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 20, 2024, 05:15:57 PM
Is India an English-speaking country? I have never seen India in language maps having "English" as its language, and instead having its own languages.

Do a majority of Indians speak English? No. But enough former British inflience remains as well as modern-day interest in English as a worldwide lingua franca to keep a significant minority of English speakers alive at least among the educated.

It's a bit more than that.  India has several languages, and English happens to be more a lingua franca amongst them.  There's a very distinct north-south split between language families in India, and the two main language families are not mutually intelligible with each other.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_India
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 21, 2024, 11:35:49 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:20:56 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 02:46:21 PM
Railroads also prohibit the use of 'even hours' (ie, '0659' is to be followed by '0701') in train dispatching.

What is the rationale for this?

Life safety.  An adage that I heard years ago is that EVERY line in the operating rulebook for railroad crews was 'written in blood'.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:59:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 21, 2024, 11:35:49 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:20:56 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 02:46:21 PM
Railroads also prohibit the use of 'even hours' (ie, '0659' is to be followed by '0701') in train dispatching.

What is the rationale for this?

Life safety.  An adage that I heard years ago is that EVERY line in the operating rulebook for railroad crews was 'written in blood'.

Mike

Okay...so why is it more of a hazard to dispatch a train at 0700 than it is 0659 or 0701? That's what I'm not understanding.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 21, 2024, 03:03:58 PM
Parents who censor their kid's face on social media photos, but not the faces of other kids in the same photo who aren't theirs.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on January 21, 2024, 03:57:59 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 20, 2024, 01:34:06 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Then my question becomes --

What is 12 am - midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 0000.

What is 12 pm -- midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 1200.

Is there a standard? (meaning in the non-military and non 24-hour world, which obviously still exists)

I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

But I know, as well as anyone, that some systems probably can only say 12 am or 12 pm. So perhaps times like that are best avoided?

Personally I've considered 12:00 am to be midnight, using the reasoning that 12:00:01 am would definitely be one second past midnight.  To avoid ambiguity, I would usually use the words "midnight" or "noon" instead.

I also remember a high school band trip (which involved overnight bus travel) having an itinerary which specified 11:59pm (rather than 12:00am) for a departure time, to avoid this problem.  All other times on the itinerary used "round" numbers for times - xx:00 or xx:30.
I'm the public relations guy for my university's Mug root beer club. We meet at midnight, and I always make sure to specify 11:59 PM in advertising, not just because of the noon-midnight issue, but for determining what day 12 o' clock midnight is actually on. I consider it to be the start of the day, but some might consider it the end.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 10:13:39 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 10:06:48 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.

How did you think they were pronounced? (That's a serious question—at least for the moment, I'm not making fun of you or picking on you, as I'm just genuinely wondering how you thought they were pronounced.)
I had suspected if they were pronounced as same, and I just confirmed that from Wiktionary. The thing that they are pronounced exactly same surprises me, as I have never previously seen a homophone pair differing in that one word uses "s" and the other word uses "c", with both pronounced as "s" sound.

These also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 21, 2024, 06:36:54 PM
Quote from: Hobart on January 21, 2024, 03:57:59 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 20, 2024, 01:34:06 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Then my question becomes --

What is 12 am - midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 0000.

What is 12 pm -- midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 1200.

Is there a standard? (meaning in the non-military and non 24-hour world, which obviously still exists)

I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

But I know, as well as anyone, that some systems probably can only say 12 am or 12 pm. So perhaps times like that are best avoided?

Personally I've considered 12:00 am to be midnight, using the reasoning that 12:00:01 am would definitely be one second past midnight.  To avoid ambiguity, I would usually use the words "midnight" or "noon" instead.

I also remember a high school band trip (which involved overnight bus travel) having an itinerary which specified 11:59pm (rather than 12:00am) for a departure time, to avoid this problem.  All other times on the itinerary used "round" numbers for times - xx:00 or xx:30.
I'm the public relations guy for my university's Mug root beer club. We meet at midnight, and I always make sure to specify 11:59 PM in advertising, not just because of the noon-midnight issue, but for determining what day 12 o' clock midnight is actually on. I consider it to be the start of the day, but some might consider it the end.
A club devoted to Mug Root Beer?  How specific.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 21, 2024, 07:44:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:59:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 21, 2024, 11:35:49 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:20:56 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 02:46:21 PM
Railroads also prohibit the use of 'even hours' (ie, '0659' is to be followed by '0701') in train dispatching.

What is the rationale for this?

Life safety.  An adage that I heard years ago is that EVERY line in the operating rulebook for railroad crews was 'written in blood'.

Mike

Okay...so why is it more of a hazard to dispatch a train at 0700 than it is 0659 or 0701? That's what I'm not understanding.

EVERY dispatching instruction has to be repeated back verbatim to the dispatcher (one important rule states that any instruction that is not correctly repeated back was ever sent) - the slightest error could easily be fatal.  This eliminates a potential source of such errors.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheCatalyst31 on January 21, 2024, 10:20:06 PM
Quote from: Hobart on January 21, 2024, 03:57:59 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 20, 2024, 01:34:06 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Then my question becomes --

What is 12 am - midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 0000.

What is 12 pm -- midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 1200.

Is there a standard? (meaning in the non-military and non 24-hour world, which obviously still exists)

I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

But I know, as well as anyone, that some systems probably can only say 12 am or 12 pm. So perhaps times like that are best avoided?

Personally I've considered 12:00 am to be midnight, using the reasoning that 12:00:01 am would definitely be one second past midnight.  To avoid ambiguity, I would usually use the words "midnight" or "noon" instead.

I also remember a high school band trip (which involved overnight bus travel) having an itinerary which specified 11:59pm (rather than 12:00am) for a departure time, to avoid this problem.  All other times on the itinerary used "round" numbers for times - xx:00 or xx:30.
I'm the public relations guy for my university's Mug root beer club. We meet at midnight, and I always make sure to specify 11:59 PM in advertising, not just because of the noon-midnight issue, but for determining what day 12 o' clock midnight is actually on. I consider it to be the start of the day, but some might consider it the end.
Do you meet at midnight because the middle of the night is the best time for Mugging?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 10:35:03 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 21, 2024, 07:44:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:59:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 21, 2024, 11:35:49 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2024, 02:20:56 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 20, 2024, 02:46:21 PM
Railroads also prohibit the use of 'even hours' (ie, '0659' is to be followed by '0701') in train dispatching.

What is the rationale for this?

Life safety.  An adage that I heard years ago is that EVERY line in the operating rulebook for railroad crews was 'written in blood'.

Mike

Okay...so why is it more of a hazard to dispatch a train at 0700 than it is 0659 or 0701? That's what I'm not understanding.

EVERY dispatching instruction has to be repeated back verbatim to the dispatcher (one important rule states that any instruction that is not correctly repeated back was ever sent) - the slightest error could easily be fatal.  This eliminates a potential source of such errors.

Mike

Interesting. Aviation has similar rules regarding reading back instructions (and similar stakes), but they work around misinterpretation by requiring the use of strict phraseology that makes misinterpretation difficult (for instance 0700 would be read out as "zero-seven-zero-zero" and be taken to mean UTC unless  specified otherwise). I suppose if you have the flexibility to just not use the problematic numbers, so much the better, though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on January 21, 2024, 11:05:25 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 21, 2024, 03:03:58 PM
Parents who censor their kid's face on social media photos, but not the faces of other kids in the same photo who aren't theirs.

Was this supposed to go in "minor things that bother you?"

If so, I didn't know it was a thing but I agree it's minorly bothersome.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on January 22, 2024, 09:30:09 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PMThese also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Dialects of Northern Spain pronounce those differently (and so I do).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 22, 2024, 04:57:19 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 21, 2024, 11:05:25 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 21, 2024, 03:03:58 PM
Parents who censor their kid's face on social media photos, but not the faces of other kids in the same photo who aren't theirs.

Was this supposed to go in "minor things that bother you?"

If so, I didn't know it was a thing but I agree it's minorly bothersome.

No, I just found it amusing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on January 22, 2024, 07:48:38 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 22, 2024, 09:30:09 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PMThese also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Dialects of Northern Spain pronounce those differently (and so I do).

I've also seen ciento abbreviated as cien, though I'm not sure if that's universal.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 23, 2024, 08:45:32 AM
Quote from: Takumi on January 22, 2024, 07:48:38 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 22, 2024, 09:30:09 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PMThese also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Dialects of Northern Spain pronounce those differently (and so I do).

I've also seen ciento abbreviated as cien, though I'm not sure if that's universal.
Cien is found in isolation and ciento in compounds (like 132: ciento treinta y dos).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 23, 2024, 09:06:54 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 23, 2024, 08:45:32 AM
Quote from: Takumi on January 22, 2024, 07:48:38 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 22, 2024, 09:30:09 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PMThese also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Dialects of Northern Spain pronounce those differently (and so I do).

I've also seen ciento abbreviated as cien, though I'm not sure if that's universal.
Cien is found in isolation and ciento in compounds (like 132: ciento treinta y dos).

Courtesy "no" for you and your obsession with the number 132.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 23, 2024, 09:13:10 AM
Quote from: Takumi on January 22, 2024, 07:48:38 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 22, 2024, 09:30:09 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PMThese also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Dialects of Northern Spain pronounce those differently (and so I do).

I've also seen ciento abbreviated as cien, though I'm not sure if that's universal.

Note the value as expressed in words on the left side of the banknote:

(https://www.foreigncurrencyandcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/products-16790.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 02:08:23 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Then my question becomes --

What is 12 am - midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 0000.

What is 12 pm -- midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 1200.

Is there a standard? (meaning in the non-military and non 24-hour world, which obviously still exists)

I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

But I know, as well as anyone, that some systems probably can only say 12 am or 12 pm. So perhaps times like that are best avoided?

Quote from: kkt on January 20, 2024, 01:53:09 PM
Strictly speaking, AM and PM are incorrect with 12.  AM stands for ante meridiem. PM stands for post meridiem.  Noon and midnight are exactly on the meridian, neither before it nor after it.  So it is better to say midnight or noon, both for clear understanding and to be correct.

12:00 is only "exactly on the meridian" for the infinitesimal amount of time when the clock first strikes.  But 36 seconds after midnight, while still being 12:00, is not on the meridian:  it's after the meridian, just as 12:01 AM is.  That is to say, the amount of time called "12:00 PM" that is on the meridian tends to zero, and therefore the amount that is in the afternoon tends to 100%.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 02:15:43 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 22, 2024, 09:30:09 AM

Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PM
These also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Dialects of Northern Spain pronounce those differently (and so I do).

Sí, pero ¿piensas que mi vello es más bello que el tuyo?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on January 23, 2024, 02:35:11 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2024, 09:13:10 AM
Quote from: Takumi on January 22, 2024, 07:48:38 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 22, 2024, 09:30:09 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PMThese also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Dialects of Northern Spain pronounce those differently (and so I do).

I've also seen ciento abbreviated as cien, though I'm not sure if that's universal.

Note the value as expressed in words on the left side of the banknote:

(https://www.foreigncurrencyandcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/products-16790.jpg)

All of $5.84 US as of today.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 23, 2024, 02:43:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 10:13:39 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 10:06:48 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.

How did you think they were pronounced? (That's a serious question—at least for the moment, I'm not making fun of you or picking on you, as I'm just genuinely wondering how you thought they were pronounced.)
I had suspected if they were pronounced as same, and I just confirmed that from Wiktionary. The thing that they are pronounced exactly same surprises me, as I have never previously seen a homophone pair differing in that one word uses "s" and the other word uses "c", with both pronounced as "s" sound.

These also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Then there's sent, cent, and scent.

French, as you might imagine, has a bunch, for example:

sans
cent
sang
sens
sent
c'en
s'en
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 03:02:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 02:08:23 PM
12:00 is only "exactly on the meridian" for the infinitesimal amount of time when the clock first strikes.  But 36 seconds after midnight, while still being 12:00, is not on the meridian:  it's after the meridian, just as 12:01 AM is.  That is to say, the amount of time called "12:00 PM" that is on the meridian tends to zero, and therefore the amount that is in the afternoon tends to 100%.

I knew that "midnight" is 12:00 AM and "noon" is 12:00 PM for good reason, and just couldn't put my finger on it but this is it. The pedantry we know, love and expect at AARoads. Well done.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 23, 2024, 03:15:19 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 23, 2024, 02:43:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on January 21, 2024, 05:38:51 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 10:13:39 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 10:06:48 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 19, 2024, 09:38:52 AM
I just found out that words sight, site and cite are homophones. They are pronounced exactly same. This surprises me.

How did you think they were pronounced? (That's a serious question—at least for the moment, I'm not making fun of you or picking on you, as I'm just genuinely wondering how you thought they were pronounced.)
I had suspected if they were pronounced as same, and I just confirmed that from Wiktionary. The thing that they are pronounced exactly same surprises me, as I have never previously seen a homophone pair differing in that one word uses "s" and the other word uses "c", with both pronounced as "s" sound.

These also exist in Spanish. My favorite is ciento/siento, which is even better because siento is the conjugated 1st-person singular present form of two entirely unrelated verbs. So we have

ciento - one hundred
siento (sentar) - I sit
siento (sentir) - I feel

Then there's sent, cent, and scent.

French, as you might imagine, has a bunch, for example:

sans
cent
sang
sens
sent
c'en
s'en

At least in Spanish and French, 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced the same as 's'. Before the other vowels, it's pronounced like 'k'. Similar things happen in the other Romance languages.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 03:24:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 23, 2024, 03:15:19 PM
At least in Spanish and French, 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced the same as 's'. Before the other vowels, it's pronounced like 'k'.

Peninsular Spanish is a thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 23, 2024, 04:48:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 02:08:23 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Then my question becomes --

What is 12 am - midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 0000.

What is 12 pm -- midnight or noon? I know in the military it is 1200.

Is there a standard? (meaning in the non-military and non 24-hour world, which obviously still exists)

I would say 12 am is midnight and 12 pm is noon.
In a perfect world, IMO you wouldn't use 12 am or 12 pm at all --- rather you would use midnight or noon.

But I know, as well as anyone, that some systems probably can only say 12 am or 12 pm. So perhaps times like that are best avoided?

Quote from: kkt on January 20, 2024, 01:53:09 PM
Strictly speaking, AM and PM are incorrect with 12.  AM stands for ante meridiem. PM stands for post meridiem.  Noon and midnight are exactly on the meridian, neither before it nor after it.  So it is better to say midnight or noon, both for clear understanding and to be correct.

12:00 is only "exactly on the meridian" for the infinitesimal amount of time when the clock first strikes.  But 36 seconds after midnight, while still being 12:00, is not on the meridian:  it's after the meridian, just as 12:01 AM is.  That is to say, the amount of time called "12:00 PM" that is on the meridian tends to zero, and therefore the amount that is in the afternoon tends to 100%.

Limits (math class) strikes again!

I do not, however, know anyone who would schedule something at 12:00:30 PM. If being that specific, they would use 12:01 as discussed in several earlier posts re train schedules and the like.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 23, 2024, 04:48:48 PM
I do not, however, know anyone who would schedule something at 12:00:30 PM. If being that specific, they would use 12:01 as discussed in several earlier posts re train schedules and the like.

No.  But everything that happens during that minute happens after exact noon.

Or, if you were looking at a report of timestamps, and it went like this . . .

11:58:58
11:59:32
11:59 47
11:59:55
12:00:00
12:00:18
12:00:42
12:01:11
12:01:39
12:02:01

. . . then it should be pretty clear that the bottom five occurred in the PM-timeframe.  It stands to reason, then, that the bottom six did so.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 23, 2024, 07:11:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 23, 2024, 04:48:48 PM
I do not, however, know anyone who would schedule something at 12:00:30 PM. If being that specific, they would use 12:01 as discussed in several earlier posts re train schedules and the like.

No.  But everything that happens during that minute happens after exact noon.

Or, if you were looking at a report of timestamps, and it went like this . . .

11:58:58
11:59:32
11:59 47
11:59:55
12:00:00
12:00:18
12:00:42
12:01:11
12:01:39
12:02:01

. . . then it should be pretty clear that the bottom five occurred in the PM-timeframe.  It stands to reason, then, that the bottom six did so.

because 5=6, for sufficiently large values of 5?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: US 89 on January 23, 2024, 08:46:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 03:24:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 23, 2024, 03:15:19 PM
At least in Spanish and French, 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced the same as 's'. Before the other vowels, it's pronounced like 'k'.

Peninsular Spanish is a thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction

I was exposed to that quite early in high school Spanish class - my Spanish teacher's family was originally from Spain, and so she used the distinción pronunciations.

Which was only funny because the course material was clearly intended to teach Latin American Spanish. We pretty much did not cover vosotros, for example - we barely learned those verb conjugations and never actually used it in a sentence.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 24, 2024, 06:43:42 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 23, 2024, 08:46:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 03:24:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 23, 2024, 03:15:19 PM
At least in Spanish and French, 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced the same as 's'. Before the other vowels, it's pronounced like 'k'.

Peninsular Spanish is a thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction)

I was exposed to that quite early in high school Spanish class - my Spanish teacher's family was originally from Spain, and so she used the distinción pronunciations.

Which was only funny because the course material was clearly intended to teach Latin American Spanish. We pretty much did not cover vosotros, for example - we barely learned those verb conjugations and never actually used it in a sentence.
I used to learn some Spanish at my former school, and that education is based on European Spanish. I like that European Spanish makes the distinction by pronouncing soft c / z as a sound like English think. I think that French should also pronounce similar sound as a dental fricative, to distinguish it from s.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 24, 2024, 08:02:55 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 24, 2024, 06:43:42 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 23, 2024, 08:46:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 03:24:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 23, 2024, 03:15:19 PM
At least in Spanish and French, 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced the same as 's'. Before the other vowels, it's pronounced like 'k'.

Peninsular Spanish is a thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction)

I was exposed to that quite early in high school Spanish class - my Spanish teacher's family was originally from Spain, and so she used the distinción pronunciations.

Which was only funny because the course material was clearly intended to teach Latin American Spanish. We pretty much did not cover vosotros, for example - we barely learned those verb conjugations and never actually used it in a sentence.
I used to learn some Spanish at my former school, and that education is based on European Spanish. I like that European Spanish makes the distinction by pronouncing soft c / z as a sound like English think. I think that French should also pronounce similar sound as a dental fricative, to distinguish it from s.

You should definitely write to the Académie Française with your ideas for improving their language.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:05:37 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 24, 2024, 06:43:42 AM
I used to learn some Spanish at my former school, and that education is based on European Spanish. I like that European Spanish makes the distinction by pronouncing soft c / z as a sound like English think. I think that French should also pronounce similar sound as a dental fricative, to distinguish it from s.
So now beside telling other countries how to build and name their roads, you're also going to tell them how to pronounce their own language?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 24, 2024, 08:11:18 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 24, 2024, 06:43:42 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 23, 2024, 08:46:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 03:24:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 23, 2024, 03:15:19 PM
At least in Spanish and French, 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced the same as 's'. Before the other vowels, it's pronounced like 'k'.

Peninsular Spanish is a thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_Spanish_coronal_fricatives#Distinction)

I was exposed to that quite early in high school Spanish class - my Spanish teacher's family was originally from Spain, and so she used the distinción pronunciations.

Which was only funny because the course material was clearly intended to teach Latin American Spanish. We pretty much did not cover vosotros, for example - we barely learned those verb conjugations and never actually used it in a sentence.
I used to learn some Spanish at my former school, and that education is based on European Spanish. I like that European Spanish makes the distinction by pronouncing soft c / z as a sound like English think. I think that French should also pronounce similar sound as a dental fricative, to distinguish it from s.

You should talk to my wife.  She is certified bilingual by a couple counties as being fluent in Spanish.  I'm sure she would love to hear from you how wrongly she pronounces things.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AM
Remember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 08:29:36 AM
Double spaces forever.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 10:08:49 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 08:29:36 AM
Double spaces forever.

Can't stop myself from doing it if I tried.  Right?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 11:10:56 AM
I do recall discussions about distinctions between Puerto Rican Spanish and Mexican Spanish.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 11:22:17 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 11:10:56 AM
I do recall discussions about distinctions between Puerto Rican Spanish and Mexican Spanish.

Mike

Mexican vs. Central American vs. Caribbean vs. Spanish vs. Northern South America vs. Southern South America are all pretty distinctively different. Spain spanish probably being the most "different" with pronunciation and vocabulary.

I speak pretty decent Spanish, but when I went to Spain, I had a tough time reading menus, a la knowing the word "steak", but needing to know the terms ribeye, strip, tenderloin, flatiron, etc.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 24, 2024, 01:02:51 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AMRemember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

I still do it.  I'm not looking to start a discussion on politics or religion on here, but I think those who advocate using single spaces everywhere grossly overstate the obsolescence of the double space.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Hobart on January 24, 2024, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 11:22:17 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 11:10:56 AM
I do recall discussions about distinctions between Puerto Rican Spanish and Mexican Spanish.

Mike
Mexican vs. Central American vs. Caribbean vs. Spanish vs. Northern South America vs. Southern South America are all pretty distinctively different. Spain spanish probably being the most "different" with pronunciation and vocabulary.

My brother went to a small college for music educators in Chicago, where most of the Spanish speaking population spoke Mexican Spanish. The band director at that college taught at a high school in the Miami area for years beforehand, and picked up some Spanish from his students. Apparently the students (who spoke Mexican Spanish) had difficulty understanding the band director's Spanish because of his thick Cuban accent, which he learned when he learned the language.

My two years of high school Spanish are long gone (though I can still read some if I try hard enough). However, I always found the idea that other languages have their own accents interesting; it's one of the inevitable things that would obviously occur that I hadn't thought about.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 01:19:09 PM
Quote from: Hobart on January 24, 2024, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 11:22:17 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 11:10:56 AM
I do recall discussions about distinctions between Puerto Rican Spanish and Mexican Spanish.

Mike
Mexican vs. Central American vs. Caribbean vs. Spanish vs. Northern South America vs. Southern South America are all pretty distinctively different. Spain spanish probably being the most "different" with pronunciation and vocabulary.

My brother went to a small college for music educators in Chicago, where most of the Spanish speaking population spoke Mexican Spanish. The band director at that college taught at a high school in the Miami area for years beforehand, and picked up some Spanish from his students. Apparently the students (who spoke Mexican Spanish) had difficulty understanding the band director's Spanish because of his thick Cuban accent, which he learned when he learned the language.

My two years of high school Spanish are long gone (though I can still read some if I try hard enough). However, I always found the idea that other languages have their own accents interesting; it's one of the inevitable things that would obviously occur that I hadn't thought about.

I was in Ecuador once talking with my jungle guide in Spanish and he told me I have a Mexican accent. I told him my Mexican friends would be so proud to hear that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 01:21:28 PM
Quote from: Hobart on January 24, 2024, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 11:22:17 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 11:10:56 AM
I do recall discussions about distinctions between Puerto Rican Spanish and Mexican Spanish.

Mike
Mexican vs. Central American vs. Caribbean vs. Spanish vs. Northern South America vs. Southern South America are all pretty distinctively different. Spain spanish probably being the most "different" with pronunciation and vocabulary.

My brother went to a small college for music educators in Chicago, where most of the Spanish speaking population spoke Mexican Spanish. The band director at that college taught at a high school in the Miami area for years beforehand, and picked up some Spanish from his students. Apparently the students (who spoke Mexican Spanish) had difficulty understanding the band director's Spanish because of his thick Cuban accent, which he learned when he learned the language.

My two years of high school Spanish are long gone (though I can still read some if I try hard enough). However, I always found the idea that other languages have their own accents interesting; it's one of the inevitable things that would obviously occur that I hadn't thought about.

Like between Portuguese Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese and between French French and Quebecois French.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 24, 2024, 01:22:36 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AM
Remember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

I still double-space after a period or after a colon.  I also started double-spacing after a semicolon a few years ago.  In some contexts, I very recently even started single-spacing before and double-spacing after such punctuation marks.

Like this . . .

This is a simple sentence .  And now this one is slightly different :  it has two independent clauses .
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 01:40:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 24, 2024, 01:22:36 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AM
Remember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

I still double-space after a period or after a colon.  I also started double-spacing after a semicolon a few years ago.  In some contexts, I very recently even started single-spacing before and double-spacing after such punctuation marks.

Like this . . .

This is a simple sentence .  And now this one is slightly different :  it has two independent clauses .

Bolding mine. Shouldn't that be a semicolon instead of a colon?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 24, 2024, 01:55:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 01:40:38 PM
Shouldn't that be a semicolon instead of a colon?

Nah.  I prefer a colon in that type of construction.

Quote from: The Punctuation Guide
The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.  In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon.

https://www.thepunctuationguide.com/colon.html
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 24, 2024, 02:03:14 PM
The UK should join EFTA and Schengen. Also, North America should have equivalent of Schengen.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 24, 2024, 03:02:24 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13-du-Ha!-Ha! the Troll on January 24, 2024, 02:03:14 PM
The UK should join EFTA and Schengen. Also, North America should have equivalent of Schengen.

See here:  https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=32280.msg2901369#msg2901369
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 24, 2024, 03:09:34 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AM
Remember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

Remember it?  That's how I type now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 24, 2024, 05:42:29 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 04, 2024, 12:50:33 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 04, 2024, 01:42:10 AM
Does anyone really pay for Internet connectivity while on a airplane? I know that several airlines have in-flight WiFi available so that you can watch or listen to the on-board entertainment (movies, TV shows, music) from your phone, laptop, or tablet, but unless you can charge it off as a business expense, can you do without Internet connectivity for a few hours?

The question isn't "can you do with Internet for a few hours if you have to?", the question is "will spending a few bucks make the next few hours less painful?".

In my opinion, a little bit of pre-downloading of movies, TV shows, music, and/or audiobooks also make the next few hours less painful. Also, noise-cancelling headsets. Although, on my American Airline's flight, if you connected to the plane WiFi, you could watch the movies/TV shows that they offered.

On board ship, the basic WiFi was $20 per day (it was included in my cruise fare), and premium WiFi was $13-15 per day additional depending if you upgraded pre-cruise or during the cruise. No, thank you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 05:48:41 PM
Whatever did we do on planes before phones?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 24, 2024, 05:58:04 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 05:48:41 PM
Whatever did we do on planes before phones?

- Watch the movie, whether you liked it or not.
- Try to sleep on your meal tray.
- Read a book.
- Work various types of puzzle books.
- Read every page of all literature in your seat-back.

I was once on a trans-Atlantic flight on which one woman walked up and down the aisles almost the entire time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on January 24, 2024, 06:01:09 PM
The telephone was invented before the airplane was. :bigass:

Before there were phones on the plane, got better airplane service and looked out the window a lot.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 24, 2024, 06:14:41 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 05:48:41 PM
Whatever did we do on planes before phones?

Buy a paperback and/or a magazine from the newsstand in the airport.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Takumi on January 24, 2024, 06:30:09 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 01:21:28 PM
Quote from: Hobart on January 24, 2024, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 11:22:17 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 24, 2024, 11:10:56 AM
I do recall discussions about distinctions between Puerto Rican Spanish and Mexican Spanish.

Mike
Mexican vs. Central American vs. Caribbean vs. Spanish vs. Northern South America vs. Southern South America are all pretty distinctively different. Spain spanish probably being the most "different" with pronunciation and vocabulary.

My brother went to a small college for music educators in Chicago, where most of the Spanish speaking population spoke Mexican Spanish. The band director at that college taught at a high school in the Miami area for years beforehand, and picked up some Spanish from his students. Apparently the students (who spoke Mexican Spanish) had difficulty understanding the band director's Spanish because of his thick Cuban accent, which he learned when he learned the language.

My two years of high school Spanish are long gone (though I can still read some if I try hard enough). However, I always found the idea that other languages have their own accents interesting; it's one of the inevitable things that would obviously occur that I hadn't thought about.

Like between Portuguese Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese and between French French and Quebecois French.

Mike

A well-known Quebecois member of this forum once said that the motherland considers Canadian French to be, in his own words, "hillbilly French".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 24, 2024, 06:42:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 24, 2024, 05:58:04 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 05:48:41 PMWhatever did we do on planes before phones?

- Watch the movie, whether you liked it or not.
- Try to sleep on your meal tray.
- Read a book.
- Work various types of puzzle books.
- Read every page of all literature in your seat-back.

I was once on a trans-Atlantic flight on which one woman walked up and down the aisles almost the entire time.

I was on a Chicago-to-London flight when a gray-haired woman, probably in her seventies, sat down next to me and began talking.  I looked at her, trying to figure out through nonverbal cues (I am deaf) whether any of what she was saying needed me to respond in any way, and she stopped.  Then I looked away and she started talking again.  I looked again, and she stopped again.  Then, fifteen minutes later, she moved to the next row up, next to a black-haired, sallow-skinned woman in late middle age, and spent pretty much the entire eight-hour flight talking to her as she nodded her head along.  I wondered if they knew each other.

On landing at Heathrow, the gray-haired older woman turned out to be a US passport holder and sailed through immigration (they hadn't yet given it its present hubba-hubba "UK Border" label), while the black-haired one got the third degree with her Pakistani passport.  The whole situation looked so much like a metaphor for first-world exploitation of the third world that I felt a little sorry for her.

Quote from: kkt on January 24, 2024, 06:14:41 PMBuy a paperback and/or a magazine from the newsstand in the airport.

This approach has become a little less common with the advent of e-readers, but serious readers often maintained a stash of "ash and trash" paperbacks they weren't afraid to lose on trips, and simply gave them away when they were finished.  Hotels and hostels in large cities that attract international tourists often had shelves of books (mostly in English) where a person could pick up something to read with no obligation to return it.  I used one of these in Vienna to unload a paperback copy of Philip Roth's American Pastoral.

Wichita has a reasonably well-stocked public library, so nearly all of my reading nowadays comes from there.  However, people who live in rural areas often depend on used bookstores, book sales, informal exchange, etc. for reading material, as public libraries may not exist near them, may not have a good selection of books, or may charge extortionate annual fees for a card.  This latter problem is less severe in Kansas than elsewhere since the state subsidizes card issue to nonresidents under a regional cooperative program, but I've heard of double-digit fees in Oklahoma City and Omaha, and up to $300 in rural Illinois.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 24, 2024, 07:21:52 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 24, 2024, 01:02:51 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AMRemember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

I still do it.  I'm not looking to start a discussion on politics or religion on here, but I think those who advocate using single spaces everywhere grossly overstate the obsolescence of the double space.

Maybe I want to use those bytes for something besides storing your precious extraneous spaces in, did you ever think of that? :P
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 24, 2024, 07:26:51 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 05:48:41 PMWhatever did we do on planes before phones?

Depends on how far back in time you want to go. And I should also note that you should also include "tablets" and "laptops" as well as "phones".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 24, 2024, 07:33:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 24, 2024, 07:21:52 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 24, 2024, 01:02:51 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AMRemember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

I still do it.  I'm not looking to start a discussion on politics or religion on here, but I think those who advocate using single spaces everywhere grossly overstate the obsolescence of the double space.

Maybe I want to use those bytes for something besides storing your precious extraneous spaces in, did you ever think of that? :P

Ha :)

So what's the street value of a byte of RAM these days?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 07:55:51 PM
I used to bring a healthy CD collection and a Discman on planes...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 24, 2024, 08:28:38 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 05:48:41 PM
Whatever did we do on planes before phones?

We enjoyed the smell of newsprint on a Monday morning.

I look though my photo collection, type out a little work, or read an occasional book, for the most part. Movies and TV shows for the longer flights (usually 3 hours or more; too many unfinished movies by missing out on the last part because it wasn't available on the return trip).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 24, 2024, 08:43:20 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 24, 2024, 07:33:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 24, 2024, 07:21:52 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 24, 2024, 01:02:51 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AMRemember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

I still do it.  I'm not looking to start a discussion on politics or religion on here, but I think those who advocate using single spaces everywhere grossly overstate the obsolescence of the double space.

Maybe I want to use those bytes for something besides storing your precious extraneous spaces in, did you ever think of that? :P

Ha :)

So what's the street value of a byte of RAM these days?


I recently bought 1073741824 bytes of RAM, and the regular retail price for it was $98.99 (I got it on sale though). That means each one of those extraneous spaces takes up $0.0000000028809881769121 worth of RAM.

I expect a check in the mail post haste.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 24, 2024, 10:27:11 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AM
Remember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

That's how I do it.

Anecdote:  The February 1985 issue of Twilight Zone magazine had an interview with Stephen King and Peter Straub, in which they talked about how they collaborated to write The Talisman.  King made the comment that while working on his half of the copy editing, there were several places he thought he had written something really good and it turned out to have been written by Straub.  King said "The only way I could tell was the typing style.  (Straub) will double-space after periods and between dashes, and I don't do that."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 24, 2024, 11:53:20 PM
Would anybody try to steal a road sign in a situation like this?
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mudflow_covering_SR_504_near_Coal_Bank_bridge,_July_1980.jpg
Even if you were to turn it over to the proper authorities for any reason?


Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 24, 2024, 11:56:21 PM
Not for a W-series sign. If it were a route marker...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2024, 10:18:12 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 24, 2024, 07:21:52 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 24, 2024, 01:02:51 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:21:06 AM
Remember typing, when you were supposed to put two spaces after a period and a colon? (But only one space after a semi-colon)

I still do it.  I'm not looking to start a discussion on politics or religion on here, but I think those who advocate using single spaces everywhere grossly overstate the obsolescence of the double space.

Maybe I want to use those bytes for something besides storing your precious extraneous spaces in, did you ever think of that? :P

If that were the case, then why do you stand sheepishly by while the forum converts extra spaces in posts to &nbsp; entities in order to force them to show up (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=26005.msg2460382#msg2460382)?

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 24, 2024, 08:43:20 PM
I recently bought 1073741824 bytes of RAM, and the regular retail price for it was $98.99 (I got it on sale though). That means each one of those extraneous spaces takes up $0.0000000028809881769121 worth of RAM.

I expect a check in the mail post haste.

I still top the list of forum members with the most posts.  If I round my post count to 28,250, and if I estimate that I use an average of five instances of double-space per post, then I owe you . . . ummm . . . a few thousandths of a cent.

You can expect your check from me once it reaches something that can be rounded to a penny—which at this rate should be in approximately 182 years.  I expect you'll have to wait much longer for the other members' checks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 25, 2024, 10:11:44 PM
Oh goodness, &nbsp; is actually five bytes. So each of those spaces actually has a cash value of $0.0000000144049408845605. Better keep those checkbooks handy!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on January 25, 2024, 10:38:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2024, 10:18:12 AMYou can expect your check from me once it reaches something that can be rounded to a penny—which at this rate should be in approximately 182 years.  I expect you'll have to wait much longer for the other members' checks.

Dennis Rader (current release date of February 26, 2180) should be out by then.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 26, 2024, 07:07:48 AM
More reasons to like the updated MUTCD -- the bicycle-related signage;
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 26, 2024, 02:02:46 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 26, 2024, 07:07:48 AM
More reasons to like the updated MUTCD -- the bicycle-related signage;
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24

I've had an idea in recent years of a Wisconsin-specific state bicycle route system (a state version of the USBR system) that uses a specially modified Wisconsin state highway shield as its route marker.  Make it smaller (bicycle-sized), reverse its colors (white numbers on a black (maybe green) shield) and put a common bicycle image in white at its top.  I think that this could work.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 26, 2024, 02:05:32 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 26, 2024, 02:02:46 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 26, 2024, 07:07:48 AM
More reasons to like the updated MUTCD -- the bicycle-related signage;
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24 (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24)

I've had an idea in recent years of a Wisconsin-specific state bicycle route system (a state version of the USBR system) that uses a specially modified Wisconsin state highway shield as its route marker.  Make it smaller (bicycle-sized), reverse its colors (white numbers on a black (maybe green) shield) and put a common bicycle image in white at its top.  I think that this could work.

Mike
The bicycle routes could also use the odd=north-south, even=east-west rule with numbers increasing in one direction.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2024, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 26, 2024, 02:05:32 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 26, 2024, 02:02:46 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 26, 2024, 07:07:48 AM
More reasons to like the updated MUTCD -- the bicycle-related signage;
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24 (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24)

I've had an idea in recent years of a Wisconsin-specific state bicycle route system (a state version of the USBR system) that uses a specially modified Wisconsin state highway shield as its route marker.  Make it smaller (bicycle-sized), reverse its colors (white numbers on a black (maybe green) shield) and put a common bicycle image in white at its top.  I think that this could work.

Mike
The bicycle routes could also use the odd=north-south, even=east-west rule with numbers increasing in one direction.

Never heard of the U.S. Bike Route System?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 26, 2024, 08:50:41 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2024, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 26, 2024, 02:05:32 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 26, 2024, 02:02:46 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 26, 2024, 07:07:48 AM
More reasons to like the updated MUTCD -- the bicycle-related signage;
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24 (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24)

I've had an idea in recent years of a Wisconsin-specific state bicycle route system (a state version of the USBR system) that uses a specially modified Wisconsin state highway shield as its route marker.  Make it smaller (bicycle-sized), reverse its colors (white numbers on a black (maybe green) shield) and put a common bicycle image in white at its top.  I think that this could work.

Mike
The bicycle routes could also use the odd=north-south, even=east-west rule with numbers increasing in one direction.

Never heard of the U.S. Bike Route System?
Heh.  Few people have and even when they have, the only bike route they know of is 76.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 27, 2024, 12:52:57 AM
It's kind of funny how, unless it was taken on a cloudy day, GSV images of Las Vegas seem to always be washed out. You'd think they'd learn to adjust the white balance for the desert sun...

Kind of reminds me of the trope of Mexico always getting a sepia filter when it's shown in a movie. Mexico is much less brown, and Las Vegas is much less washed out, in real life.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 27, 2024, 11:34:03 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 07:55:51 PM
I used to bring a healthy CD collection and a Discman on planes...
I did too. But I also needed to bring noise cancelling headphones in order to hear the music.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on January 27, 2024, 11:37:11 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 26, 2024, 08:50:41 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2024, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 26, 2024, 02:05:32 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 26, 2024, 02:02:46 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 26, 2024, 07:07:48 AM
More reasons to like the updated MUTCD -- the bicycle-related signage;
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24 (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part9.pdf#page=24)

I've had an idea in recent years of a Wisconsin-specific state bicycle route system (a state version of the USBR system) that uses a specially modified Wisconsin state highway shield as its route marker.  Make it smaller (bicycle-sized), reverse its colors (white numbers on a black (maybe green) shield) and put a common bicycle image in white at its top.  I think that this could work.

Mike
The bicycle routes could also use the odd=north-south, even=east-west rule with numbers increasing in one direction.

Never heard of the U.S. Bike Route System?
Heh.  Few people have and even when they have, the only bike route they know of is 76.
I have heard of it but there are no routes nearby (nearby meaning, that I don't have to car-transport my bike to use)

Like almost everything else in this forum that requires travel, something I will be able to utilize/enjoy/partake much more once a couple more years pass.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 27, 2024, 10:13:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 07:55:51 PM
I used to bring a healthy CD collection and a Discman on planes...

I remember that many airlines had a ban on portable CD players during the 1990s. I was ignorant of that rule during a flight from Miami to Madrid and surreptitiously covered it up with my in-flight blanket. (To think I had only flown three round-trips during that decade...)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 27, 2024, 11:20:00 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2024, 10:13:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 07:55:51 PM
I used to bring a healthy CD collection and a Discman on planes...

I remember that many airlines had a ban on portable CD players during the 1990s. I was ignorant of that rule during a flight from Miami to Madrid and surreptitiously covered it up with my in-flight blanket. (To think I had only flown three round-trips during that decade...)
Huh.  I don't remember that ban.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheCatalyst31 on January 28, 2024, 12:50:30 AM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2024, 10:13:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 07:55:51 PM
I used to bring a healthy CD collection and a Discman on planes...

I remember that many airlines had a ban on portable CD players during the 1990s. I was ignorant of that rule during a flight from Miami to Madrid and surreptitiously covered it up with my in-flight blanket. (To think I had only flown three round-trips during that decade...)
I was too young to have a CD player in the 90s, but I used that same trick to listen to my iPod during landings in the late 2000s. I also sometimes pretended to be asleep when the flight attendants came by for the pre-landing check.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 29, 2024, 06:17:11 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2024, 11:20:00 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2024, 10:13:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 07:55:51 PM
I used to bring a healthy CD collection and a Discman on planes...

I remember that many airlines had a ban on portable CD players during the 1990s. I was ignorant of that rule during a flight from Miami to Madrid and surreptitiously covered it up with my in-flight blanket. (To think I had only flown three round-trips during that decade...)
Huh.  I don't remember that ban.
I think it was probably weakly enforced; not once was I advised to put away my camera when below 10,000 feet, even before the ban was lifted around October of 2013. I don't recall hearing of flights getting diverted over an upset passenger with a Discman (or equivalent).

You can find a few old articles and discussions in the dusty corners of the intertubes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 07:06:27 AM
Quote from: formulanone on January 29, 2024, 06:17:11 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2024, 11:20:00 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2024, 10:13:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 07:55:51 PM
I used to bring a healthy CD collection and a Discman on planes...

I remember that many airlines had a ban on portable CD players during the 1990s. I was ignorant of that rule during a flight from Miami to Madrid and surreptitiously covered it up with my in-flight blanket. (To think I had only flown three round-trips during that decade...)
Huh.  I don't remember that ban.
I think it was probably weakly enforced; not once was I advised to put away my camera when below 10,000 feet, even before the ban was lifted around October of 2013. I don't recall hearing of flights getting diverted over an upset passenger with a Discman (or equivalent).

You can find a few old articles and discussions in the dusty corners of the intertubes.
I seem to remember them not wanting you to listen to them during takeoff and landing or something like that, but not an outright ban.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 29, 2024, 09:19:07 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 07:06:27 AMI seem to remember them not wanting you to listen to them during takeoff and landing or something like that, but not an outright ban.

Thats because takeoff and landing is the most critical time of the flight for a emergency to occur. Just ask the passengers of US Airways Flight 1549 whose flight ended up in the Hudson due to a collision with geese.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 09:32:39 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 29, 2024, 09:19:07 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 07:06:27 AMI seem to remember them not wanting you to listen to them during takeoff and landing or something like that, but not an outright ban.

Thats because takeoff and landing is the most critical time of the flight for a emergency to occur. Just ask the passengers of US Airways Flight 1549 whose flight ended up in the Hudson due to a collision with geese.
Well...yes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 30, 2024, 08:30:56 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.
During the 1970s, I started to realize the next few decades weren't going to be anywhere near as fantastic as we used to believe they'd be, and I was right.

I've had this saying (and belief) since I was a teenager -- The future died in 1973.

Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:58:29 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 30, 2024, 08:30:56 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.
During the 1970s, I started to realize the next few decades weren't going to be anywhere near as fantastic as we used to believe they'd be, and I was right.

I've had this saying (and belief) since I was a teenager -- The future died in 1973.
How so?

I'm just thinking about how the Internet changed the world.  My mother was on ARPANET, but it seemed that the world went from using card catalogs and interlibrary loans to being able to connect to each other through computers to the advent of the Internet as we know it in pretty short order.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:59:21 AM
Oh, and the future is in plastics.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on January 30, 2024, 09:15:25 AM
For me, the Internet has come a long way from dial-up in 1989 when I had to know bare-bones *nix and terminal emulation on a Apple //c. Some of it was for the better, some of it... well....

Although one thing that I noticed is that, between 2019 and now, there have been some... controversies... that have occurred involving the social media sites that have many of my friends to become less active, if not go entirely "radio silent". This also affected the web forums as well. I personally deleted my Facebook and Twitter accounts during this time as well, and set up a new, minimal presence on Twitter. I'm not saying it's the only reason, just one of several that accumulated over time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 09:17:23 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 30, 2024, 08:30:56 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.
During the 1970s, I started to realize the next few decades weren't going to be anywhere near as fantastic as we used to believe they'd be, and I was right.

I've had this saying (and belief) since I was a teenager -- The future died in 1973.



Damn, my trail of destruction started even earlier than I'd ever realized!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 10:40:10 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:59:21 AM
Oh, and the future is in plastics.

Ugh.  It's hard to believe people decades ago embraced plastic as desirable.  When I hold a plastic item in one hand and an equivalent metal or wooden one in the other, the plastic one strikes as decidedly cheap and inferior.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 30, 2024, 11:37:17 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 10:40:10 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:59:21 AM
Oh, and the future is in plastics.

Ugh.  It's hard to believe people decades ago embraced plastic as desirable.  When I hold a plastic item in one hand and an equivalent metal or wooden one in the other, the plastic one strikes as decidedly cheap and inferior.

One place to plastic isn't inferior is single-use bags.  One of the fringe benefits of working a Federal facility is that I can have all the single-use plastic bags (useful for many purposes) I want.  My wife (native to California) has much to say about my scofflaw nature regarding the plastic bag ban in California.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on January 30, 2024, 01:30:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 30, 2024, 11:37:17 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 10:40:10 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:59:21 AM
Oh, and the future is in plastics.

Ugh.  It's hard to believe people decades ago embraced plastic as desirable.  When I hold a plastic item in one hand and an equivalent metal or wooden one in the other, the plastic one strikes as decidedly cheap and inferior.

One place to plastic isn't inferior is single-use bags.  One of the fringe benefits of working a Federal facility is that I can have all the single-use plastic bags (useful for many purposes) I want.  My wife (native to California) has much to say about my scofflaw nature regarding the plastic bag ban in California.

Those little plastic bags from the stores make über-useful mini trash bags, too.

:nod:

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 01:43:16 PM
I only find them useful for trash if they have no holes in the bottom, because I typically only use them for food trash.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on January 30, 2024, 06:50:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 10:40:10 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:59:21 AM
Oh, and the future is in plastics.

Ugh.  It's hard to believe people decades ago embraced plastic as desirable.  When I hold a plastic item in one hand and an equivalent metal or wooden one in the other, the plastic one strikes as decidedly cheap and inferior.

It's not going away from car parts any time soon; lightweight, production simplicity, and great for energy dissipation in an impact.

(Or just another reason to hate cars, I guess.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 06:57:08 PM
I'm OK with it in cars.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 07:39:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 06:57:08 PM
I'm OK with it in cars.
I'm not.  My Rogue gets dented if hit with a pool noodle.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 30, 2024, 07:57:44 PM
Wouldn't having a pocket full of sunshine immediate result in instant death due to vaporization?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on January 30, 2024, 08:01:36 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 30, 2024, 07:57:44 PM
Wouldn't having a pocket full of sunshine immediate result in instant death due to vaporization?

That's why you put it in a bag first.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on January 30, 2024, 08:06:22 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:58:29 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 30, 2024, 08:30:56 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 15, 2024, 03:35:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2024, 03:19:20 PM
Me once believing the future would be more interesting than the past feels quaint when I think over it.

I'm going to massively date myself here but so be it.

Thinking in 1975-1976 ---- boy, 1979 is so far off, and then it'll be 1980, and then way way off 2000. Thoughts of anything after that did not cross my mind.
During the 1970s, I started to realize the next few decades weren't going to be anywhere near as fantastic as we used to believe they'd be, and I was right.

I've had this saying (and belief) since I was a teenager -- The future died in 1973.
How so?

I'm just thinking about how the Internet changed the world.  My mother was on ARPANET, but it seemed that the world went from using card catalogs and interlibrary loans to being able to connect to each other through computers to the advent of the Internet as we know it in pretty short order.

Libraries still use lots of interlibrary loans.  But the online catalogs and internet makes them happen much faster and cheaper than they used to.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 01, 2024, 08:48:40 PM
We've been taking everything down from the walls and packing it up (doing that first so that the holes can be patched). It's kind of amazing how much emptier it makes the house feel to just not have anything on the walls, even though we haven't actually removed anything from the house.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on February 02, 2024, 06:37:11 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 01, 2024, 08:48:40 PM
We've been taking everything down from the walls and packing it up (doing that first so that the holes can be patched). It's kind of amazing how much emptier it makes the house feel to just not have anything on the walls, even though we haven't actually removed anything from the house.

When we sold our home in Florida, we put about about half our possessions and furniture in storage, and took down almost everything off the walls. (Realtors suggest that it removes any psychological barriers for a prospective buyer, it pictures of people make them feel they're in a stranger's home.)

It was liberating in a way, and made my home feel "just the right size" again...though I do like having photos back up on the walls again.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

Honestly, I find the plastic bags practically useless for anything other than gathering up all the other filmy plastic to take back to the store and place in their collection bin.  Paper bags on the other hand have a lot more uses from collecting paper and paperboard recycling to collecting old clothing for donation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 07:16:25 AM
The sad thing is that those collected plastic bags just end up in the garbage anyway, rather than going to some sort of recycling center.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 08:36:55 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

....

We buy rolls of pet waste bags at the grocery store and we have a separate small metal can, with a very tight-fitting lid, in the garage that we use to store the cat litter bags until either trash day or the night before (depending on when I take the trash out to the street). At that time, I bring the trash bag down from the kitchen trash can and add the cat waste bags to it before putting it in the trash can. The metal can doesn't stink too much during the winter when we take the lid off, but during the summer it's certainly unpleasant and at that time of year I either hold my breath or breathe through my mouth while transferring the bags.

I looked into whether it's OK to flush the cat turds down the toilet instead of throwing them out, but I read that it is not because apparently they typically contain something that the waste water treatment plants are not designed to treat. The cat litter we use can't go down the toilet because we use a clumping variety, so there would be too much risk of a plumbing clog. Supposedly the pet waste bags we use are biodegradable, but you're making me wonder whether some sort of recycled paper lunch bags might be better.




Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 07:16:25 AM
The sad thing is that those collected plastic bags just end up in the garbage anyway, rather than going to some sort of recycling center.

Do you mean the plastic bags from the grocery store, including the produce bags? Most grocery stores here have a plastic bag recycling dropoff at the entrance. We don't generally use many plastic grocery bags (in addition to the ubiquitous reusable bags, we have reusable produce bags), but we recycle the ones we do use, along with the plastic bags in which the newspaper is delivered on the weekends.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 08:58:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 08:36:55 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

....

We buy rolls of pet waste bags at the grocery store and we have a separate small metal can, with a very tight-fitting lid, in the garage that we use to store the cat litter bags until either trash day or the night before (depending on when I take the trash out to the street). At that time, I bring the trash bag down from the kitchen trash can and add the cat waste bags to it before putting it in the trash can. The metal can doesn't stink too much during the winter when we take the lid off, but during the summer it's certainly unpleasant and at that time of year I either hold my breath or breathe through my mouth while transferring the bags.

I looked into whether it's OK to flush the cat turds down the toilet instead of throwing them out, but I read that it is not because apparently they typically contain something that the waste water treatment plants are not designed to treat. The cat litter we use can't go down the toilet because we use a clumping variety, so there would be too much risk of a plumbing clog. Supposedly the pet waste bags we use are biodegradable, but you're making me wonder whether some sort of recycled paper lunch bags might be better.




Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 07:16:25 AM
The sad thing is that those collected plastic bags just end up in the garbage anyway, rather than going to some sort of recycling center.

Do you mean the plastic bags from the grocery store, including the produce bags? Most grocery stores here have a plastic bag recycling dropoff at the entrance. We don't generally use many plastic grocery bags (in addition to the ubiquitous reusable bags, we have reusable produce bags), but we recycle the ones we do use, along with the plastic bags in which the newspaper is delivered on the weekends.

Right, you put the bags in their collection bin and...you just think they automatically go to a recycling center from there?

I have had more than one employee of different big box stores tell me the bags just get thrown into a garbage dumpster along with everything else, despite the nice, friendly recycling logos on the bins.

There's good reason why NY banned plastic shopping bags altogether, despite the existence of those bins...

Have to say we're used to using reusable bags here now.  It's been for the better.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 02, 2024, 09:02:05 AM
They seemed to be recycled at the Stop & Shop where I worked. I don't know what happened after they left the store, but they were taken from the store as a large bag of plastic bags and nothing else.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2024, 09:06:10 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

Honestly, I find the plastic bags practically useless for anything other than gathering up all the other filmy plastic to take back to the store and place in their collection bin.  Paper bags on the other hand have a lot more uses from collecting paper and paperboard recycling to collecting old clothing for donation.

I'll do one better, plastic bags make a handy receptacle for outdoor dog waste.  My wife bought me a plastic bucket for Lowe's for the same purpose but ended up repossessing for her own garden purposes.

Quote from: 1 on February 02, 2024, 09:02:05 AM
They seemed to be recycled at the Stop & Shop where I worked. I don't know what happened after they left the store, but they were taken from the store as a large bag of plastic bags and nothing else.

Likely the adherence to internal recycling centers varies by store.  Some individual stores in chains I've found are hyper obsessed with recycling credits as a form of protecting margin erosion (particularly with cardboard bales and pallets). 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 09:24:12 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 08:58:51 AM
Right, you put the bags in their collection bin and...you just think they automatically go to a recycling center from there?

....

I don't know what they do, but it's beyond my control, so there's no point in my worrying about it. If I knew for certain that they threw them out, I might hold onto them until I go to another store that is likely to do something different.

We used to recycle wine corks, but Wegmans and Total Wine both stopped taking them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2024, 09:29:52 AM
Quaint to recall a time when I lived out east and in-store customer recycling was a thing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2024, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2024, 09:06:10 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

Honestly, I find the plastic bags practically useless for anything other than gathering up all the other filmy plastic to take back to the store and place in their collection bin.  Paper bags on the other hand have a lot more uses from collecting paper and paperboard recycling to collecting old clothing for donation.

I'll do one better, plastic bags make a handy receptacle for outdoor dog waste.  My wife bought me a plastic bucket for Lowe's for the same purpose but ended up repossessing for her own garden purposes.

That's how we often used our bags as well.  We would occasionally use them when cleaning out the bird's cages as well, but they often had a small hole in the bottom and birdseed would leak out.

Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 08:58:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 08:36:55 AM
Do you mean the plastic bags from the grocery store, including the produce bags? Most grocery stores here have a plastic bag recycling dropoff at the entrance. We don't generally use many plastic grocery bags (in addition to the ubiquitous reusable bags, we have reusable produce bags), but we recycle the ones we do use, along with the plastic bags in which the newspaper is delivered on the weekends.

Right, you put the bags in their collection bin and...you just think they automatically go to a recycling center from there?

Adding to that:  When your recycling is picked up by the recycling truck, it doesn't always go to the recycling center either.  Because the cost of recycling can be equal to or exceed the cost of taking it to the landfill, those trucks are sometimes "diverted" away from the recycling center.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 10:31:05 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2024, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2024, 09:06:10 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

Honestly, I find the plastic bags practically useless for anything other than gathering up all the other filmy plastic to take back to the store and place in their collection bin.  Paper bags on the other hand have a lot more uses from collecting paper and paperboard recycling to collecting old clothing for donation.

I'll do one better, plastic bags make a handy receptacle for outdoor dog waste.  My wife bought me a plastic bucket for Lowe's for the same purpose but ended up repossessing for her own garden purposes.

That's how we often used our bags as well.  We would occasionally use them when cleaning out the bird's cages as well, but they often had a small hole in the bottom and birdseed would leak out.

Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 08:58:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 08:36:55 AM
Do you mean the plastic bags from the grocery store, including the produce bags? Most grocery stores here have a plastic bag recycling dropoff at the entrance. We don't generally use many plastic grocery bags (in addition to the ubiquitous reusable bags, we have reusable produce bags), but we recycle the ones we do use, along with the plastic bags in which the newspaper is delivered on the weekends.

Right, you put the bags in their collection bin and...you just think they automatically go to a recycling center from there?

Adding to that:  When your recycling is picked up by the recycling truck, it doesn't always go to the recycling center either.  Because the cost of recycling can be equal to or exceed the cost of taking it to the landfill, those trucks are sometimes "diverted" away from the recycling center.
Come to think of it, I had a friend that worked for a state environmental agency that had horror stories about tires sent for recycling that just ended up in some huge pile somewhere.

Recycling's some degree of a PR scam.  I've often thought that we need to rethink our use of at least some of our plastic packaging...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 10:53:29 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2024, 09:06:10 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

Honestly, I find the plastic bags practically useless for anything other than gathering up all the other filmy plastic to take back to the store and place in their collection bin.  Paper bags on the other hand have a lot more uses from collecting paper and paperboard recycling to collecting old clothing for donation.

I'll do one better, plastic bags make a handy receptacle for outdoor dog waste.  My wife bought me a plastic bucket for Lowe's for the same purpose but ended up repossessing for her own garden purposes.

Quote from: 1 on February 02, 2024, 09:02:05 AM
They seemed to be recycled at the Stop & Shop where I worked. I don't know what happened after they left the store, but they were taken from the store as a large bag of plastic bags and nothing else.

Likely the adherence to internal recycling centers varies by store.  Some individual stores in chains I've found are hyper obsessed with recycling credits as a form of protecting margin erosion (particularly with cardboard bales and pallets). 

Not just that, but a lot of grocers who collect the bags also collect the shrink wrap around the pallets and send that back for recycling at a central point on the truck (I know as I worked in grocers who did that during high school and college).  It's easy enough to send those with the bags of bags as they're the same plastic.

Even where there's a deposit on bottles (i.e. Michigan), the grocer will collect them and send to them whatever facility they need to go to.  Aluminum cans and plastic bottles would go to their respective collectors, and glass bottles would be gathered to go back to the bottler for recycling (usually the beer distributor).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 12:55:28 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 10:31:05 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2024, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2024, 09:06:10 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 02, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 30, 2024, 04:58:13 PM
They also make excellent bags for scooping cat litter.

Nah.  They don't seal at all so we tend to buy cheap zipper bags (gallon size) for that.  No smell in the garbage can then.

Honestly, I find the plastic bags practically useless for anything other than gathering up all the other filmy plastic to take back to the store and place in their collection bin.  Paper bags on the other hand have a lot more uses from collecting paper and paperboard recycling to collecting old clothing for donation.

I'll do one better, plastic bags make a handy receptacle for outdoor dog waste.  My wife bought me a plastic bucket for Lowe's for the same purpose but ended up repossessing for her own garden purposes.

That's how we often used our bags as well.  We would occasionally use them when cleaning out the bird's cages as well, but they often had a small hole in the bottom and birdseed would leak out.

Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 08:58:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 08:36:55 AM
Do you mean the plastic bags from the grocery store, including the produce bags? Most grocery stores here have a plastic bag recycling dropoff at the entrance. We don't generally use many plastic grocery bags (in addition to the ubiquitous reusable bags, we have reusable produce bags), but we recycle the ones we do use, along with the plastic bags in which the newspaper is delivered on the weekends.

Right, you put the bags in their collection bin and...you just think they automatically go to a recycling center from there?

Adding to that:  When your recycling is picked up by the recycling truck, it doesn't always go to the recycling center either.  Because the cost of recycling can be equal to or exceed the cost of taking it to the landfill, those trucks are sometimes "diverted" away from the recycling center.
Come to think of it, I had a friend that worked for a state environmental agency that had horror stories about tires sent for recycling that just ended up in some huge pile somewhere.

Recycling's some degree of a PR scam.  I've often thought that we need to rethink our use of at least some of our plastic packaging...
I feel like recycling would work better if there was a federal law that said something along the lines of "it doesn't matter how economical it is, you will recycle whenever it's physically possible, as much of the material as possible, including employing people to manually sort through, cut down, and clean items to make them suitable for recycling (ie, no throwing out bagged recyclables because you don't want to remove them from the bag, no throwing out a whole pizza box because the bottom part is full of grease, no throwing out a frozen food container because it needs to be washed, etc.), and if you don't, we will fine you so hard that you'll be beyond bankrupt".

Of course, whether this would be desirable with respect to what it would do for the cost of goods and services is another question entirely.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: mgk920 on February 02, 2024, 01:04:24 PM
At least there IS a local market for scrap paper around there (papermaking is a major industry in NE and central Wisconsin and 'scrap' is a major raw material at some mills), but they DON'T ant food soiled items.  OTOH, I can think of no use for 'scrap' plastic bags and other containers other than as boiler fuel, and that is not a good use due to toxic emissions.  there is a general market for aluminum and iron and steel are far and away the most recycled materials of all.  In addition, plastic soda and water bottles compress to nearly zero volume in landfills.

I still remember having glass beer and soda bottles that were cleaned and reused literally hundreds of times as just a part of normal, everyday life.

Mike
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 02, 2024, 01:25:53 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2024, 10:05:18 AM
they often had a small hole in the bottom

This is the main problem for me, and why half the plastic bags I end up are not actually worth reusing.

Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 12:55:28 PM
I feel like recycling would work better if there was a federal law that said something along the lines of "it doesn't matter how economical it is, you will recycle whenever it's physically possible, as much of the material as possible, including employing people to manually sort through, cut down, and clean items to make them suitable for recycling (ie, no throwing out bagged recyclables because you don't want to remove them from the bag, no throwing out a whole pizza box because the bottom part is full of grease, no throwing out a frozen food container because it needs to be washed, etc.), and if you don't, we will fine you so hard that you'll be beyond bankrupt".

The problem, though, is that a business can do all of that stuff—with or without government threats—and the material still not be profitable to recycle.  Recycling plastic was only ever profitable when an unusual combination of economic variables made it a feasible enterprise to ship garbage halfway around the world on cargo ships and then re-process it into something whose end value was still only a few cents—and that would subsequently need to be shipped halfway back around the world on cargo ships again for re-use.

It's easy to understand how that economic equilibrium was short-lived, how the profit margin even when it existed was quite slim, and why it's unreasonable to expect it to return.  Recycling companies no longer want to accept plastic, because it loses them money to process it.  Those countries no longer want to accept the recycled plastic we've been sending them by the ship-ful, because the recycling companies won't take it, and they don't really want to use their own landfill space for our trash.  So, if there's no one to take the plastic for processing, then there's no point in even collecting it anymore—whether it's been sorted, cut down, and cleaned or not.

Quote from: Rothman on February 02, 2024, 10:31:05 AM
Recycling's some degree of a PR scam.  I've often thought that we need to rethink our use of at least some of our plastic packaging...

Yes.  Plastic recycling was a scam initiated by the big beverage companies in order to make environment-conscious consumers feel better about purchasing their products, and they knew full-well at the time that it was not a sustainable model.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 01:53:44 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 02, 2024, 01:04:24 PM
....

I still remember having glass beer and soda bottles that were cleaned and reused literally hundreds of times as just a part of normal, everyday life.

Heh. We have four glass water bottles (one 800 ml, the other three 375 ml) with screw-on plastic tops that we've been reusing for probably close to 20 years as a way of storing water in the refrigerator (ours does not have a through-the-door dispenser for ice and water).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 02:49:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 01:53:44 PMWe have four glass water bottles (one 800 ml, the other three 375 ml) with screw-on plastic tops that we've been reusing for probably close to 20 years as a way of storing water in the refrigerator (ours does not have a through-the-door dispenser for ice and water).

If the refrigerator is in good working order, there is no need to replace it for a through-the-door dispenser for ice and water. Have you considered filtered water pitchers stored in the fridge?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 02:55:27 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 02:49:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2024, 01:53:44 PMWe have four glass water bottles (one 800 ml, the other three 375 ml) with screw-on plastic tops that we've been reusing for probably close to 20 years as a way of storing water in the refrigerator (ours does not have a through-the-door dispenser for ice and water).

If the refrigerator is in good working order, there is no need to replace it for a through-the-door dispenser for ice and water. Have you considered filtered water pitchers stored in the fridge?

Rather, we deliberately chose not to get a through-the-door dispenser when we replaced our refrigerator sometime within the last ten years or so (may have been earlier, I don't remember other than that it had to be after 2011). We don't use enough ice to make it worth having one, plus they take up space on the door and we noted that multiple relatives in Florida have had problems with the dispensers on theirs.

My mother uses a filtered pitcher for water, but we're not inclined to do that because of the space it would take up. There's already one pitcher in there that I use for lemonade. The bottles we use are smaller and thus easier to move around if and when we need to rearrange things (typically around Thanksgiving or Christmas).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 11:42:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 02, 2024, 01:25:53 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 12:55:28 PM
I feel like recycling would work better if there was a federal law that said something along the lines of "it doesn't matter how economical it is, you will recycle whenever it's physically possible, as much of the material as possible, including employing people to manually sort through, cut down, and clean items to make them suitable for recycling (ie, no throwing out bagged recyclables because you don't want to remove them from the bag, no throwing out a whole pizza box because the bottom part is full of grease, no throwing out a frozen food container because it needs to be washed, etc.), and if you don't, we will fine you so hard that you'll be beyond bankrupt".

The problem, though, is that a business can do all of that stuff—with or without government threats—and the material still not be profitable to recycle.  Recycling plastic was only ever profitable when an unusual combination of economic variables made it a feasible enterprise to ship garbage halfway around the world on cargo ships and then re-process it into something whose end value was still only a few cents—and that would subsequently need to be shipped halfway back around the world on cargo ships again for re-use.

It's easy to understand how that economic equilibrium was short-lived, how the profit margin even when it existed was quite slim, and why it's unreasonable to expect it to return.  Recycling companies no longer want to accept plastic, because it loses them money to process it.  Those countries no longer want to accept the recycled plastic we've been sending them by the ship-ful, because the recycling companies won't take it, and they don't really want to use their own landfill space for our trash.  So, if there's no one to take the plastic for processing, then there's no point in even collecting it anymore—whether it's been sorted, cut down, and cleaned or not.
That's why I included "it doesn't matter how economical it is".  The idea behind my hypothetical law would be to force everyone to actually recycle (as opposed to items that are supposedly "recycled" being thrown out because there's no money to be made in recycling them), even if it loses money.  Naturally, such a law will never be drafted let alone passed, but it would make recycling more effective.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on February 03, 2024, 08:02:57 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 11:42:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 02, 2024, 01:25:53 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 12:55:28 PM
I feel like recycling would work better if there was a federal law that said something along the lines of "it doesn't matter how economical it is, you will recycle whenever it's physically possible, as much of the material as possible, including employing people to manually sort through, cut down, and clean items to make them suitable for recycling (ie, no throwing out bagged recyclables because you don't want to remove them from the bag, no throwing out a whole pizza box because the bottom part is full of grease, no throwing out a frozen food container because it needs to be washed, etc.), and if you don't, we will fine you so hard that you'll be beyond bankrupt".

The problem, though, is that a business can do all of that stuff—with or without government threats—and the material still not be profitable to recycle.  Recycling plastic was only ever profitable when an unusual combination of economic variables made it a feasible enterprise to ship garbage halfway around the world on cargo ships and then re-process it into something whose end value was still only a few cents—and that would subsequently need to be shipped halfway back around the world on cargo ships again for re-use.

It's easy to understand how that economic equilibrium was short-lived, how the profit margin even when it existed was quite slim, and why it's unreasonable to expect it to return.  Recycling companies no longer want to accept plastic, because it loses them money to process it.  Those countries no longer want to accept the recycled plastic we've been sending them by the ship-ful, because the recycling companies won't take it, and they don't really want to use their own landfill space for our trash.  So, if there's no one to take the plastic for processing, then there's no point in even collecting it anymore—whether it's been sorted, cut down, and cleaned or not.
That's why I included "it doesn't matter how economical it is".  The idea behind my hypothetical law would be to force everyone to actually recycle (as opposed to items that are supposedly "recycled" being thrown out because there's no money to be made in recycling them), even if it loses money.  Naturally, such a law will never be drafted let alone passed, but it would make recycling more effective.
Wouldn't be surprised if Alabama has quietly whispered this idea on occasion, because recycling is a big job creator in the southern third of the state. But (1) everything is challenged as "freedom" and requiring anyone to do more "work" implies we're in a totalitarian state that's counter to it's "values" (2) there's that nagging feeling the recycling waste materials and by-products are winding up in our soil, since somewhere else did not want to perform the processing in the first place, and we wind up as America's Trash Heap (and not the wise one from Fraggle Rock).

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 07, 2024, 12:57:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 11:42:17 PM
That's why I included "it doesn't matter how economical it is".  The idea behind my hypothetical law would be to force everyone to actually recycle (as opposed to items that are supposedly "recycled" being thrown out because there's no money to be made in recycling them), even if it loses money.

Are we misunderstanding each other?  Who are the "you" and the "everyone" that would be required to recycle?  I was assuming you meant that all individuals would be required to put their recyclables into the recycle bin, and that businesses would be required to sort and clean such items to make them suitable for recycling.  But that still doesn't solve the problem that, at least for plastic, there would still be no companies willing to actually recycle it.  The individual and business can do all of that work and the item still end up in a landfill or an incinerator.

I mean, you can't legislate the existence of a company to actually do that recycling—unless it were funded or subsidized by the government, I suppose.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on February 07, 2024, 01:57:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 07, 2024, 12:57:39 PMAre we misunderstanding each other?  Who are the "you" and the "everyone" that would be required to recycle?  I was assuming you meant that all individuals would be required to put their recyclables into the recycle bin, and that businesses would be required to sort and clean such items to make them suitable for recycling.

In my experience, mandatory recycling regimes generally rely on steep penalties for discarding more than a set amount of non-recyclable trash each collection period.

Is that coercive?  Yes.

Does it promote "wishcycling"?  Hell yes.

Quote from: kphoger on February 07, 2024, 12:57:39 PMBut that still doesn't solve the problem that, at least for plastic, there would still be no companies willing to actually recycle it.  The individual and business can do all of that work and the item still end up in a landfill or an incinerator.

I mean, you can't legislate the existence of a company to actually do that recycling—unless it were funded or subsidized by the government, I suppose.

Actually, yes, you can, if you are willing to set up a publicly owned corporation to do it.  There are other tools as well, which fall into distinct categories of stick (penalizing manufacturers for using excessive amounts of non-recyclable materials in their products, banning single-use plastic bags, etc.) and carrot (subsidies at various points along the waste and reuse streams).

There is a reason even some advocates of environmentally responsible living describe recycling as a scam.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on February 07, 2024, 06:40:54 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.

I would love (love!) to respond to this, but I'd be going into forbidden territory.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 06:57:37 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.

Then maybe we need to move past the concept of owning businesses.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 07, 2024, 07:00:36 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.

Right.  Passing a law that forces a company to engage in negative-cash-flow operations isn't the best idea if you want that company to remain in operation.

I was imagining, for example, a law requiring that all metal recyclers start recycling plastic as well, and then the recycler ends up with negative cash flow, so it goes out of business, and then not only is it not recycling plastic anymore, but it isn't recycling metal anymore either.

Or a grocery store with a very thin profit margin, now required by law to employ people to sort and clean and break down recyclable materials, and paying those extra wages eliminates that thin profit margin, so it goes out of business, and now there's a food desert because nobody else finds it profitable to move in either.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 06:57:37 PM
Then maybe we need to move past the concept of owning businesses.

Well, if we're eliminating the private sector from the equation, then why not just make it a government function and not even bother passing the law to begin with?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 08:06:38 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on February 07, 2024, 06:40:54 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.

I would love (love!) to respond to this, but I'd be going into forbidden territory.

I will, but without going into the forbidden territory.

I'm on the board of and president of an HOA for 12 condominium buildings of 4 unit each.  Our duties are to maintain the driveways, parking areas, building exteriors (siding, roofs), provide for lawn, bush, and tree maintenance, and snow removal, along with repairs to some underground utilities on the property (sump pump lines, sewer lines on the property) and area lighting.  To do this, we charge an assessment fee based on a share for each property owner.  That share is based on the size of the unit as some have more square footage than others, and 3 out of every 4 units have basements.  We need to take in enough in assessment fees to cover our aforementioned expenses as well as insurance and setting aside a contingency for issues that may arise.  If we don't, then we cannot provide these services.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 06:57:37 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.

Then maybe we need to move past the concept of owning businesses.

It's been tried.  It's failed in many countries, time and time again.

Even the casino you have worked for is technically a private business (and in Las Vegas, they all are).  They have income streams from gambling, lodging, restaurants, drink sales, gift shops, etc.  But then, they have to make enough money from those to cover their expenses: utilities, payroll, supplies, taxes (sales, property, etc.), equipment, repairs to said equipment, and in the case of a casino, when someone wins a jackpot, especially a whale (who can put a major dent in their earnings).  If they don't have enough of an income stream, they will eventually fail (and some have in the past).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 07, 2024, 09:05:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 07, 2024, 12:57:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 11:42:17 PM
That's why I included "it doesn't matter how economical it is".  The idea behind my hypothetical law would be to force everyone to actually recycle (as opposed to items that are supposedly "recycled" being thrown out because there's no money to be made in recycling them), even if it loses money.

Are we misunderstanding each other?  Who are the "you" and the "everyone" that would be required to recycle?  I was assuming you meant that all individuals would be required to put their recyclables into the recycle bin, and that businesses would be required to sort and clean such items to make them suitable for recycling.  But that still doesn't solve the problem that, at least for plastic, there would still be no companies willing to actually recycle it.  The individual and business can do all of that work and the item still end up in a landfill or an incinerator.

I mean, you can't legislate the existence of a company to actually do that recycling—unless it were funded or subsidized by the government, I suppose.
Honestly, the individual end didn't factor in at all.  It was more that the recycling center would be forced to clean etc. the items (instead of just sending everything that isn't pristine to a landfill), and businesses would be forced to use recycled materials to make products wherever physically possible even if it's more expensive than using virgin material (ie, force the companies to be willing to recycle everything that physically can be).  I would expect that the price of goods would have to rise to counteract that such would be a money-losing proposition if prices remained as they are today.

And if the shareholders don't like it?  Tough.  I don't really care what they think, they've become parasites obsessed with short-term windfalls over long-term value anyways.

Quote from: kphoger on February 07, 2024, 07:00:36 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.

Right.  Passing a law that forces a company to engage in negative-cash-flow operations isn't the best idea if you want that company to remain in operation.

I was imagining, for example, a law requiring that all metal recyclers start recycling plastic as well, and then the recycler ends up with negative cash flow, so it goes out of business, and then not only is it not recycling plastic anymore, but it isn't recycling metal anymore either.

Or a grocery store with a very thin profit margin, now required by law to employ people to sort and clean and break down recyclable materials, and paying those extra wages eliminates that thin profit margin, so it goes out of business, and now there's a food desert because nobody else finds it profitable to move in either.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 06:57:37 PM
Then maybe we need to move past the concept of owning businesses.

Well, if we're eliminating the private sector from the equation, then why not just make it a government function and not even bother passing the law to begin with?
Why would the grocery store be the one doing the cleaning?  My experience with recycling is that I put the recyclables in the dumpster marked for them, and periodically the truck that takes them to the recycling center picks them up.  Does the grocery store not just send them wherever they go to get processed?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 07, 2024, 11:17:02 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.
Private businesses don't take out loans?  *facepalm*
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 06:32:31 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 07, 2024, 11:17:02 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.
Private businesses don't take out loans?  *facepalm*

They do, but banks kind of expect them paid back, with interest.  If you don't then your business can have a lien on it until you do (or declare bankruptcy).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 06:52:12 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 06:32:31 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 07, 2024, 11:17:02 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.
Private businesses don't take out loans?  *facepalm*

They do, but banks kind of expect them paid back, with interest.  If you don't then your business can have a lien on it until you do (or declare bankruptcy).
Well, sure.  I'm sure one can find a case or two of local governments defaulting and going kaput over our history (not sure about states), but the federal government hasn't defaulted.

Anyway, the idea that private businesses don't spend more than they take in within a time period and therefore government shouldn't is an absolute fallacy when you take into account that everyone borrows money in amounts that are quite large compared to revenue -- you do so when you can afford the payments. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 08:13:32 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 06:57:37 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.

Then maybe we need to move past the concept of owning businesses.

It's been tried.  It's failed in many countries, time and time again.

Even the casino you have worked for is technically a private business (and in Las Vegas, they all are).  They have income streams from gambling, lodging, restaurants, drink sales, gift shops, etc.  But then, they have to make enough money from those to cover their expenses: utilities, payroll, supplies, taxes (sales, property, etc.), equipment, repairs to said equipment, and in the case of a casino, when someone wins a jackpot, especially a whale (who can put a major dent in their earnings).  If they don't have enough of an income stream, they will eventually fail (and some have in the past).

Maybe we should move on from the concept of money.

(Also, the casino I worked for was owned by the government—the top of the chain of the command was the democratically elected governor—and spent its profits on healthcare for private citizens, so...socialist. Boy was it unpopular when I pointed that out to my coworkers.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 09:29:35 AM
No one likes socialism until they're on the receiving end.

"Keep the government's hands off my Medicare!"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:07:39 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 12:55:28 PM
I feel like recycling would work better if there was a federal law that said something along the lines of "it doesn't matter how economical it is, you will recycle whenever it's physically possible, as much of the material as possible, including employing people to manually sort through, cut down, and clean items to make them suitable for recycling ... and if you don't, we will fine you so hard that you'll be beyond bankrupt".

Quote from: vdeane on February 07, 2024, 09:05:08 PM
It was more that the recycling center would be forced to clean etc. the items (instead of just sending everything that isn't pristine to a landfill)

If there's nobody to buy the material from the recycling center, then what good does that do?

The recycling center isn't the one that actually takes Mountain Dew bottles and grinds them into powder, melts that down, and extrudes it into moldable pellets.  And that's assuming the plastic was already cleaned.  Dirty margarine tubs or whatever would likely need to undergo chemical treatment to alter the polymer structure of their plastic to supplement the supply of virgin plastic.  All cleaning the plastic at that point would accomplish is to reduce the amount of it that requires chemical recycling and increase the amount that only requires mechanical recycling.  But neither process is actually done by the recycling center.  No, the recycling center is just a big sorting facility that bales up waste material by type and ships it off from there.

But where does recycled plastic go from that point?  Historically, it has gone to big recycling plants in south Asia, because the low wages there and the economy of scale made the process just barely financially feasible—even considering the huge amount of fuel oil used in transporting the material across the Pacific Ocean.  Elsewhere in the world, wages weren't low enough to support the industry.  And, once wages in south Asia started to rise and the price of fuel oil started to rise, it stopped being financially feasible in south Asia too.  Unless you're in favor of low wages and cheap oil, those conditions will not return.  For a while, nonetheless, ships full of "recycled" plastic were still being sent to Asia, but there hasn't really been anyone over there for several years now to actually do anything with it—other than just put it in an Asian landfill instead of a US landfill.  And nowadays those other countries are only less and less eager to take ships full of our garbage.

So passing a federal law to require the recycling centers to sort and cut down and clean everything wouldn't really do any good when it comes to plastic, nor would threatening with big fines.  The plastic can be sorted and broken down and cleaned to your liking, but the large majority of it is still going to end up in a landfill or an incinerator anyway.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 11:16:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 08:13:32 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 06:57:37 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 07, 2024, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

Well, if you own a business, and you're not making money (a positive cash flow), then you're losing money, and money-losing operations tend not to hang around too long.  I do wish government would grasp this concept - you can't spend more than you collect in taxes, tariffs, and fees.

Then maybe we need to move past the concept of owning businesses.

It's been tried.  It's failed in many countries, time and time again.

Even the casino you have worked for is technically a private business (and in Las Vegas, they all are).  They have income streams from gambling, lodging, restaurants, drink sales, gift shops, etc.  But then, they have to make enough money from those to cover their expenses: utilities, payroll, supplies, taxes (sales, property, etc.), equipment, repairs to said equipment, and in the case of a casino, when someone wins a jackpot, especially a whale (who can put a major dent in their earnings).  If they don't have enough of an income stream, they will eventually fail (and some have in the past).

Maybe we should move on from the concept of money.

(Also, the casino I worked for was owned by the government—the top of the chain of the command was the democratically elected governor—and spent its profits on healthcare for private citizens, so...socialist. Boy was it unpopular when I pointed that out to my coworkers.)

Would you rather we barter?  Because that's what money is used as a substitute for.  If you're not using some kind of monetary system, you're bartering for services and goods.  People have been using different things for money for thousands of years, from giant stones on some remote Pacific islands to precious metals (gold and silver being most common) to fiat money backed by mere trust in a system.  Currently, we use fiat money, backed by trust in the system, but people do tend to forget that money is just as much a commodity as gold, silver, orange juice, or wheat.  It just works in reverse.  The more money you print, the less value it has, and therefore, the higher prices go for other commodities such as orange juice and wheat.  You can't just print more to give out to people without consequences.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:38:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

Do you know anyone who will please come over and replace my car's catalytic converter and timing kit for free, please?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 11:45:31 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:38:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

Do you know anyone who will please come over and replace my car's catalytic converter and timing kit for free, please?
That's why we should all just work in basic needs industries for free.  Everyone works for what is provided to everyone.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:51:12 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 11:45:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:38:44 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

Do you know anyone who will please come over and replace my car's catalytic converter and timing kit for free, please?

That's why we should all just work in basic needs industries for free.  Everyone works for what is provided to everyone.

Tell you what.  I'll barter.  I'll trade several day's of the mechanic's time and specialized skill for a cake.  That I made myself.  From wheat that I grew in my back yard.  And eggs that my own chickens laid.  And oil that I pressed myself from olives from my own olive trees.  And sugar that I refined from my own sugarcane.  Just let me know what flavor of cake he wants.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 12:07:32 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 11:45:31 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:38:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

Do you know anyone who will please come over and replace my car's catalytic converter and timing kit for free, please?
That's why we should all just work in basic needs industries for free.  Everyone works for what is provided to everyone.

We have had various groups that tried that.  The vast majority of them failed rather quickly.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 12:12:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

That's just not going to happen.  Humans have done bartering for at least 100,000 years, and have have documented monetary systems for at least 3,000 years, probably longer.  Once you get outside the small tribe or family, people expect some sort of compensation for doing something for a stranger, be it trading food/supplies/other items, or trading a representative item that has value (i.e. money) so that they can go obtain those items for themselves.

Are you willing to perform your work for free?  And who pays (whether monetarily or otherwise) for the services and items you use?  Other people did make those things and do those things for you.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:57:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:07:39 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2024, 12:55:28 PM
I feel like recycling would work better if there was a federal law that said something along the lines of "it doesn't matter how economical it is, you will recycle whenever it's physically possible, as much of the material as possible, including employing people to manually sort through, cut down, and clean items to make them suitable for recycling ... and if you don't, we will fine you so hard that you'll be beyond bankrupt".

Quote from: vdeane on February 07, 2024, 09:05:08 PM
It was more that the recycling center would be forced to clean etc. the items (instead of just sending everything that isn't pristine to a landfill)

If there's nobody to buy the material from the recycling center, then what good does that do?

The recycling center isn't the one that actually takes Mountain Dew bottles and grinds them into powder, melts that down, and extrudes it into moldable pellets.  And that's assuming the plastic was already cleaned.  Dirty margarine tubs or whatever would likely need to undergo chemical treatment to alter the polymer structure of their plastic to supplement the supply of virgin plastic.  All cleaning the plastic at that point would accomplish is to reduce the amount of it that requires chemical recycling and increase the amount that only requires mechanical recycling.  But neither process is actually done by the recycling center.  No, the recycling center is just a big sorting facility that bales up waste material by type and ships it off from there.

But where does recycled plastic go from that point?  Historically, it has gone to big recycling plants in south Asia, because the low wages there and the economy of scale made the process just barely financially feasible—even considering the huge amount of fuel oil used in transporting the material across the Pacific Ocean.  Elsewhere in the world, wages weren't low enough to support the industry.  And, once wages in south Asia started to rise and the price of fuel oil started to rise, it stopped being financially feasible in south Asia too.  Unless you're in favor of low wages and cheap oil, those conditions will not return.  For a while, nonetheless, ships full of "recycled" plastic were still being sent to Asia, but there hasn't really been anyone over there for several years now to actually do anything with it—other than just put it in an Asian landfill instead of a US landfill.  And nowadays those other countries are only less and less eager to take ships full of our garbage.

So passing a federal law to require the recycling centers to sort and cut down and clean everything wouldn't really do any good when it comes to plastic, nor would threatening with big fines.  The plastic can be sorted and broken down and cleaned to your liking, but the large majority of it is still going to end up in a landfill or an incinerator anyway.
I think I see the breakdown.  You're thinking in terms of capitalism and tweaking the existing system.  I'm thinking in terms of "if it doesn't work due to everyone making their decisions based on what is profitable, let's hypothetically mandate that the profit motive be removed from the equation and replaced with a motive for recycling as many goods as possible (as in actually recycling, not just sending to a landfill because people don't want to buy when it's cheaper to make goods from virgin material), and the businesses and organizations involves can make whatever adjustments are required to function in the new regime" (perhaps, for instance, the cost of goods is too low and needs to go up in order to make everything function).

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .
Go watch Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 12:12:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

That's just not going to happen.  Humans have done bartering for at least 100,000 years, and have have documented monetary systems for at least 3,000 years, probably longer.  Once you get outside the small tribe or family, people expect some sort of compensation for doing something for a stranger, be it trading food/supplies/other items, or trading a representative item that has value (i.e. money) so that they can go obtain those items for themselves.

Are you willing to perform your work for free?  And who pays (whether monetarily or otherwise) for the services and items you use?  Other people did make those things and do those things for you.
What if people finally started thinking of all of humanity as one tribe, as we ultimately need to if we want to finally live in peace and harmony?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 01:19:51 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:57:57 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 12:12:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

That's just not going to happen.  Humans have done bartering for at least 100,000 years, and have have documented monetary systems for at least 3,000 years, probably longer.  Once you get outside the small tribe or family, people expect some sort of compensation for doing something for a stranger, be it trading food/supplies/other items, or trading a representative item that has value (i.e. money) so that they can go obtain those items for themselves.

Are you willing to perform your work for free?  And who pays (whether monetarily or otherwise) for the services and items you use?  Other people did make those things and do those things for you.
What if people finally started thinking of all of humanity as one tribe, as we ultimately need to if we want to finally live in peace and harmony?

Then you deny human nature.  Humans are tribal by nature and tend to stick to their tribe.  They can be greedy, petty, irrational beings who look out for their own good and the good of their small tribe.

What you're talking about is the unconstrained vision of humanity, a belief that human nature is essentially good, and that man is perfectible.  I strongly disagree with it and believe more in the constrained vision of humanity, where human nature is unchanging and innate, and that people are inherently self-interested.  There's a book about it by Thomas Sowell, A Conflict of Visions.  I have it on my bookshelf, and I would recommend it as a read whether you agree with the author or not.

Remember, there are no ideal solutions, there are only trade-offs; some are better trade-offs than others.  There also is no free lunch.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:21:14 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:57:57 PM
I'm thinking in terms of "if it doesn't work due to everyone making their decisions based on what is profitable, let's hypothetically mandate that the profit motive be removed from the equation and replaced with a motive for recycling as many goods as possible (as in actually recycling, not just sending to a landfill because people don't want to buy when it's cheaper to make goods from virgin material), and the businesses and organizations involves can make whatever adjustments are required to function in the new regime" (perhaps, for instance, the cost of goods is too low and needs to go up in order to make everything function).

The recycling center does not set the cost of goods.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:30:19 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 01:19:51 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:57:57 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 12:12:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

That's just not going to happen.  Humans have done bartering for at least 100,000 years, and have have documented monetary systems for at least 3,000 years, probably longer.  Once you get outside the small tribe or family, people expect some sort of compensation for doing something for a stranger, be it trading food/supplies/other items, or trading a representative item that has value (i.e. money) so that they can go obtain those items for themselves.

Are you willing to perform your work for free?  And who pays (whether monetarily or otherwise) for the services and items you use?  Other people did make those things and do those things for you.
What if people finally started thinking of all of humanity as one tribe, as we ultimately need to if we want to finally live in peace and harmony?

Then you deny human nature.  Humans are tribal by nature and tend to stick to their tribe.  They can be greedy, petty, irrational beings who look out for their own good and the good of their small tribe.

What you're talking about is the unconstrained vision of humanity, a belief that human nature is essentially good, and that man is perfectible.  I strongly disagree with it and believe more in the constrained vision of humanity, where human nature is unchanging and innate, and that people are inherently self-interested.  There's a book about it by Thomas Sowell, A Conflict of Visions.  I have it on my bookshelf, and I would recommend it as a read whether you agree with the author or not.

Remember, there are no ideal solutions, there are only trade-offs; some are better trade-offs than others.  There also is no free lunch.
Pfft.  I suppose we have to account for the jerks.  They do seem to self-identify quite readily.

They are indeed the reason why we can't have nice things.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:30:55 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 12:07:32 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 11:45:31 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 11:38:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.

Do you know anyone who will please come over and replace my car's catalytic converter and timing kit for free, please?
That's why we should all just work in basic needs industries for free.  Everyone works for what is provided to everyone.

We have had various groups that tried that.  The vast majority of them failed rather quickly.
Sissy.  Past performance is no indicator of future results.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:34:25 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 01:19:51 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:57:57 PM
What if people finally started thinking of all of humanity as one tribe, as we ultimately need to if we want to finally live in peace and harmony?

Then you deny human nature.  Humans are tribal by nature and tend to stick to their tribe.  They can be greedy, petty, irrational beings who look out for their own good and the good of their small tribe.

What you're talking about is the unconstrained vision of humanity, a belief that human nature is essentially good, and that man is perfectible.  I strongly disagree with it and believe more in the constrained vision of humanity, where human nature is unchanging and innate, and that people are inherently self-interested.

From a religious perspective, my worldview accords with that:  human nature is rotten to its core, and selfishness is the fundamental nature of that rot.  Christians call it "original sin".  You can call it what you want.

From an evolutionary perspective, tribalism is baked into our DNA.  Going against one's tribe would likely have resulted in banishment from the community, which would have increased the likelihood of death, which may have been the end of that person's genetic line.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:36:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:34:25 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 08, 2024, 01:19:51 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:57:57 PM
What if people finally started thinking of all of humanity as one tribe, as we ultimately need to if we want to finally live in peace and harmony?

Then you deny human nature.  Humans are tribal by nature and tend to stick to their tribe.  They can be greedy, petty, irrational beings who look out for their own good and the good of their small tribe.

What you're talking about is the unconstrained vision of humanity, a belief that human nature is essentially good, and that man is perfectible.  I strongly disagree with it and believe more in the constrained vision of humanity, where human nature is unchanging and innate, and that people are inherently self-interested.

From a religious perspective, my worldview accords with that:  human nature is rotten to its core, and selfishness is the fundamental nature of that rot.  Christians call it "original sin".  You can call it what you want.

From an evolutionary perspective, tribalism is baked into our DNA.  Going against one's tribe would likely have resulted in banishment from the community, which would have increased the likelihood of death, which may have been the end of that person's genetic line.
Your religion sounds like a downer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:37:58 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:36:31 PM
Your religion sounds like a downer.

What is that every pessimist says?  "I'm just a realist."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:40:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:37:58 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:36:31 PM
Your religion sounds like a downer.

What is that every pessimist says?  "I'm just a realist."
Given that you're rotten to the core, I'm not sure I want to adopt principles derived from such a core...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:42:40 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:40:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:37:58 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:36:31 PM
Your religion sounds like a downer.

What is that every pessimist says?  "I'm just a realist."

Given that you're rotten to the core, I'm not sure I want to adopt principles derived from such a core...

Likewise.  ;-)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:42:40 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:40:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:37:58 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:36:31 PM
Your religion sounds like a downer.

What is that every pessimist says?  "I'm just a realist."

Given that you're rotten to the core, I'm not sure I want to adopt principles derived from such a core...

Likewise.  ;-)
How quickly one's philosophy on the horribleness of human nature results in just finger pointing and strife.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:50:07 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:44:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:42:40 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:40:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:37:58 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:36:31 PM
Your religion sounds like a downer.

What is that every pessimist says?  "I'm just a realist."

Given that you're rotten to the core, I'm not sure I want to adopt principles derived from such a core...

Likewise.  ;-)

How quickly one's philosophy on the horribleness of human nature results in just finger pointing and strife.

Now you're arguing just to argue.  We both agree that human nature is "inherently self-interested".  Is the difference that you think that's a good thing?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:57:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:50:07 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:44:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:42:40 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:40:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:37:58 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:36:31 PM
Your religion sounds like a downer.

What is that every pessimist says?  "I'm just a realist."

Given that you're rotten to the core, I'm not sure I want to adopt principles derived from such a core...

Likewise.  ;-)

How quickly one's philosophy on the horribleness of human nature results in just finger pointing and strife.

Now you're arguing just to argue.  We both agree that human nature is "inherently self-interested".  Is the difference that you think that's a good thing?
I didn't say that.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 02:19:13 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:57:06 PM
I didn't say that.

Ah, crap.  I got I-587 mixed up with I-94.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on February 08, 2024, 02:24:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 02:19:13 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 01:57:06 PM
I didn't say that.

Ah, crap.  I got I-587 mixed up with I-94.
I suppose the divisiveness also begins when one tribe is more concerned with creating more petty differences from tribe-to-tribe, and another tries earnestly to understand and even mend those differences.

Or we just make oil companies deal with their recycling. I think that's how we started.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on February 08, 2024, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.

Get off my lawn. And get a haircut!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 05:02:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 08, 2024, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.

Get off my lawn. And get a haircut!

I do need a haircut. Getting shaggy.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on February 08, 2024, 05:13:52 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PMMy random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.

If life is nasty, brutish, and short (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(Hobbes_book)), why not come on a Web forum and talk about it?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 05:15:18 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 08, 2024, 05:13:52 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PMMy random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.

If life is nasty, brutish, and short (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(Hobbes_book)), why not come on a Web forum and talk about it?

Life is kinda like I-270 in Colorado.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on February 08, 2024, 05:17:01 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.
I'm Sleepy :sleep:
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 05:29:55 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.
If you're not grumpy, you're not paying attention.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 08, 2024, 05:30:05 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 08, 2024, 05:13:52 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PMMy random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.

If life is nasty, brutish, and short (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(Hobbes_book)), why not come on a Web forum and talk about it?

At least it's not solitary and poor!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 05:47:44 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2024, 05:29:55 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.
If you're not grumpy, you're not paying attention.

I admit I'm easily distracted, but I'm always in pretty much the same mood, too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 08, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.
Hmmph. Not true.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 07:00:08 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on February 08, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:55:44 PM
My random thought -- everyone is grumpy in this thread.
Hmmph. Not true.

Some are only miffed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 09:28:51 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 01:21:14 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:57:57 PM
I'm thinking in terms of "if it doesn't work due to everyone making their decisions based on what is profitable, let's hypothetically mandate that the profit motive be removed from the equation and replaced with a motive for recycling as many goods as possible (as in actually recycling, not just sending to a landfill because people don't want to buy when it's cheaper to make goods from virgin material), and the businesses and organizations involves can make whatever adjustments are required to function in the new regime" (perhaps, for instance, the cost of goods is too low and needs to go up in order to make everything function).

The recycling center does not set the cost of goods.
And now you're fixated on the recycling center, even though I mainly brought it up to refute your assertion that the grocery store would have to do the cleaning.  I honestly don't know why every attempt at explaining this keeps going over your head, but I guess I'll try again anyways.

-Individuals would act as they do now.
-Recycling centers would no longer send materials that can't be immediately used due to lack of cleaning, etc. to landfills.  Instead they would do what is needed to ensure that everything that can be made suitable for recycling, is.
-Companies that make products would be required to use recycled materials first, not virgin material, even if virgin material is cheaper.

Now, if companies are required to buy processed recycled goods, they need someone to buy them from.  Fortunately, the free market, while it sucks at recycling, it is very good at filling empty markets for something that people or companies need to buy.  Thus, we don't need to worry about this part.  And it also solves the "who will recycling centers sell the stuff to be recycled to" problem, so no need to worry about that.  Any costs that are necessary to make this work would get passed up the chain until consumers see them in stores, as happens in capitalism (well, when certain people aren't busy arguing that product shortages are preferable to "price gouging").
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

Get that credit card ready, operators are standing by!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

Get that credit card ready, operators are standing by!
Still waiting.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 09, 2024, 09:53:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

Get that credit card ready, operators are standing by!
Still waiting.

Do you have your credit card standing by and are just on hold?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 10:17:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 09, 2024, 09:53:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

Get that credit card ready, operators are standing by!
Still waiting.

Do you have your credit card standing by and are just on hold?

Our operators are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Please stay on the line! You are currently number

32,767

in the queue. We appreciate your business!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 09, 2024, 10:37:50 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 10:17:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 09, 2024, 09:53:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

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Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 11:21:01 AM
Quote from: kkt on February 09, 2024, 10:37:50 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 10:17:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 09, 2024, 09:53:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

Get that credit card ready, operators are standing by!
Still waiting.

Do you have your credit card standing by and are just on hold?

Our operators are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Please stay on the line! You are currently number

32,767

in the queue. We appreciate your business!

Your call is important to us.
Not as important as it is to you, but it is still important to us.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 09, 2024, 11:22:55 AM
Quote from: kkt on February 09, 2024, 10:37:50 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 10:17:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 09, 2024, 09:53:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

Get that credit card ready, operators are standing by!
Still waiting.

Do you have your credit card standing by and are just on hold?

Our operators are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Please stay on the line! You are currently number

32,767

in the queue. We appreciate your business!

Your call is important to us.

And it may be monitored for quality-control purposes.  Also, please listen carefully as our menu options have changed.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jmacswimmer on February 09, 2024, 11:29:17 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 09, 2024, 11:22:55 AM
Quote from: kkt on February 09, 2024, 10:37:50 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 10:17:21 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 09, 2024, 09:53:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 09, 2024, 09:16:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 08, 2024, 12:35:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:31:55 PM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of making excuses for self-serving pieces of shit.

As soon as you agree to take a job that doesn't pay you anything at all.

I will as soon as everyone else does.

Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
Maybe you should for once explain exactly how the hell this could ever work instead of just incessantly bitching about one of the most basic concepts of human history . . .

Sure. You'll have to pay my essay rate of $500/hour though.
I'll decline. The fact that you think this is a "gotcha" is hilarious.

The fact that you think I'm taking this conversation seriously is more hilarious.
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

Get that credit card ready, operators are standing by!
Still waiting.

Do you have your credit card standing by and are just on hold?

Our operators are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Please stay on the line! You are currently number

32,767

in the queue. We appreciate your business!

Your call is important to us.

And it may be monitored for quality-control purposes.  Also, please listen carefully as our menu options have changed.

If you'd like to receive a call back during normal business hours, please press 1 at any time. Otherwise, please remain on the line and a representative will be with you as soon as possible!
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on February 09, 2024, 12:55:25 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 09, 2024, 12:34:40 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 08, 2024, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 08, 2024, 11:23:17 AM
Maybe we should move on from the concept of things and services requiring compensation.
...
...
...
...
So you're just refusing to explain your point.

If you really want an explanation (to the extent that there is one), you'll have to find and respond to an instance when it was being said seriously.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:14:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 09:28:51 PM
-Individuals would act as they do now.

Got it.

Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 09:28:51 PM
-Recycling centers would no longer send materials that can't be immediately used due to lack of cleaning, etc. to landfills.  Instead they would do what is needed to ensure that everything that can be made suitable for recycling, is.

Got it.

Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 09:28:51 PM
-Companies that make products would be required to use recycled materials first, not virgin material, even if virgin material is cheaper.

This is where you lose me still.  What does "first" mean?  They're only allowed to use virgin plastic if the entire world runs out of recycled plastic?

(Note that I've only ever been talking about plastic in this entire discussion.)  (And thank you for bearing with me and explaining your idea.  I appreciate it.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 09, 2024, 11:09:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:14:43 PM
This is where you lose me still.  What does "first" mean?  They're only allowed to use virgin plastic if the entire world runs out of recycled plastic?
I'll admit that I don't have a detailed action plan on this.  Presumably some sort of government oversight would be required.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 10, 2024, 09:56:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 09, 2024, 11:09:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:14:43 PM
This is where you lose me still.  What does "first" mean?  They're only allowed to use virgin plastic if the entire world runs out of recycled plastic?
I'll admit that I don't have a detailed action plan on this.  Presumably some sort of government oversight would be required.

Why?  If there's a market, let it sort itself out.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 10, 2024, 05:19:05 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 10, 2024, 09:56:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 09, 2024, 11:09:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:14:43 PM
This is where you lose me still.  What does "first" mean?  They're only allowed to use virgin plastic if the entire world runs out of recycled plastic?
I'll admit that I don't have a detailed action plan on this.  Presumably some sort of government oversight would be required.

Why?  If there's a market, let it sort itself out.
And how would the market do that?  This is the type of thing that requires some form of coordinated tracking of stuff that is put in recycle bins and how much is used, to verify that it's actually being done.  If left to the market, I could easily see businesses saying "there's no processed material to buy, therefore we're using virgin material like we do already" and recycling centers saying "there's nobody to take this stuff, so we're just sending it to the landfill like we do today, and also we're going bankrupt because the new cleaning mandates put us out of business without anyone buying anything" and nothing would meaningfully improve (and would in fact get worse) because of an exploited loophole.

Basically the entire premise of my line of thought is that, while the free market can be great at some things, it is absolutely atrocious at others, recycling among them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 10, 2024, 11:28:13 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 10, 2024, 09:56:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 09, 2024, 11:09:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:14:43 PM
This is where you lose me still.  What does "first" mean?  They're only allowed to use virgin plastic if the entire world runs out of recycled plastic?
I'll admit that I don't have a detailed action plan on this.  Presumably some sort of government oversight would be required.

Why?  If there's a market, let it sort itself out.

I'm assuming that you feel the same way about highways, yeah? No more public roads and the private sector will obviously fulfill needs for the masses?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on February 11, 2024, 10:54:32 AM
Super Bowl ads...

1) people always show off their phones in unnatural ways, as if they're the Statue of Liberty

2) families always have their heads buried in their phones

3) at least one ad will be too long and you'll honestly forget what they were selling

4) white guys are not hip to the latest of anything

5) bumping into famous people just sort of happens

6) at least one beer ad will be memorable, usually with an inverse proportion to its actual desirability

7) will probably make fun of AI at least twice
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheCatalyst31 on February 11, 2024, 06:27:37 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 11, 2024, 10:54:32 AM
7) will probably make fun of AI at least twice
It's still the pregame show, and I just saw two straight ads making fun of AI, so congrats on calling that one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 7/8 on February 12, 2024, 12:56:05 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 10, 2024, 11:28:13 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 10, 2024, 09:56:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 09, 2024, 11:09:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:14:43 PM
This is where you lose me still.  What does "first" mean?  They're only allowed to use virgin plastic if the entire world runs out of recycled plastic?
I'll admit that I don't have a detailed action plan on this.  Presumably some sort of government oversight would be required.

Why?  If there's a market, let it sort itself out.

I'm assuming that you feel the same way about highways, yeah? No more public roads and the private sector will obviously fulfill needs for the masses?

Our country needs a private-sidewalk voucher system, but, thanks to the incestuous interplay between our corrupt federal government and the public-sidewalk lobby, it will never happen. (https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/l-p-d-libertarian-police-department)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 02:53:08 AM
Less than 24 hours after arriving in Las Vegas I saw a hobo try and fistfight a pickup truck. While it was moving.

The title "entertainment capital of the world" seems to be an understatement.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on February 14, 2024, 05:25:29 PM
Do prople actually order checks with custom backgrounds anymore? I write so few checks that a book can easily last for two years, and I tend to order the cheapest checks that my financial institution offers. Out of curiosity, I looked around at some customer back grounds, and some Star Trek checks caught my eye.... only for the cost of a pack (100 checks) to cause me sticker shock. What's the point?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 14, 2024, 05:35:16 PM
I'm still on checkbooks which have my address from the home I owned in Scottsdale until 2010.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 14, 2024, 11:35:55 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 14, 2024, 05:25:29 PM
Do prople actually order checks with custom backgrounds anymore? I write so few checks that a book can easily last for two years, and I tend to order the cheapest checks that my financial institution offers. Out of curiosity, I looked around at some customer back grounds, and some Star Trek checks caught my eye.... only for the cost of a pack (100 checks) to cause me sticker shock. What's the point?

Star Trek checks will be more expensive than most.  I got National Parks.  That order should last me several years and considering how long they last it's not that much.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 07:06:57 AM
People still order checks?  I haven't done so in years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 15, 2024, 07:31:24 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

You're not wrong.

I don't fundamentally 'object' to the whole recycling thing. It's just a pain in the rear.

Once every 3 months or so, Mom has me load up all the recyclables. She's, I'm guessing bored, so she actually washes the plastic containers. It's 24 miles to the recycling dropoff point, because they don't pick them up where I live. I figure I probably break about even, since at some polnt I've hauled all this stuff UP the hill, and I try to make sure I have more than one 'thing' to do when I go to town.

I'll meet everyone sorta halfway, for my own things. I recycle aluminum, since I drink a lot of canned soda. I sort my cardboard stuff and recycle that. Even the plastic bottles, that Mom has said just bring inside and she'll wash them. I get paid for the aluminum, and it's usually enough for lunch or something while I'm out.

It's not that stuff isn't biodegradable. It's just that it doesn't biodegrade, in a time frame convenient for us. If you're throwing stuff in the landfill, you're really just putting stuff back where you got it. And landfills don't have to be the world-ending things we think they are. Think Mount Trashmore in VA Beach. How cool is skating on top of 20 years of used diapers?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 12:27:54 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 07:06:57 AM
People still order checks?  I haven't done so in years.

I think I've done it twice in the last 15 years. And the only reason I had to do it the second time is because I couldn't find the ones I ordered the first time. (Later found them in a closet.)

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 15, 2024, 07:31:24 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

You're not wrong.

I don't fundamentally 'object' to the whole recycling thing. It's just a pain in the rear.

Once every 3 months or so, Mom has me load up all the recyclables. She's, I'm guessing bored, so she actually washes the plastic containers. It's 24 miles to the recycling dropoff point, because they don't pick them up where I live. I figure I probably break about even, since at some polnt I've hauled all this stuff UP the hill, and I try to make sure I have more than one 'thing' to do when I go to town.

I'll meet everyone sorta halfway, for my own things. I recycle aluminum, since I drink a lot of canned soda. I sort my cardboard stuff and recycle that. Even the plastic bottles, that Mom has said just bring inside and she'll wash them. I get paid for the aluminum, and it's usually enough for lunch or something while I'm out.

It's not that stuff isn't biodegradable. It's just that it doesn't biodegrade, in a time frame convenient for us. If you're throwing stuff in the landfill, you're really just putting stuff back where you got it. And landfills don't have to be the world-ending things we think they are. Think Mount Trashmore in VA Beach. How cool is skating on top of 20 years of used diapers?

My main annoyance with recycling here is that it's not every week same as the trash; it's only every other week. So I always have to remember if it's the right week or not. Obviously, if I can't remember, I just put both out and then bring it back full if it's not the right week.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 12:44:42 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 07:06:57 AM
People still order checks?  I haven't done so in years.

The most recent time we ordered checks, we used Walmartchecks.com. It was considerably cheaper than ordering them through the bank and they were both fast and reliable.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 15, 2024, 12:47:40 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 12:27:54 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 07:06:57 AM
People still order checks?  I haven't done so in years.

I think I've done it twice in the last 15 years. And the only reason I had to do it the second time is because I couldn't find the ones I ordered the first time. (Later found them in a closet.)

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 15, 2024, 07:31:24 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 07, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
The fundamental problem with America is that nobody wants to do the right thing if the right thing isn't profitable.

You're not wrong.

I don't fundamentally 'object' to the whole recycling thing. It's just a pain in the rear.

Once every 3 months or so, Mom has me load up all the recyclables. She's, I'm guessing bored, so she actually washes the plastic containers. It's 24 miles to the recycling dropoff point, because they don't pick them up where I live. I figure I probably break about even, since at some polnt I've hauled all this stuff UP the hill, and I try to make sure I have more than one 'thing' to do when I go to town.

I'll meet everyone sorta halfway, for my own things. I recycle aluminum, since I drink a lot of canned soda. I sort my cardboard stuff and recycle that. Even the plastic bottles, that Mom has said just bring inside and she'll wash them. I get paid for the aluminum, and it's usually enough for lunch or something while I'm out.

It's not that stuff isn't biodegradable. It's just that it doesn't biodegrade, in a time frame convenient for us. If you're throwing stuff in the landfill, you're really just putting stuff back where you got it. And landfills don't have to be the world-ending things we think they are. Think Mount Trashmore in VA Beach. How cool is skating on top of 20 years of used diapers?

My main annoyance with recycling here is that it's not every week same as the trash; it's only every other week. So I always have to remember if it's the right week or not. Obviously, if I can't remember, I just put both out and then bring it back full if it's not the right week.

Our city's solid waste department sends out a calendar once a year with all the recycling weeks shown.  Also which holidays they observe by making all the pickups a day later that week.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 01:08:02 PM
Recycling service costs extra, so it's a non-starter for me.  Besides which, I'm not even in charge of my own trash service:  the landlords are.

For what it's worth, most of Wichita's recyclables end up at a plant in Hutchinson, and the plant manager of that facility has said that the requirement to clean items before tossing is out of date.

Quote from: Wichita Beacon — 26-JUN-2023
"We do not require any of that prep work to be done," Shaw said. "The mills are OK with it in an uncleaned condition."
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 01:09:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 01:08:02 PM
Recycling service costs extra, so it's a non-starter for me.  Besides which, I'm not even in charge of my own trash service:  the landlords are.
[/quote

My brother-in-law gave me this line too. For me, it's an extra $4 a month.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 10:47:35 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 12:44:42 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 07:06:57 AM
People still order checks?  I haven't done so in years.

The most recent time we ordered checks, we used Walmartchecks.com. It was considerably cheaper than ordering them through the bank and they were both fast and reliable.
That's all fine and dandy, but I don't have to order checks at all.  I've had an ample, hardly ever used supply for a decade now.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on February 16, 2024, 09:22:09 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 10:47:35 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 12:44:42 PMThe most recent time we ordered checks, we used Walmartchecks.com. It was considerably cheaper than ordering them through the bank and they were both fast and reliable.
That's all fine and dandy, but I don't have to order checks at all.  I've had an ample, hardly ever used supply for a decade now.

Which goes back to some of my original questions:
Thanks, I'll stick with the cheapest and most basic (and boring) checks my financial institution offers. At the rate I write checks, they will last me a few years.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 16, 2024, 09:31:10 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 10:47:35 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 12:44:42 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 15, 2024, 07:06:57 AM
People still order checks?  I haven't done so in years.

The most recent time we ordered checks, we used Walmartchecks.com. It was considerably cheaper than ordering them through the bank and they were both fast and reliable.
That's all fine and dandy, but I don't have to order checks at all.  I've had an ample, hardly ever used supply for a decade now.

I suppose I should have responded to ZLoth's comment about ordering the cheapest checks the bank offers, rather than to your comment, because my comment was mainly focused on how Walmartchecks.com was cheaper than the bank. (A lot of people don't know you don't have to order checks through your own bank.) Walmartchecks.com didn't charge extra for some of the basic designs (lighthouses, national parks) compared to plain old blank checks, so in that respect it didn't make much difference.

Regarding ours, I don't know when it was that we ordered them. Not within the last couple of years, anyway. I do know we ordered checks in 2017 because my wife's bank account got hacked just after Memorial Day that year—we believe, but cannot prove, that someone at a car dealership did it, as over Memorial Day weekend that year she had used a personal check to make the down payment on a car purchase, and her account got cleaned out three days later. (She got the money back and the bank closed the account and gave her a new account number, which is why we had to order new checks.) Lesson there—use a cashier's check for the down payment if they won't take a credit card for the amount you want to put down.

My wife does write more checks than I do, though, because she uses checks to donate money to various charities and to stick in birthday and Christmas cards for our relatives' kids in Florida. I typically write one check a month to move money between banks because writing a check and doing a mobile deposit is, for whatever reason, faster than doing an electronic transfer between banks.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 16, 2024, 09:39:13 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 16, 2024, 09:22:09 AM
Which goes back to some of my original questions:

  • Does anyone really look at these custom check background even if has a Route 66 Background (https://www.walmartchecks.com/p/route-66-checks/4411)?

If you're reimbursing someone here, they may be impressed with the check, then irritated they need to cash the check.  And of those people, a good percentage will probably do it right in front of you on their phone, then hand the check back to you or tear it up.

If you're mailing the check for a credit card payment or similar, more than likely it goes thru an automated system and a person never sees the check.

Quote
Thanks, I'll stick with the cheapest and most basic (and boring) checks my financial institution offers. At the rate I write checks, they will last me a few years.

My checks still have the old bank name on them from 20 years ago, but since the ABA is still valid, no reason to update them.

My wife has a business so we do write checks for that, albeit minimal.  Occasionally I'll get new checks from an online discounted check printing business.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 7/8 on February 16, 2024, 09:55:30 AM
I've never written or purchased my own cheques. The last time I remember holding a cheque was probably before 2010, bringing one of my parent's cheques to school (for a field trip or something).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on February 16, 2024, 10:05:46 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 16, 2024, 09:55:30 AM
I've never written or purchased my own cheques. The last time I remember holding a cheque was probably before 2010, bringing one of my parent's cheques to school (for a field trip or something).

I have never had my own checks for personal use either, although I see them quite regularly in the mail and for business purposes. The US is well behind most of the rest of the world in terms of business to business payments still being made by check.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 16, 2024, 10:36:27 AM
It's still a little bizarre to me that scribbling some ink on a paper is how we define if something is legally binding.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 16, 2024, 12:45:40 PM
The argument about graphic/plain checks seems very similar to the argument about graphic/plain license plates.




Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 16, 2024, 10:36:27 AM
It's still a little bizarre to me that scribbling some ink on a paper is how we define if something is legally binding.

Isn't that basically what contracts are?  You know, the way things have been considered legally binding for centuries?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 16, 2024, 12:50:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 16, 2024, 12:45:40 PM
The argument about graphic/plain checks seems very similar to the argument about graphic/plain license plates.




Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 16, 2024, 10:36:27 AM
It's still a little bizarre to me that scribbling some ink on a paper is how we define if something is legally binding.

Isn't that basically what contracts are?  You know, the way things have been considered legally binding for centuries?
The MIRC numbering also matters...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 16, 2024, 01:25:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 16, 2024, 12:50:09 PM
MIRC

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/51/MIRC_Screenshot.png?20200820071653)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 16, 2024, 02:43:23 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 16, 2024, 01:25:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 16, 2024, 12:50:09 PM
MIRC

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/51/MIRC_Screenshot.png?20200820071653)
Whups.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 17, 2024, 03:26:19 PM
Brainstorming session at Ford headquarters, circa 2016:

"Anyone remember OJ Simpson?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on February 17, 2024, 06:18:18 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
Which one?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on February 17, 2024, 07:18:55 PM
Quote from: GaryV on February 17, 2024, 06:18:18 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
Which one?


Any of them
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on February 17, 2024, 10:53:09 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".

Agreed for Rochester, NY. There's not really a w sound at all, and it sometimes gets blended even further to more like "Rach-ster" with a short a sound.

I have some friends from Maryland that once tried to pronounce it "Row-chester" and I found that hilarious. You won't hear anything even close to an o sound locally.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 17, 2024, 11:11:05 PM
Rauster.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 18, 2024, 07:37:08 AM
Quote from: webny99 on February 17, 2024, 10:53:09 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".

Agreed for Rochester, NY. There's not really a w sound at all, and it sometimes gets blended even further to more like "Rach-ster" with a short a sound.

I have some friends from Maryland that once tried to pronounce it "Row-chester" and I found that hilarious. You won't hear anything even close to an o sound locally.
And given how often I had to clarify further where I was from one time I was in Maine, I think Rochester, NH might be pronounced the same way.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 18, 2024, 11:01:47 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 16, 2024, 10:36:27 AM
It's still a little bizarre to me that scribbling some ink on a paper is how we define if something is legally binding.

Technically, things don't usually need to be written down at all to be legally binding. Parol (spoken) contracts and so on.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on February 18, 2024, 12:20:41 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 18, 2024, 11:01:47 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 16, 2024, 10:36:27 AM
It's still a little bizarre to me that scribbling some ink on a paper is how we define if something is legally binding.

Technically, things don't usually need to be written down at all to be legally binding. Parol (spoken) contracts and so on.
Judge Judy yelling arguments come to mind.  Get it in writing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on February 18, 2024, 12:44:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".
Also how I remember hearing it pronounced for the character on "The Jack Benny Program" (which I only saw in reruns).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 7/8 on February 18, 2024, 12:54:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 17, 2024, 10:53:09 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".

Agreed for Rochester, NY. There's not really a w sound at all, and it sometimes gets blended even further to more like "Rach-ster" with a short a sound.

I have some friends from Maryland that once tried to pronounce it "Row-chester" and I found that hilarious. You won't hear anything even close to an o sound locally.

This discussion gets more confusing when you consider the cot-caught merger. For those with the merger, including myself and possibly TheHighwayMan394, "rah" and "raw" are the same sound. But to those without the merger, they are different sounds.

So for me, "RAW-chester" is the same as "RAH-chester" (both pronounced like the latter).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on February 18, 2024, 12:58:08 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 07:18:55 PM
Quote from: GaryV on February 17, 2024, 06:18:18 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
Which one?


Any of them

One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes the same city name may be pronounced differently in different states - some examples include Newark (NEW-urk in NJ, new-ARK in DE) and Lancaster (LANC-a-ster in PA, LAN-cas-ter in many other states).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: tmoore952 on February 18, 2024, 01:02:07 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on February 18, 2024, 12:58:08 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 07:18:55 PM
Quote from: GaryV on February 17, 2024, 06:18:18 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
Which one?


Any of them

One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes the same city name may be pronounced differently in different states - some examples include Newark (NEW-urk in NJ, new-ARK in DE) and Lancaster (LANC-a-ster in PA, LAN-cas-ter in many other states).
I happen to know people from both Newark, OH and Newark, NY -- both of them say NEW-urk (NJ pronunciation).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 18, 2024, 01:50:57 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 18, 2024, 12:54:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 17, 2024, 10:53:09 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".

Agreed for Rochester, NY. There's not really a w sound at all, and it sometimes gets blended even further to more like "Rach-ster" with a short a sound.

I have some friends from Maryland that once tried to pronounce it "Row-chester" and I found that hilarious. You won't hear anything even close to an o sound locally.

This discussion gets more confusing when you consider the cot-caught merger. For those with the merger, including myself and possibly TheHighwayMan394, "rah" and "raw" are the same sound. But to those without the merger, they are different sounds.

So for me, "RAW-chester" is the same as "RAH-chester" (both pronounced like the latter).

Heh. My mother's late mother (she lived in Brooklyn, if it's relevant) insisted that I was mispronouncing the name of the capital of North Carolina by pronouncing it like "rah-lee" instead of like "RAW-lee." My response pointing out that I lived about 20 minutes outside Raleigh and that I knew very well how to pronounce it didn't seem to carry any weight whatsoever with her. So she plainly heard different sounds but was adamant that the wrong one was correct. (And yes, I plainly hear the difference. "Cot" doesn't sound at all like "caught," either.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:07:15 PM
How do you make cot not sound like caught? Are you saying the latter as "Kuh-ow-ut" or something?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 18, 2024, 03:38:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:07:15 PM
How do you make cot not sound like caught? Are you saying the latter as "Kuh-ow-ut" or something?

The vowel in "cot" sounds sort of like an "ah" sound. The vowel in "caught" sounds like an "awe" sound, like "ought." ("Ought," as in the word connoting an obligation, sounds the same as the numeric term "aught.")




On a totally unrelated note, three cheers to you for dealing with a certain forum issue.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 04:11:33 PM
I may have pushed the button, but the real thanks go to the guy who told me to go ahead with it. ;)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on February 18, 2024, 05:36:29 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 18, 2024, 12:54:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 17, 2024, 10:53:09 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".

Agreed for Rochester, NY. There's not really a w sound at all, and it sometimes gets blended even further to more like "Rach-ster" with a short a sound.

I have some friends from Maryland that once tried to pronounce it "Row-chester" and I found that hilarious. You won't hear anything even close to an o sound locally.

This discussion gets more confusing when you consider the cot-caught merger. For those with the merger, including myself and possibly TheHighwayMan394, "rah" and "raw" are the same sound. But to those without the merger, they are different sounds.

So for me, "RAW-chester" is the same as "RAH-chester" (both pronounced like the latter).

To me, the sounds are similar, but there is a slight difference. Rah sounds a bit more nasally and has a slightly longer a sound.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 18, 2024, 08:30:12 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:07:15 PM
How do you make cot not sound like caught? Are you saying the latter as "Kuh-ow-ut" or something?

Inland North (Michiganese):

Cat: "cyat"
Cot: "caht"
Caught: "cawt"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 18, 2024, 08:32:01 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 18, 2024, 08:30:12 PM
Cat: "cyat"

To me, "cyat" is two syllables and has a soft c.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: vdeane on February 18, 2024, 08:37:54 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 18, 2024, 01:50:57 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 18, 2024, 12:54:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 17, 2024, 10:53:09 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2024, 09:12:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 17, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Is Rochester pronounced "Raw Chester" or "Rawch Ester"?
More like "Rah Chester".

Agreed for Rochester, NY. There's not really a w sound at all, and it sometimes gets blended even further to more like "Rach-ster" with a short a sound.

I have some friends from Maryland that once tried to pronounce it "Row-chester" and I found that hilarious. You won't hear anything even close to an o sound locally.

This discussion gets more confusing when you consider the cot-caught merger. For those with the merger, including myself and possibly TheHighwayMan394, "rah" and "raw" are the same sound. But to those without the merger, they are different sounds.

So for me, "RAW-chester" is the same as "RAH-chester" (both pronounced like the latter).

Heh. My mother's late mother (she lived in Brooklyn, if it's relevant) insisted that I was mispronouncing the name of the capital of North Carolina by pronouncing it like "rah-lee" instead of like "RAW-lee." My response pointing out that I lived about 20 minutes outside Raleigh and that I knew very well how to pronounce it didn't seem to carry any weight whatsoever with her. So she plainly heard different sounds but was adamant that the wrong one was correct. (And yes, I plainly hear the difference. "Cot" doesn't sound at all like "caught," either.)
Interesting, I always thought it was rah-lay (rhymes with sleigh).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Brandon on February 18, 2024, 08:39:00 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 18, 2024, 08:32:01 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 18, 2024, 08:30:12 PM
Cat: "cyat"

To me, "cyat" is two syllables and has a soft c.

Sorry, "kyat" as one syllable might make more sense.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on February 18, 2024, 08:50:24 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 18, 2024, 08:32:01 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 18, 2024, 08:30:12 PM
Cat: "cyat"

To me, "cyat" is two syllables and has a soft c.

"Cyat" looks, at first glance, so much like "cyan" that I read it similarly.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 7/8 on February 18, 2024, 11:58:16 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 18, 2024, 08:30:12 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:07:15 PM
How do you make cot not sound like caught? Are you saying the latter as "Kuh-ow-ut" or something?

Inland North (Michiganese):

Cat: "cyat"
Cot: "caht"
Caught: "cawt"

These types of explanations won't work for someone who has the merger. :-D

Listen to the audio samples at the start of this Wikipedia article. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cot%E2%80%93caught_merger) Though keep in mind the non-merged example is from the Inland North dialect, so it's more fronted than other American accents (their "cot" sounds almost like "cat" in my dialect, Northern Cities Vowel Shift is a whole nother topic to read about! :thumbsup:)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 19, 2024, 06:14:35 AM
I pronounce them the same but can definitely hear them differently (and can say them differently if I intentionally try to).
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: J N Winkler on February 19, 2024, 01:25:27 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 18, 2024, 11:58:16 PMListen to the audio samples at the start of this Wikipedia article. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cot%E2%80%93caught_merger) Though keep in mind the non-merged example is from the Inland North dialect, so it's more fronted than other American accents (their "cot" sounds almost like "cat" in my dialect, Northern Cities Vowel Shift is a whole nother topic to read about! :thumbsup:)

Western American English (the basis for the "network TV accent") also merges cot and caught, though to a different phoneme from most other English accents.  But I think the most interesting part of the article is the discussion of spatial and generational complexities in how the merger is distributed.  Labov's finding (from telephone interviews in the 1990's) that people in Kansas tended not to merge if they were then over age 40 calls to mind dim memories of grown-ups correcting kids for mispronouncing those two words.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 03:02:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:07:15 PM
How do you make cot not sound like caught? Are you saying the latter as "Kuh-ow-ut" or something?

To you, does Lawton rhyme with cotton?

To you, is there a difference between these:
do - re - mi - fa - sol - la - ti - do
do - re - mi - fa - sol - law - ti - do

To you, is there a difference between Awwwwwww! (that's so cute) and Ahhhhhhh! (now I get it)?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on February 19, 2024, 03:49:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 03:02:34 PM
To you, is there a difference between Awwwwwww! (that's so cute) and Ahhhhhhh! (now I get it)?

I barely have to open my mouth or move my lips at all to say Awwwwwww!, but unironically open my mouth a lot wider to say Ahhhhhhh!  :-D
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on February 19, 2024, 11:08:57 PM
I was behind a van in traffic today with the Maryland license plate "8675309".  I wonder if Jenny was driving.

Kicking myself for not having my phone with me so I could take a picture.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 20, 2024, 04:38:42 PM
Boarding at North Station in Boston.

If you do so on the first floor, you're getting on a train.
If you do so on the second floor (TD Garden), you're getting a 2-minute penalty.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 20, 2024, 06:59:23 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on February 19, 2024, 11:08:57 PM
I was behind a van in traffic today with the Maryland license plate "8675309".  I wonder if Jenny was driving.

Kicking myself for not having my phone with me so I could take a picture.

I often describe my Camry as being the 'S--tbox edition'. Going down US 85 Sunday near Brighton, saw a pickup, with those words on a sticker. And it was 100% s--tbox, too.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 22, 2024, 01:02:48 PM
Presently my wife and I are visiting family in Jalisco.  We just had Wifi installed at the house yesterday which cost 165 Pesos a year plus after a 600 Peso installation fee. 

Usually I like to browse census income statistics when I'm down here.  The latest median income figure reported online has the average Jalisco citizen pulling in about 5,900 Pesos during Q4 of 2022 (or roughly 70,800 annually).

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1384921/average-monthly-wages-jalisco-mexico/

Using the exchange rate yesterday for US Dollars of $16.10 this comes to a median monthly income of about $366.50 USD a month and annual median income of about $4,398 USD. 

During one week on this trip we have spent about 3,000 Pesos (about $186.36 USD).  This figure includes paying for internet (as noted above) and 500 Pesos for a ride from the airport.  What I tend to notice is the price of food tends to be far lower than in the United States.  For example this morning we purchased 15 tacos for breakfast which cost 80 Pesos (about $5 USD).  My Father in law spent 1,000 Pesos on having a water pump repaired (he didn't comment on the parts price) on the family Suburban.  I'm to understand that was a fairly typical price to pay for having a vehicle being repaired over the course of a full day. 

Interestingly I've noticed all the real bottom basement new cars have been pulled from the Mexican market.  The cheapest Chevy I can find is the newest Aveo which stars at 292,000 Pesos (about $18,136 USD).  I guess when the median income is 5,940 Pesos it is no wonder new vehicles are rare and 30-50 year old vehicles are common sight.  It just plain is cheaper to keep a car running or not drive at all if you don't have to.  The price of gas tends to run slightly higher than what I typically pay in California.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 01:21:21 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 22, 2024, 01:02:48 PM
My Father in law spent 1,000 Pesos on having a water pump repaired (he didn't comment on the parts price) on the family Suburban.

Parts are generally a little more expensive in Mexico.  Our friend buys parts when he drives stateside, rather than buying them local.  (I've only ever bought one car part while in Mexico.)

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 22, 2024, 01:02:48 PM
... it is no wonder new vehicles are rare and 30-50 year old vehicles are common sight.  It just plain is cheaper to keep a car running or not drive at all if you don't have to.

Which is why, when you drive to Mexico, you have to temporarily import your vehicle and pay a deposit of a few hundred dollars.  It's to guarantee that you won't simply sell your slightly used vehicle while you're there, therewith cutting into the national auto manufacturing economy.  Used American cars are a hot commodity in Mexico, because they're in so much better shape than the equivalent Mexican-owned vehicle.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 22, 2024, 01:27:15 PM
All three family truck platform vehicles are from the states.  Presently there is a Suburban, F150 and Dodge Ram 1500 sitting in the corral.  The Suburban probably is in the best shape of three and is a 1998 model.  I'm to understand what happens is once a vehicle is used up state side one of the family members will bring it down here.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 01:30:23 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 22, 2024, 01:27:15 PM
All three family truck platform vehicles are from the states.  Presently there is a Suburban, F150 and Dodge Ram 1500 sitting in the corral.  The Suburban probably is in the best shape of three and is a 1998 model.  I'm to understand what happens is once a vehicle is used up state side one of the family members will bring it down here.

If it has legit state-issued license plates, then that relative went through the process of permanently importing it into Mexico, which involves a customs broker at the border and a couple of thousand dollars.

If it has phony cardboard-looking license plates, then it's a chocolate, and it's in Mexico illegally.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 22, 2024, 01:35:11 PM
The plates are definitely the real deal.  My wife corrected me on the Ram, apparently that belonged to her Grandfather and was purchased in Jalisco.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: bm7 on February 23, 2024, 11:27:52 PM
When I first saw the thread titled "First Wikipedia article for a highway", I thought it was going to be about what highway first had a Wikipedia article created about it. Now I'm curious what the answer to that would be...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on February 23, 2024, 11:53:27 PM
My guess would be U.S. Route 66, which was started on September 2, 2002, a year and a half after the site was created. This is the first revision (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=U.S._Route_66&oldid=191427), a good chunk of which was just a bullet point list of the towns mentioned in the song "Route 66". Ironically, they appear to have forgotten Winona.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on February 24, 2024, 12:03:22 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2024, 11:53:27 PM
My guess would be U.S. Route 66, which was started on September 2, 2002, a year and a half after the site was created. This is the first revision (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=U.S._Route_66&oldid=191427), a good chunk of which was just a bullet point list of the towns mentioned in the song "Route 66". Ironically, they appear to have forgotten Winona.

Oh, that"s just embarassing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: bm7 on February 24, 2024, 12:14:15 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2024, 11:53:27 PM
My guess would be U.S. Route 66, which was started on September 2, 2002, a year and a half after the site was created. This is the first revision (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=U.S._Route_66&oldid=191427), a good chunk of which was just a bullet point list of the towns mentioned in the song "Route 66". Ironically, they appear to have forgotten Winona.
Looking at that user's contributions led me to find that there was an article for the PCH just named Highway 1 (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Highway_1&oldid=13662) created all the way back on February 18th of that year.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: hotdogPi on February 25, 2024, 08:22:36 AM
How did it take me so long to realize that the "Advise on Travel on I-5 from California to Vancouver BC in late December-January" thread was about advice and not an advisory (e.g. road closed, detour)?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:20:18 PM
Well, this didn't happen.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on June 20, 2023, 10:16:30 AM
Next year there is again a Leap Day (Feb 29), which is on Thursday. I just came up with an idea: I feared leap day when I was younger (until 7-8 years ago), so I would propose that Leap Day would bring US and other places close to a standstill: there would be no sporting events, public transport would not run, taxis would not be available, shops would be closed and if it is on Sunday (next 2032) then there would be no church services. Everyone would hide in their homes.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2024, 04:26:01 PM
He ever explain why he was afraid of Leap Days?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:38:15 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2024, 04:26:01 PM
He ever explain why he was afraid of Leap Days?

Not that I recall.  Nor why he thinks something should change now based on a fear he stopped having years ago.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on March 01, 2024, 05:07:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:38:15 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2024, 04:26:01 PM
He ever explain why he was afraid of Leap Days?

Not that I recall.  Nor why he thinks something should change now based on a fear he stopped having years ago.

Hey, we all have our fears.  As a young child I feared the flying monkeys in "The Wizard Of Oz".
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: dlsterner on March 01, 2024, 05:10:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:20:18 PM
Well, this didn't happen.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on June 20, 2023, 10:16:30 AM
Next year there is again a Leap Day (Feb 29), which is on Thursday. I just came up with an idea: I feared leap day when I was younger (until 7-8 years ago), so I would propose that Leap Day would bring US and other places close to a standstill: there would be no sporting events, public transport would not run, taxis would not be available, shops would be closed and if it is on Sunday (next 2032) then there would be no church services. Everyone would hide in their homes.

In other words, the same thing as the dire predictions for January 1, 2000.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2024, 05:26:01 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 01, 2024, 05:10:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:20:18 PM
Well, this didn't happen.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on June 20, 2023, 10:16:30 AM
Next year there is again a Leap Day (Feb 29), which is on Thursday. I just came up with an idea: I feared leap day when I was younger (until 7-8 years ago), so I would propose that Leap Day would bring US and other places close to a standstill: there would be no sporting events, public transport would not run, taxis would not be available, shops would be closed and if it is on Sunday (next 2032) then there would be no church services. Everyone would hide in their homes.

In other words, the same thing as the dire predictions for January 1, 2000.

I always felt as though the Flying Monkeys were probably sufficient enough of a military force that the Wicked Witch didn't those green Oreo soldier guys (I know now that isn't what they chanting in formation).  The Oreo guys even actively just stand there and don't do anything to aid killing the party at the end to retrieve the Ruby Slippers.  My understanding was that it was just Wicked Witch that couldn't harm Dorthy but her minions could. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 06:18:01 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 01, 2024, 05:07:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:38:15 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2024, 04:26:01 PM
He ever explain why he was afraid of Leap Days?

Not that I recall.  Nor why he thinks something should change now based on a fear he stopped having years ago.

Hey, we all have our fears.  As a young child I feared the flying monkeys in "The Wizard Of Oz".

But that was years ago.  Same with the Finn's fear of Leap Day.  Years ago.  Why advocate changing something now based on an unusual fear you no longer even have?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2024, 06:21:45 PM
Unlike P13's fear of Leap Day I think that the prospect of continued flying monkey attacks might be something viewed as a consensus negative.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on March 01, 2024, 06:45:19 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 01, 2024, 05:10:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:20:18 PM
Well, this didn't happen.

Quote from: Poiponen13 on June 20, 2023, 10:16:30 AM
Next year there is again a Leap Day (Feb 29), which is on Thursday. I just came up with an idea: I feared leap day when I was younger (until 7-8 years ago), so I would propose that Leap Day would bring US and other places close to a standstill: there would be no sporting events, public transport would not run, taxis would not be available, shops would be closed and if it is on Sunday (next 2032) then there would be no church services. Everyone would hide in their homes.

In other words, the same thing as the dire predictions for January 1, 2000.
That disaster was averted by the work of a whole lot of programmers working overtime to make sure it was, my mother having been one of them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: GaryV on March 02, 2024, 06:45:53 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 01, 2024, 05:07:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:38:15 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 01, 2024, 04:26:01 PM
He ever explain why he was afraid of Leap Days?

Not that I recall.  Nor why he thinks something should change now based on a fear he stopped having years ago.

Hey, we all have our fears.  As a young child I feared the flying monkeys in "The Wizard Of Oz".
Some never got that far - the wicked neighbor turning into the wicked witch in the tornado did it for them.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 04:36:02 PM
A lot of people hate Mondays.

What I hate, though, are Friday afternoons when I've run out of things to work on.  Clock-out time is an eternity away.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on March 08, 2024, 06:32:45 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 04:36:02 PM
A lot of people hate Mondays.

What I hate, though, are Friday afternoons when I've run out of things to work on.  Clock-out time is an eternity away.

I never seemed to have that problem.  It was more of a "what is the most urgent to get done before the week ends?"
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 07:54:48 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 08, 2024, 06:32:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 04:36:02 PM
A lot of people hate Mondays.

What I hate, though, are Friday afternoons when I've run out of things to work on.  Clock-out time is an eternity away.

I never seemed to have that problem.  It was more of a "what is the most urgent to get done before the week ends?"

But there's a good chance that, by the afternoon, anything I still have left to start on won't get done by the week-end.  And I don't generally want to start something I can't finish.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kkt on March 08, 2024, 08:31:57 PM
Depends on the job - many of the things I did could be left in the middle as long as I left a note about where I was.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2024, 09:07:01 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 08, 2024, 06:32:45 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 04:36:02 PM
A lot of people hate Mondays.

What I hate, though, are Friday afternoons when I've run out of things to work on.  Clock-out time is an eternity away.

I never seemed to have that problem.  It was more of a "what is the most urgent to get done before the week ends?"

I usually just cash in any time overages I had during the week and leave early.  But that also is the benefit of being on salary.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 10, 2024, 10:13:49 PM
Why is it "New Zealand" and not "New Zed-land"?
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on March 10, 2024, 10:18:52 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 10, 2024, 10:13:49 PM
Why is it "New Zealand" and not "New Zed-land"?
The Dutch discovered it before Cook did.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 11, 2024, 12:12:28 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 10, 2024, 10:18:52 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 10, 2024, 10:13:49 PM
Why is it "New Zealand" and not "New Zed-land"?
The Dutch discovered it before Cook did.

I wasn't looking for the serious answer.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Rothman on March 11, 2024, 12:19:09 PM


Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 11, 2024, 12:12:28 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 10, 2024, 10:18:52 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 10, 2024, 10:13:49 PM
Why is it "New Zealand" and not "New Zed-land"?
The Dutch discovered it before Cook did.

I wasn't looking for the serious answer.

Don't ask questions you're not going to like the answer to.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:21:23 PM
Yeah, if you're not looking for the serious answer, then you need to ask the question in a less-nerdy environment than this one.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: formulanone on March 12, 2024, 07:07:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:21:23 PM
Yeah, if you're not looking for the serious answer, then you need to ask the question in a less-nerdy environment than this one.
USE FUN AT OWN RISK

This is probably the closest thing to a non-serious thread on this forum, less any ridiculous proposals deemed Fictional.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 12, 2024, 08:26:38 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 12, 2024, 07:07:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:21:23 PM
Yeah, if you're not looking for the serious answer, then you need to ask the question in a less-nerdy environment than this one.
USE FUN AT OWN RISK

This is probably the closest thing to a non-serious thread on this forum, less any ridiculous proposals deemed Fictional.

April Fool's Day is in three weeks. Be careful what you put out into the universe...
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: webny99 on March 13, 2024, 09:04:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:21:23 PM
Yeah, if you're not looking for the serious answer, then you need to ask the question in a less-nerdy environment than this one.

To be fair, the same also applies if you ARE looking for a serious answer. Best to expect neither and be pleased when you get both.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AM
Imagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 16, 2024, 07:59:56 AM
Your phone would need to run off some alternative source of energy such as gasoline.  Even the era of hand cranked cars there was EV alternatives.  It would be one held a bizarre proposition to have even remotely modern technology without some sort of primitive battery coming into existence.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2024, 12:44:11 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AM
Imagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

You'd have to start up a car like a lawnmower also.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on March 16, 2024, 02:56:37 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AMImagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

You can forget about having any sort of portable devices. For the longest time, the only form of rechargable battery was the lead acid battery in your car, Nickle-Cadnium batteries for portable electronics, and Nickle-Iron batteries. 1990 saw the introduction of the Nickle-Metal Hydride battery, and 1999 the introduction of Lithion-Ion polymers... both superior technologies over NiCd batteries.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2024, 05:02:40 PM
(https://virginia.sportswar.com/uploads/2024/3/279059281923.jpg)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 16, 2024, 02:56:37 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AMImagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

You can forget about having any sort of portable devices. For the longest time, the only form of rechargable battery was the lead acid battery in your car, Nickle-Cadnium batteries for portable electronics, and Nickle-Iron batteries. 1990 saw the introduction of the Nickle-Metal Hydride battery, and 1999 the introduction of Lithion-Ion polymers... both superior technologies over NiCd batteries.

The thought of having to drop a half-dozen AA batteries in your phone every now and then is sort of amusing.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 16, 2024, 05:44:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 16, 2024, 02:56:37 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AMImagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

You can forget about having any sort of portable devices. For the longest time, the only form of rechargable battery was the lead acid battery in your car, Nickle-Cadnium batteries for portable electronics, and Nickle-Iron batteries. 1990 saw the introduction of the Nickle-Metal Hydride battery, and 1999 the introduction of Lithion-Ion polymers... both superior technologies over NiCd batteries.

The thought of having to drop a half-dozen AA batteries in your phone every now and then is sort of amusing.

Better if it were Ds.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 16, 2024, 05:52:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 16, 2024, 02:56:37 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AMImagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

You can forget about having any sort of portable devices. For the longest time, the only form of rechargable battery was the lead acid battery in your car, Nickle-Cadnium batteries for portable electronics, and Nickle-Iron batteries. 1990 saw the introduction of the Nickle-Metal Hydride battery, and 1999 the introduction of Lithion-Ion polymers... both superior technologies over NiCd batteries.

The thought of having to drop a half-dozen AA batteries in your phone every now and then is sort of amusing.

Not without precedent if you look at how early portable game consoles were used.  I thought AA battery life was manageable with the original Game Boy.  The Game Gear's AA battery life span and appetite (six as opposed to four with the Game Boy) was about where I was going to draw the line.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Big John on March 16, 2024, 06:07:12 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 16, 2024, 05:44:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 05:43:11 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 16, 2024, 02:56:37 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AMImagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

You can forget about having any sort of portable devices. For the longest time, the only form of rechargable battery was the lead acid battery in your car, Nickle-Cadnium batteries for portable electronics, and Nickle-Iron batteries. 1990 saw the introduction of the Nickle-Metal Hydride battery, and 1999 the introduction of Lithion-Ion polymers... both superior technologies over NiCd batteries.

The thought of having to drop a half-dozen AA batteries in your phone every now and then is sort of amusing.

Better if it were Ds.
I prefer lantern batteries.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on March 16, 2024, 09:33:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 05:43:11 PMThe thought of having to drop a half-dozen AA batteries in your phone every now and then is sort of amusing.

No joke... in the mid-1990s, the Motorola flip phone used NiCd battery pack, but you could also purchase a Motorola battery adapter that took six AA batteries. My mother often used that pack rather than waiting for the phone to charge which took a long time.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2024, 02:00:20 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AM
Imagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 16, 2024, 07:59:56 AM
Your phone would need to run off some alternative source of energy such as gasoline.  Even the era of hand cranked cars there was EV alternatives.  It would be one held a bizarre proposition to have even remotely modern technology without some sort of primitive battery coming into existence.

Landline phones don't have batteries, do they?

And can't you plug a cell phone into a laptop computer, which in turn could be plugged into the wall outlet?




Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 05:43:11 PM
The thought of having to drop a half-dozen AA batteries in your phone every now and then is sort of amusing.

I once had a handheld CB radio that required 28 batteries.  I can't remember now if it took AA or AAA.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 18, 2024, 02:06:02 PM
You could, but what would be the point then of having anything beyond the landline phone?  Taking a cell phone and having to plug into outlets or daisy chained devices everywhere you go pretty much kills all the practicality it has over landlines. 
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: 1995hoo on March 18, 2024, 02:12:23 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2024, 02:00:20 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 16, 2024, 12:21:48 AM
Imagine if we had all of today's technology -- except batteries. You'd have to start up your iPhone like a lawnmower.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 16, 2024, 07:59:56 AM
Your phone would need to run off some alternative source of energy such as gasoline.  Even the era of hand cranked cars there was EV alternatives.  It would be one held a bizarre proposition to have even remotely modern technology without some sort of primitive battery coming into existence.

Landline phones don't have batteries, do they?

....

Cordless phones do in the part you pick up and hold to your ear (sometimes called the "handset").
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2024, 02:46:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2024, 02:00:20 PM
And can't you plug a cell phone into a laptop computer, which in turn could be plugged into the wall outlet?

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 18, 2024, 02:06:02 PM
You could, but what would be the point then of having anything beyond the landline phone?  Taking a cell phone and having to plug into outlets or daisy chained devices everywhere you go pretty much kills all the practicality it has over landlines. 

The main point of them, yes.  That is to say, the reason they exist to begin with.

But a cell phone you have to keep plugged into the wall isn't a useless device.  For example, ...

At work, if the internet goes out, the field supervisor uses his cell phone as a hotspot, then piggy-backs his desktop computer to it and continues doing his job as usual.  This could be done with a cell phone completely dedicated to such use, without ever needing to be unplugged or even be used as a telephone.

At home, my wife keeps an old cell phone that may as well not have a battery, because it can't keep a charge at all.  We've left it with our son before, plugged into the wall, so he could use Facebook messenger to communicate with us while we were out.  Not only did it stay plugged into the wall, but it wasn't even part of any mobile plan at all anymore.  It got its signal via Wi-Fi from our router, which is hard-lined to our modem, which is hard-lined into the wall.

(For what it's worth, not all cell phone models will work if the battery is removed, even if it's plugged into the wall.  It just depends on the model.)
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: ZLoth on March 19, 2024, 06:56:40 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2024, 02:00:20 PMLandline phones don't have batteries, do they?

The power for the landline originates at the central office through the twisted pair. That power should be coming from public utility, but can also originate by generator if the utility power goes offline, and by battery (for several minutes) if the power goes out and the generator comes online.
Title: Re: Random Thoughts
Post by: Dirt Roads on March 19, 2024, 07:45:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2024, 02:00:20 PMLandline phones don't have batteries, do they?

Quote from: ZLoth on March 19, 2024, 06:56:40 PMThe power for the landline originates at the central office through the twisted pair. That power should be coming from public utility, but can also originate by generator if the utility power goes offline, and by battery (for several minutes) if the power goes out and the generator comes online.

Indeed, and the ringer voltage is 110VDC.  Once-upon-a-time, railroads used Code Lines, an old-fashioned data technology that incorporated the same 110VDC circuitry in a relay-driven "stepper" technique using long and short pulses similar to Morse Code.  In the days before we had adjustable-voltage inverters, the battery backup for 110VDC required 55 lead acid batteries, or worse 91 NiCd batteries.  The plastic NiCd batteries took up less space than those monstrous PbSO4 glass blocks, but they did require more time to check/refill the battery levels.  And that only gave us about 12 hours of battery backup for the code line, certainly way more backup time than Ma Bell got out of the same arrangement in a telephonics control room.  (For the record, we railroaders also had our own proprietary telephone network that used the same kind of backup, but I worked on a district where Railway Signals and Telecomm were managed separately, so I never actually got to see their battery backups).